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.
Grimes is the better choice if you prioritize new construction value with lower property taxes. Watch out for: longer commute than other top suburbs.
| Factor | Clive | Grimes |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $330,000 | $350,000 |
| Population | ~18,000 | ~16,000 |
| County | Polk/Dallas | Polk/Dallas |
| School district | WDM CSD + Waukee CSD (split) | Dallas Center-Grimes CSD |
| Commute to downtown | 15 min to downtown | 20-25 min to downtown |
| Vibe | quiet, residential, trails | new construction, small-town feel, fast-growing |
| Amenities | Clive Greenbelt Trail, Clive Aquatic Center | Kennybrook Village CCRC, new retail corridor |
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).
Grimes sits in Polk/Dallas County with a population of about ~16,000. The vibe is new construction, small-town feel, fast-growing, with amenities including Kennybrook Village CCRC, new retail corridor. Median home prices run around $350,000 with a 20-25 min to downtown.
Schools in Grimes: Dallas Center-Grimes CSD.
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