Side-by-side comparison of two top Des Moines metro suburbs — prices, schools, commute, amenities, and lifestyle.
Waukee is the better choice if you prioritize brand-new construction and amenities. Watch out for: highest median price among the top suburbs.
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 | Waukee | Altoona |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $375,000 | $290,000 |
| Population | ~26,000 | ~20,000 |
| County | Dallas | Polk |
| School district | Waukee CSD (top 5 in Iowa) | Southeast Polk CSD |
| Commute to downtown | 18-25 min to downtown | 15 min to downtown |
| Vibe | new construction, master-planned, fast-growing | east-metro affordability, growing with Meta/Facebook |
| Amenities | Costco, new Hy-Vee, Kettlestone, Prairie Crossing | Prairie Meadows, Adventureland, Outlets |
Waukee sits in Dallas County with a population of about ~26,000. The vibe is new construction, master-planned, fast-growing, with amenities including Costco, new Hy-Vee, Kettlestone, Prairie Crossing. Median home prices run around $375,000 with a 18-25 min to downtown.
Schools in Waukee: Waukee CSD (top 5 in Iowa).
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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