Welcome to Clive
Modern homes meet convenient West Des Moines location — explore all Des Moines metro neighborhoods
The Perfect Balance
Clive offers the best of both worlds: the convenience and amenities of West Des Moines combined with a distinct community identity and competitive home prices. Located along the I-35/I-80 corridor, Clive is home to major corporate employers while maintaining well-planned residential neighborhoods. Use our neighborhood comparison tool to see how Clive stacks up against other suburbs.
What sets Clive apart is its intentional development. Unlike sprawling suburbs, Clive has preserved green spaces, created interconnected neighborhoods, and maintained the popular Greenbelt Trail system that winds through the entire community.
Clive attracts young professionals working at nearby corporate campuses, families seeking top-rated West Des Moines schools (learn how to choose the right Des Moines neighborhood for your family), and empty-nesters who want modern, low-maintenance homes near everything. Whether you're looking for homes for sale in Clive or townhomes in the Des Moines suburbs, Clive delivers exceptional value.
Quick Facts
- County: Dallas & Polk
- ZIP Code: 50325
- School District: West Des Moines CSD
- Founded: 1956
- Median Income: $88,000
- Crime Rate: Very low
- Commute: 10-15 min to WDM/DSM
- Character: Modern, Professional
💼 The Corporate Corridor Advantage
Clive sits at the heart of the Des Moines metro's corporate corridor. Major employers have established headquarters and regional offices here, creating thousands of high-paying jobs within minutes of Clive neighborhoods. This means shorter commutes, better work-life balance, and a professional community atmosphere. Compare commute times with our side-by-side neighborhood comparison.
Why Companies Choose Clive: Interstate access (I-35/I-80), proximity to Des Moines International Airport (15 minutes), educated workforce, modern infrastructure, and business-friendly policies.
Home Mortgage
Insurance
Agriscience
Corporate
System
Regional
For Homebuyers: Living in Clive means 5-10 minute commutes instead of 30+ minutes from outer suburbs like Waukee or Norwalk. More time with family, less time in traffic. Many Clive residents walk or bike to work on the Greenbelt Trail!
Clive Lifestyle & Amenities
Modern convenience meets outdoor recreation
Shopping & Dining
Clive's location means easy access to everything:
- Jordan Creek Town Center (10 min)
- West Des Moines retail corridor
- Hy-Vee, Target, Walmart nearby
- Corporate campus restaurants
- Valley Junction (historic district)
- 100+ dining options within 10 min
Greenbelt Trail System
Clive's signature outdoor feature:
- 16+ miles of paved trails
- Connects neighborhoods to parks
- Bike to work opportunities
- Dog-friendly walking paths
- Access to regional trail network
- Well-maintained year-round
Parks & Recreation
25+ parks and recreation facilities:
- Campbell Recreation Area (151 acres!)
- Clive Aquatic Center
- Multiple playgrounds
- Sports fields and courts
- Disc golf course
- Winter ice skating
Community Events
Active community calendar:
- Movies in the Park (summer)
- Clive Fest (annual celebration)
- Farmers Market (seasonal)
- Holiday events
- Youth sports leagues
- Adult recreation programs
Top-Rated West Des Moines Schools
Clive is served by the highly-rated West Des Moines Community School District
Academic Excellence
Looking for Des Moines neighborhoods with top schools? West Des Moines CSD consistently ranks among Iowa's best:
- High graduation rates (95%+)
- Advanced Placement programs
- Strong STEM curriculum
- Award-winning fine arts
- Extensive extracurriculars
Athletics & Activities
- Valley Tigers (state championships)
- Competitive all sports
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Strong music & theater programs
- Robotics and academic teams
- 100+ clubs and organizations
Clive Real Estate Market
December 2025 — Stable market with consistent appreciation. View detailed Des Moines real estate market reports.
💡 Sarah's Market Insights
Clive offers excellent value compared to neighboring West Des Moines while providing the same school district and amenities. The corporate corridor location drives consistent demand — professionals working at nearby companies prioritize short commutes. Newer construction (post-2000) dominates, meaning lower maintenance concerns and better energy efficiency. Homes near the Greenbelt Trail or Campbell Recreation Area command premiums of 5-10%. Townhomes and patio homes attract empty-nesters downsizing from larger WDM properties. Investors target Clive for stable appreciation and strong rental demand from corporate employees on temporary assignments. Compare home prices across Des Moines suburbs to see how Clive fits your budget.
⚠️ Insurance Considerations for Clive Homes
As a property insurance expert with 10+ years of experience, I help buyers identify potential insurability issues BEFORE making an offer. Here's what to know about Clive:
✅ Generally Favorable
Clive homes are mostly newer construction (post-1990s), meaning modern electrical, plumbing, roofing, and HVAC systems. Insurance carriers love this — lower risk means better rates.
🌪️ Iowa Storm Risk
Like all of Iowa, Clive experiences severe weather. Hail damage is the primary concern. Check roof age carefully — carriers may require replacement if 15+ years old.
💧 Minimal Flood Risk
Clive is generally not in flood zones. Most neighborhoods are elevated. Flood insurance rarely required, though basement backups can occur during heavy rains.
🏠 Townhome Considerations
Many Clive townhomes have HOA master policies. Verify what the HOA covers vs. what you need to insure. Loss assessment coverage is important.
💰 Competitive Rates
Newer homes = lower insurance costs. Expect $1,000-$1,500/year for typical Clive single-family home. Townhomes may be $600-$900/year since HOA covers exterior.
✅ Sarah's Pre-Purchase Review
Before making an offer, I'll review the property for insurance red flags. For Clive, I specifically check: roof age/condition, HOA master policy details, and basement drainage systems.
Clive Homes for Sale
Current listings and opportunities in Clive
🏠 Find Your Clive Home
Browse current Clive listings or search all Des Moines homes for sale. Contact Sarah to set up custom alerts when new Clive properties hit the market.
Search Clive Homes📚 Explore More Resources
Planning tools and guides from Smart Move Des Moines
Ready to Move to Clive?
Let Sarah help you find the perfect home in this modern, convenient community. Browse all Des Moines listings or schedule a consultation to discuss your needs.
Sarah Ingles
Your Clive real estate expert. I help buyers navigate the corporate corridor market and use my property insurance background to identify potential issues before they become problems. Whether you're a professional seeking a short commute, a family wanting top schools, or an empty-nester ready to downsize, I can help.
Thinking About Clive?
Get a free, personalized market report for Clive — including current listings, recent sales, and what your home could sell for. No obligation.
Sarah Ingles, SRES® CPCU | (563) 513-8771
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clive
Common questions from home buyers considering Clive.