Side-by-side comparison of two top Des Moines metro suburbs — prices, schools, commute, amenities, and lifestyle.
Grimes is the better choice if you prioritize new construction value with lower property taxes. Watch out for: longer commute than other top suburbs.
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 | Grimes | Altoona |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $350,000 | $290,000 |
| Population | ~16,000 | ~20,000 |
| County | Polk/Dallas | Polk |
| School district | Dallas Center-Grimes CSD | Southeast Polk CSD |
| Commute to downtown | 20-25 min to downtown | 15 min to downtown |
| Vibe | new construction, small-town feel, fast-growing | east-metro affordability, growing with Meta/Facebook |
| Amenities | Kennybrook Village CCRC, new retail corridor | Prairie Meadows, Adventureland, Outlets |
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.
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 $290,000 with a 15 min to downtown.
Schools in Altoona: Southeast Polk CSD.
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