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.
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 | Grimes | Norwalk |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $350,000 | $290,000 |
| Population | ~16,000 | ~14,000 |
| County | Polk/Dallas | Warren |
| School district | Dallas Center-Grimes CSD | Norwalk CSD (strong) |
| Commute to downtown | 20-25 min to downtown | 15-20 min to downtown |
| Vibe | new construction, small-town feel, fast-growing | affordable family value, small-town feel |
| Amenities | Kennybrook Village CCRC, new retail corridor | parks and trails, neighborhood retail |
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.
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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