Side-by-side comparison of two top Des Moines metro suburbs — prices, schools, commute, amenities, and lifestyle.
Johnston is the better choice if you prioritize top-3 school district in Iowa. Watch out for: less new construction than Waukee or Grimes.
Grimes is the better choice if you prioritize new construction value with lower property taxes. Watch out for: longer commute than other top suburbs.
| Factor | Johnston | Grimes |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $340,000 | $350,000 |
| Population | ~24,000 | ~16,000 |
| County | Polk | Polk/Dallas |
| School district | Johnston CSD (top 3 in Iowa) | Dallas Center-Grimes CSD |
| Commute to downtown | 15-20 min to downtown | 20-25 min to downtown |
| Vibe | established, top schools, mature trees | new construction, small-town feel, fast-growing |
| Amenities | Terra Park, Johnston Trail | Kennybrook Village CCRC, new retail corridor |
Johnston sits in Polk County with a population of about ~24,000. The vibe is established, top schools, mature trees, with amenities including Terra Park, Johnston Trail. Median home prices run around $340,000 with a 15-20 min to downtown.
Schools in Johnston: Johnston CSD (top 3 in Iowa).
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.
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