The suburbs, compared
If you're relocating to the Des Moines metro with kids — or upsizing within the metro — the suburb you pick matters more than the house. Schools, commute, safety, parks, and sense of community all vary significantly across the metro. Here is my ranking of the best Des Moines suburbs for families in 2026, based on what families with school-aged kids actually pick.
1. Waukee — Best for Fast Growth and New Construction
- Median home: ~$375,000
- School district: Waukee Community School District (one of the top 5 in Iowa)
- Commute to downtown: 15-25 minutes
- What stands out: New construction, brand-new schools, Kettlestone master-planned community, parks and trails, Hy-Vee, Costco
Waukee is one of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa, with the Waukee Community School District and the most new construction of the major suburbs. Downside: home prices are the highest of the major Des Moines suburbs.
2. Ankeny — Best for Value and Amenities
- Median home: ~$315,000
- School district: Ankeny Community School District (top 5 in Iowa)
- Commute to downtown: 15-20 minutes
- What stands out: Schools, Prairie Ridge aquatic center, Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library, newer construction with ranch and main-floor primary options
Ankeny has the combination of school district, amenities, and value that families ask me about most. It's my most-recommended suburb for families looking to maximize house for the price.
3. Johnston — Best for Established Neighborhoods
- Median home: ~$340,000
- School district: Johnston Community School District (consistently top 3 in Iowa)
- Commute to downtown: 15-20 minutes
- What stands out: Terra Park, Johnston Trail, community events, established neighborhoods with mature trees, Green Meadows and Windsor Ridge
Johnston suits buyers who want schools and established neighborhoods rather than brand-new construction. Great resale.
4. West Des Moines — Best for Amenities and Prestige
- Median home: ~$350,000
- School districts: West Des Moines Community Schools and Waukee CSD (split by neighborhood)
- Commute to downtown: 15 minutes
- What stands out: Jordan Creek Town Center, Valley Junction, Raccoon River Park, Iowa Cubs, some of the best restaurants in the state
West Des Moines has the broadest appeal and the strongest amenities. Make sure you're buying into the school district you think you are — the boundary between WDM CSD and Waukee CSD runs through the city.
5. Urbandale — Best for Central Location and Value
- Median home: ~$285,000
- School district: Urbandale Community School District (strong)
- Commute to downtown: 10-15 minutes
- What stands out: Walnut Creek Regional Park, Living History Farms, lower prices than west-side neighbors, central geographic position
Urbandale is the geographic sweet spot of the metro and gives families 10-15% more house for the money than Waukee or WDM.
6. Clive — Best for Walkable and Quiet
- Median home: ~$330,000
- School districts: West Des Moines CSD and Waukee CSD (split)
- Commute to downtown: 15 minutes
- What stands out: Greenbelt Trail, quiet streets, Clive Aquatic Center, well-maintained parks
Clive is the quietest of the close-in suburbs and has some of the best trails in the metro.
7. Grimes — Best for New Construction Value
- Median home: ~$350,000
- School district: Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District
- Commute to downtown: 20-25 minutes
- What stands out: Fast-growing, new construction, lower property taxes than Polk County suburbs
Grimes is where many families go when they want new construction but can't stretch to Waukee pricing.
8. Norwalk — Best for Affordability
- Median home: ~$290,000
- School district: Norwalk Community School District
- Commute to downtown: 15-20 minutes
- What stands out: Lowest prices among the metro's most-asked-about districts, small-town feel, parks and trails
Norwalk is the sleeper pick for families prioritizing affordability without sacrificing school quality.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best school district in the Des Moines metro?
A: Waukee, Ankeny, and Johnston are the three districts families ask about most; compare any of them on the Iowa School Performance Profiles rather than on a ranking.
Q: Which Des Moines suburb has the best balance of schools and affordability?
A: Ankeny has the strongest balance — top-5 schools combined with median prices ~15% below Waukee and West Des Moines.
Q: Where should I live in Des Moines with young kids?
A: That choice is yours; I give you facts to compare rather than a ranking. Waukee, Ankeny, and Johnston each have their own school district and newer parks, and Waukee has the most new construction. School assignment goes by address, so confirm it with the district for any home you're considering.
Q: What is the best Des Moines suburb for teens?
A: Waukee and Johnston top the list for teens thanks to their strong extracurriculars, new high school facilities, and active youth sports programs.
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