Side-by-side comparison of two top Des Moines metro suburbs — prices, schools, commute, amenities, and lifestyle.
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.
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 | Clive | Altoona |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $500,000 | $340,000 |
| Population | ~18,000 | ~20,000 |
| County | Polk/Dallas | Polk |
| School district | WDM CSD + Waukee CSD (split) | Southeast Polk CSD |
| Commute to downtown | 15 min to downtown | 15 min to downtown |
| Vibe | quiet, residential, trails | east-metro affordability, growing with Meta/Facebook |
| Amenities | Clive Greenbelt Trail, Clive Aquatic Center | Prairie Meadows, Adventureland, Outlets |
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 $500,000 with a 15 min to downtown.
Schools in Clive: WDM CSD + Waukee CSD (split).
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 $340,000 with a 15 min to downtown.
Schools in Altoona: Southeast Polk CSD.
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