Best Des Moines Suburbs for Families (2026)

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 my clients with school-aged kids actually pick.

1. Waukee — Best for Fast Growth and Top Schools

Median home: ~$375,000
School district: Waukee Community School District (one of the top 5 in Iowa)
Commute to downtown: 15-25 minutes
Why families love it: New construction, brand-new schools, Kettlestone master-planned community, parks and trails, Hy-Vee, Costco

Waukee is the fastest-growing city in Iowa and the top pick for families with young kids. 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
Why families love it: Top schools, Prairie Ridge aquatic center, Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library, newer construction with ranch and main-floor primary options

Ankeny has the best combination of top schools, amenities, and value in the metro. It's my most-recommended suburb for families looking to maximize house for the price.

3. Johnston — Best for Established Neighborhoods + Top Schools

Median home: ~$340,000
School district: Johnston Community School District (consistently top 3 in Iowa)
Commute to downtown: 15-20 minutes
Why families love it: Terra Park, Johnston Trail, community events, established neighborhoods with mature trees, Green Meadows and Windsor Ridge

Johnston attracts families who want top 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
Why families love it: 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
Why families love it: 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
Why families love it: 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
Why families love it: 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 Affordable Family Living

Median home: ~$290,000
School district: Norwalk Community School District
Commute to downtown: 15-20 minutes
Why families love it: Lowest prices among top-rated school districts in the metro, small-town feel, parks and trails

Norwalk is the sleeper pick for families prioritizing affordability without sacrificing school quality.

Side-by-Side Comparison

| Suburb | Median | Schools | Commute | Vibe | |---|---|---|---|---| | Waukee | $375K | Top 5 | 15-25 min | New construction, amenity-rich | | Ankeny | $315K | Top 5 | 15-20 min | Value + amenities | | Johnston | $340K | Top 3 | 15-20 min | Established + top schools | | WDM | $350K | Strong | 15 min | Amenities + prestige | | Urbandale | $285K | Strong | 10-15 min | Central + value | | Clive | $330K | Strong | 15 min | Walkable + quiet | | Grimes | $350K | Strong | 20-25 min | New construction value | | Norwalk | $290K | Strong | 15-20 min | Affordable family value |

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best school district in the Des Moines metro? A: Waukee, Ankeny, and Johnston consistently rank as the top 3 school districts in the Des Moines metro, with all three placing in the top 10 statewide in most years.

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: Waukee, Ankeny, or Johnston. All three have top schools, newer parks, and active family communities.

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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