Side-by-side comparison of two top Des Moines metro suburbs — prices, schools, commute, amenities, and lifestyle.
Norwalk is the better choice if you prioritize cheapest strong-school-district suburb in the metro. Watch out for: smaller retail and dining scene.
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 | Norwalk | Indianola |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $290,000 | $270,000 |
| Population | ~14,000 | ~16,000 |
| County | Warren | Warren |
| School district | Norwalk CSD (strong) | Indianola CSD |
| Commute to downtown | 15-20 min to downtown | 25-30 min to downtown |
| Vibe | affordable family value, small-town feel | small-town charm, Simpson College, balloons |
| Amenities | parks and trails, neighborhood retail | Simpson College, National Balloon Classic |
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).
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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