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📞 (563) 513-8771  |  ✉️ sarah@smartmovedsm.com

Trying to pick a neighborhood from far away, or for someone you love?
You do not have to know the metro to get a straight answer.

I'm Sarah Ingles, a Des Moines REALTOR®, and this is the work I focus on. Here is how the decision actually goes:

  1. Start with the three things that fix the map. Commute anchor, school or no school, one level or not.
  2. Then two neighborhoods, not ten. The pages below give the numbers for each.
  3. Then a listing, and the numbers on it in writing before you visit. What it would go for, an estimated monthly cost, and what an inspection will likely find.

The one thing to do this week is pick the commute anchor. Everything else follows from it.

Get my numbers in writing

Within 1 business day, in writing: the numbers on a listing, or a side-by-side of two neighborhoods with typical price, taxes, commute, and what the same money buys in each. No call needed.

Sarah Ingles, REALTOR®

Sarah Ingles, REALTOR®, SRES®, CPCU® · Smart Move Des Moines
(563) 513-8771 · 5.0★ across 40+ Google reviews

Get your numbers in writing.

Send a listing, or the two or three places you are weighing, and within 1 business day you'll have it in writing. For a listing: what it would likely go for against asking, an estimated monthly cost (mortgage at today's rate, taxes, insurance, utilities, upkeep), and what an inspection is likely to find on a house of that age. For two neighborhoods: typical price, taxes, commute to your anchor, and what the same money buys in each.

Goes straight to Sarah. Nothing to sign, and no one is added to a list without asking.

The neighborhoods, one page each

⚡ Quick Comparison: Top 5 Des Moines Suburbs

Rank Suburb Best For Median Price School Rating
1 West Des Moines Schools & Amenities $345,000 ★★★★★ A+
2 Ankeny New Construction $345,000 ★★★★★ A+
3 Waukee Luxury & Schools $390,000 ★★★★★ A+
4 Clive Convenience $500,000 ★★★★☆ A
5 Beaverdale Charm & Walkability $275,000 ★★★★☆ A-
*Prices are 12-month median sale prices through July 2026, from Central Iowa MLS data.

1. West Des Moines: Best for Schools & Amenities

The Vibe

West Des Moines is the gold standard for suburban living in Central Iowa. Think tree-lined streets, schools, and Jordan Creek Town Center for shopping and dining. Many owners buy here and stay for decades. The community feels established yet modern, with everything from Target runs to date nights just minutes away.

The Data

  • 💰 Median Home Price: $345,000
  • 🚗 Commute to Downtown: 15-20 minutes
  • 🎓 School District: West Des Moines Community Schools (A+ Rated)
View homes for sale in West Des Moines →

2. Ankeny: Best for New Construction & Space

The Vibe

Ankeny is Iowa's fastest-growing city — and for good reason. New subdivisions pop up constantly, offering modern floor plans and energy-efficient builds. The Prairie Trail district is a masterpiece of mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, and miles of walking trails. If you want a brand-new home with that "fresh start" feeling, Ankeny delivers.

The Data

  • 💰 Median Home Price: $345,000
  • 🚗 Commute to Downtown: 15-25 minutes
  • 🎓 School District: Ankeny Community Schools (A+ Rated)
View homes for sale in Ankeny →

3. Waukee: Best for Luxury Homes & New Construction

The Vibe

Waukee has transformed from a quiet farming town to one of Iowa's most desirable addresses. Waukee Community Schools serve the city, and the housing stock skews newer and larger. Triumph Park and the growing downtown district give it a "small town with big amenities" feel. A fit for buyers who want space and newer construction.

The Data

  • 💰 Median Home Price: $390,000
  • 🚗 Commute to Downtown: 20-30 minutes
  • 🎓 School District: Waukee Community Schools (A+ Rated)
View homes for sale in Waukee →

4. Clive: Best for Convenience & Central Location

The Vibe

Clive is the "Goldilocks" suburb — not too far, not too expensive, just right. Nestled between West Des Moines and Urbandale, it offers easy access to I-35 and I-80. The Greenbelt Trail runs right through it, and the mix of established neighborhoods and newer developments means options for every budget. It's practical luxury.

The Data

  • 💰 Median Home Price: $500,000
  • 🚗 Commute to Downtown: 12-18 minutes
  • 🎓 School District: Waukee/West Des Moines (A Rated)
View homes for sale in Clive →

5. Beaverdale: Best for Charm & Walkability

The Vibe

Beaverdale is Des Moines' hidden gem — a neighborhood technically within city limits but with small-town charm to spare. The iconic brick Tudor homes line the streets, local shops dot Beaver Avenue, and neighbors actually know each other. It's walkable, quirky, and fiercely loved by its residents. Perfect for those who want character over cookie-cutter.

