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.
Johnston is the better choice if you prioritize top-3 school district in Iowa. Watch out for: less new construction than Waukee or Grimes.
| Factor | Waukee | Johnston |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $375,000 | $340,000 |
| Population | ~26,000 | ~24,000 |
| County | Dallas | Polk |
| School district | Waukee CSD (top 5 in Iowa) | Johnston CSD (top 3 in Iowa) |
| Commute to downtown | 18-25 min to downtown | 15-20 min to downtown |
| Vibe | new construction, master-planned, fast-growing | established, top schools, mature trees |
| Amenities | Costco, new Hy-Vee, Kettlestone, Prairie Crossing | Terra Park, Johnston Trail |
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).
Johnston sits in Polk County with a population of about ~24,000. The vibe is established, top schools, mature trees, with amenities including Terra Park, Johnston Trail. Median home prices run around $340,000 with a 15-20 min to downtown.
Schools in Johnston: Johnston CSD (top 3 in Iowa).
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