Side-by-side comparison of two top Des Moines metro suburbs — prices, schools, commute, amenities, and lifestyle.
Ankeny is the better choice if you prioritize best balance of schools, amenities, and price. Watch out for: less brand-new construction than Waukee.
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.
| Factor | Ankeny | Altoona |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $315,000 | $290,000 |
| Population | ~68,000 | ~20,000 |
| County | Polk | Polk |
| School district | Ankeny CSD (top 5 in Iowa) | Southeast Polk CSD |
| Commute to downtown | 15-20 min to downtown | 15 min to downtown |
| Vibe | value + amenities + strong 55+ market | east-metro affordability, growing with Meta/Facebook |
| Amenities | Prairie Ridge, Uptown Ankeny, DMACC | Prairie Meadows, Adventureland, Outlets |
Ankeny sits in Polk County with a population of about ~68,000. The vibe is value + amenities + strong 55+ market, with amenities including Prairie Ridge, Uptown Ankeny, DMACC. Median home prices run around $315,000 with a 15-20 min to downtown.
Schools in Ankeny: Ankeny CSD (top 5 in Iowa).
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.
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