The Data

  • 💰 Median Home Price: $275,000
  • 🚗 Commute to Downtown: 8-12 minutes
  • 🎓 School District: Des Moines Public Schools (A- Rated)
View homes for sale in Beaverdale →

More Des Moines Metro Neighborhoods

Explore additional communities across the metro

Adel Bondurant Drake Neighborhood East Village Indianola Ingersoll & North of Grand Polk City Sherman Hill South of Grand Valley Junction Waterbury Windsor Heights

When you're ready for more

● Market data updated · Des Moines Metro, Iowa · Updated monthly

Everything below is here for when you want it. None of it is homework this week.

Local expert insights on where to live, median home prices, school ratings, and neighborhood vibes — updated for 2026.

Get a written shortlist of 3 to 4 neighborhoods

Tell me who is moving (you, or a parent), what matters most (one level, schools, commute, budget), and when. Within 2 business days you get a written shortlist with the price band and the trade-off for each. No call required to get it.

Goes straight to Sarah. Nothing to sign.

Want the Des Moines numbers each month?

One email a month with what actually moved — median price by suburb, days on market, and what it means if you are thinking about a move in the next year or two. Written by Sarah, not a newsletter service.

Monthly, from Sarah personally. Unsubscribe anytime with one click. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Have a question? Ask it in writing.

Send the question and the address if there is one. You get a written answer within 1 business day, usually the same day. No call required.

Goes straight to Sarah — never a call center, never spam.

Prefer to talk? Book a free 30-minute call or call (563) 513-8771.

Senior Resources by Suburb

For families planning a senior downsizing or 55+ move in the Des Moines metro:

Senior Downsizing Services — All Suburbs Complete Senior Downsizing Guide Vacant Home Insurance Gap (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about Des Moines suburbs

What is the safest suburb in Des Moines?

I don't rank suburbs by safety, and Fair Housing guidance is the reason: safety rankings can steer people. What I can do is point you to the sources I would use myself. Each metro city's police department publishes its own crime statistics, and the FBI Crime Data Explorer covers every one of them, so you can compare any two areas on the same basis.

Which Des Moines suburb has the lowest property taxes?

Ankeny typically offers the lowest effective property tax rates among top-tier Des Moines suburbs, though rates vary by neighborhood. Clive and parts of West Des Moines also have competitive rates. Keep in mind that lower taxes sometimes mean different service levels. I always recommend calculating your total monthly cost (mortgage + taxes + insurance) rather than focusing on tax rate alone. Want me to run the numbers for a specific property? Reach out anytime.

Is Ankeny or West Des Moines better?

It depends on your priorities:

  • Choose Ankeny if: You want new construction, more home for your money, and don't mind a slightly longer commute to the western suburbs.
  • Choose West Des Moines if: You prioritize established neighborhoods, proximity to Jordan Creek shopping, and a more "finished" suburban feel.

Both have A+ rated schools and excellent amenities. The best choice comes down to lifestyle preferences and where you work. I help families make this exact decision — let's chat about what matters most to you.

What is the most affordable suburb in Des Moines?

Beaverdale offers the best value among desirable Des Moines neighborhoods, with a median price around $275,000. Indianola, Pleasant Hill, and Bondurant offer solid suburban options in the $305,000-$335,000 range. For buyers stretching their budget, these areas deliver schools and community without the premium of Clive, Johnston, or Des Moines.

What's the best suburb for retirees and downsizers?

Clive and West Des Moines are excellent choices for retirees and downsizers. Both offer:

  • Low-maintenance townhomes and ranch-style homes
  • Easy access to healthcare (MercyOne, UnityPoint nearby)
  • Walkable shopping and dining
  • Active 55+ communities

As an SRES® certified specialist, I help seniors navigate the unique challenges of selling a longtime home and finding the perfect next chapter. Learn more about my senior transition services. Whether you're navigating a probate property sale or exploring senior downsizing options in Des Moines, Sarah provides specialized guidance with her SRES® and CPCU® credentials.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Suburb?

I'm Sarah Ingles, a local REALTOR® who helps families find the right home in Central Iowa. Let's talk about what you're looking for. Selling first? Sell your house in Des Moines covers the costs, the timeline, and what you net.

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