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.
Clive is the better choice if you prioritize quiet streets and best trail system in the metro. Watch out for: fewer amenities than neighboring West Des Moines.
| Factor | Urbandale | Clive |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $365,000 | $500,000 |
| Population | ~45,000 | ~18,000 |
| County | Polk | Polk/Dallas |
| School district | Urbandale CSD (strong) | WDM CSD + Waukee CSD (split) |
| Commute to downtown | 10-15 min to downtown | 15 min to downtown |
| Vibe | central, value, established | quiet, residential, trails |
| Amenities | Walnut Creek Park, Living History Farms | Clive Greenbelt Trail, Clive Aquatic Center |
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 $365,000 with a 10-15 min to downtown.
Schools in Urbandale: Urbandale CSD (strong).
Clive sits in Polk/Dallas County with a population of about ~18,000. The vibe is quiet, residential, trails, with amenities including Clive Greenbelt Trail, Clive Aquatic Center. Median home prices run around $500,000 with a 15 min to downtown.
Schools in Clive: WDM CSD + Waukee CSD (split).
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