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.
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 | Urbandale | Norwalk |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $285,000 | $290,000 |
| Population | ~45,000 | ~14,000 |
| County | Polk | Warren |
| School district | Urbandale CSD (strong) | Norwalk CSD (strong) |
| Commute to downtown | 10-15 min to downtown | 15-20 min to downtown |
| Vibe | central, value, established | affordable family value, small-town feel |
| Amenities | Walnut Creek Park, Living History Farms | parks and trails, neighborhood retail |
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).
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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