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.
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.
| Factor | Waukee | Urbandale |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $375,000 | $285,000 |
| Population | ~26,000 | ~45,000 |
| County | Dallas | Polk |
| School district | Waukee CSD (top 5 in Iowa) | Urbandale CSD (strong) |
| Commute to downtown | 18-25 min to downtown | 10-15 min to downtown |
| Vibe | new construction, master-planned, fast-growing | central, value, established |
| Amenities | Costco, new Hy-Vee, Kettlestone, Prairie Crossing | Walnut Creek Park, Living History Farms |
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).
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).
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