Side-by-side comparison of two top Des Moines metro suburbs — prices, schools, commute, amenities, and lifestyle.
Urbandale is the better choice if you prioritize geographic sweet spot of the metro. Watch out for: schools strong but not top-5 like Waukee/Ankeny/Johnston.
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 | Urbandale | Altoona |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $285,000 | $290,000 |
| Population | ~45,000 | ~20,000 |
| County | Polk | Polk |
| School district | Urbandale CSD (strong) | Southeast Polk CSD |
| Commute to downtown | 10-15 min to downtown | 15 min to downtown |
| Vibe | central, value, established | east-metro affordability, growing with Meta/Facebook |
| Amenities | Walnut Creek Park, Living History Farms | Prairie Meadows, Adventureland, Outlets |
Urbandale sits in Polk County with a population of about ~45,000. The vibe is central, value, established, with amenities including Walnut Creek Park, Living History Farms. Median home prices run around $285,000 with a 10-15 min to downtown.
Schools in Urbandale: Urbandale CSD (strong).
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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