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.
Clive is the better choice if you prioritize quiet streets and best trail system in the metro. Watch out for: fewer amenities than neighboring West Des Moines.
| Factor | Ankeny | Clive |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $315,000 | $330,000 |
| Population | ~68,000 | ~18,000 |
| County | Polk | Polk/Dallas |
| School district | Ankeny CSD (top 5 in Iowa) | WDM CSD + Waukee CSD (split) |
| Commute to downtown | 15-20 min to downtown | 15 min to downtown |
| Vibe | value + amenities + strong 55+ market | quiet, residential, trails |
| Amenities | Prairie Ridge, Uptown Ankeny, DMACC | Clive Greenbelt Trail, Clive Aquatic Center |
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).
Clive sits in Polk/Dallas County with a population of about ~18,000. The vibe is quiet, residential, trails, with amenities including Clive Greenbelt Trail, Clive Aquatic Center. Median home prices run around $330,000 with a 15 min to downtown.
Schools in Clive: WDM CSD + Waukee CSD (split).
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