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.
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 | Waukee | Norwalk |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $375,000 | $290,000 |
| Population | ~26,000 | ~14,000 |
| County | Dallas | Warren |
| School district | Waukee CSD (top 5 in Iowa) | Norwalk CSD (strong) |
| Commute to downtown | 18-25 min to downtown | 15-20 min to downtown |
| Vibe | new construction, master-planned, fast-growing | affordable family value, small-town feel |
| Amenities | Costco, new Hy-Vee, Kettlestone, Prairie Crossing | parks and trails, neighborhood retail |
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).
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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