Side-by-side comparison of two top Des Moines metro suburbs — prices, schools, commute, amenities, and lifestyle.
Altoona is the better choice if you prioritize east-side value with strong job growth. Watch out for: farther from Jordan Creek / west-metro amenities.
Indianola is the better choice if you prioritize most affordable town-center feel in the metro area. Watch out for: longest commute of the top suburbs.
| Factor | Altoona | Indianola |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $290,000 | $270,000 |
| Population | ~20,000 | ~16,000 |
| County | Polk | Warren |
| School district | Southeast Polk CSD | Indianola CSD |
| Commute to downtown | 15 min to downtown | 25-30 min to downtown |
| Vibe | east-metro affordability, growing with Meta/Facebook | small-town charm, Simpson College, balloons |
| Amenities | Prairie Meadows, Adventureland, Outlets | Simpson College, National Balloon Classic |
Altoona sits in Polk County with a population of about ~20,000. The vibe is east-metro affordability, growing with Meta/Facebook, with amenities including Prairie Meadows, Adventureland, Outlets. Median home prices run around $290,000 with a 15 min to downtown.
Schools in Altoona: Southeast Polk CSD.
Indianola sits in Warren County with a population of about ~16,000. The vibe is small-town charm, Simpson College, balloons, with amenities including Simpson College, National Balloon Classic. Median home prices run around $270,000 with a 25-30 min to downtown.
Schools in Indianola: Indianola CSD.
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