Is Waukee or Grimes better?

Waukee is stronger on brand-new construction and amenities, while Grimes is stronger on new construction value with lower property taxes. The right choice depends on your commute, budget, school district preference, and lifestyle priorities.

Which is cheaper, Waukee or Grimes?

Waukee has a median home price of $375,000, while Grimes is at $350,000. Prices vary significantly within each suburb based on neighborhood, age, and condition.

What school districts serve Waukee and Grimes?

Waukee is served by Waukee CSD (top 5 in Iowa). Grimes is served by Dallas Center-Grimes CSD. Always verify the specific school assignment by address before buying — some suburbs have boundaries that split neighborhoods.

Des Moines Suburb Comparison

Waukee vs Grimes

● Market data updated 2026-05-01 · Des Moines Metro, Iowa · Updated monthly

Side-by-side comparison of two top Des Moines metro suburbs — prices, schools, commute, amenities, and lifestyle.

Quick Answer

Waukee is the better choice if you prioritize brand-new construction and amenities. Watch out for: highest median price among the top suburbs.

Grimes is the better choice if you prioritize new construction value with lower property taxes. Watch out for: longer commute than other top suburbs.

Side-by-Side

Factor	Waukee	Grimes
Median home price	$375,000	$350,000
Population	~26,000	~16,000
County	Dallas	Polk/Dallas
School district	Waukee CSD (top 5 in Iowa)	Dallas Center-Grimes CSD
Commute to downtown	18-25 min to downtown	20-25 min to downtown
Vibe	new construction, master-planned, fast-growing	new construction, small-town feel, fast-growing
Amenities	Costco, new Hy-Vee, Kettlestone, Prairie Crossing	Kennybrook Village CCRC, new retail corridor

About Waukee

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).

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About Grimes

Grimes sits in Polk/Dallas County with a population of about ~16,000. The vibe is new construction, small-town feel, fast-growing, with amenities including Kennybrook Village CCRC, new retail corridor. Median home prices run around $350,000 with a 20-25 min to downtown.

Schools in Grimes: Dallas Center-Grimes CSD.

Explore Grimes homes and neighborhoods →

Which One Is Right for You?

Choose Waukee if: you want brand-new construction and amenities, and you can live with highest median price among the top suburbs.
Choose Grimes if: you want new construction value with lower property taxes, and you can live with longer commute than other top suburbs.
Still undecided: tour both suburbs on a single weekend, drive the commute at rush hour, and eat at the neighborhood restaurants before deciding.

Related Resources

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