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.
Norwalk is the better choice if you prioritize cheapest strong-school-district suburb in the metro. Watch out for: smaller retail and dining scene.
| Factor | Clive | Norwalk |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $330,000 | $290,000 |
| Population | ~18,000 | ~14,000 |
| County | Polk/Dallas | Warren |
| School district | WDM CSD + Waukee CSD (split) | Norwalk CSD (strong) |
| Commute to downtown | 15 min to downtown | 15-20 min to downtown |
| Vibe | quiet, residential, trails | affordable family value, small-town feel |
| Amenities | Clive Greenbelt Trail, Clive Aquatic Center | parks and trails, neighborhood retail |
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).
Norwalk sits in Warren County with a population of about ~14,000. The vibe is affordable family value, small-town feel, with amenities including parks and trails, neighborhood retail. Median home prices run around $290,000 with a 15-20 min to downtown.
Schools in Norwalk: Norwalk CSD (strong).
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