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.
Indianola is the better choice if you prioritize most affordable town-center feel in the metro area. Watch out for: longest commute of the top suburbs.
| Factor | Grimes | Indianola |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $350,000 | $270,000 |
| Population | ~16,000 | ~16,000 |
| County | Polk/Dallas | Warren |
| School district | Dallas Center-Grimes CSD | Indianola CSD |
| Commute to downtown | 20-25 min to downtown | 25-30 min to downtown |
| Vibe | new construction, small-town feel, fast-growing | small-town charm, Simpson College, balloons |
| Amenities | Kennybrook Village CCRC, new retail corridor | Simpson College, National Balloon Classic |
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.
Indianola sits in Warren County with a population of about ~16,000. The vibe is small-town charm, Simpson College, balloons, with amenities including Simpson College, National Balloon Classic. Median home prices run around $270,000 with a 25-30 min to downtown.
Schools in Indianola: Indianola CSD.
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