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.
West Des Moines is the better choice if you prioritize most amenities and best retirement infrastructure in the metro. Watch out for: school district boundary runs through the city.
| Factor | Waukee | West Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $375,000 | $350,000 |
| Population | ~26,000 | ~69,000 |
| County | Dallas | Polk/Dallas |
| School district | Waukee CSD (top 5 in Iowa) | WDM CSD + Waukee CSD (split — verify by address) |
| Commute to downtown | 18-25 min to downtown | 15 min to downtown |
| Vibe | new construction, master-planned, fast-growing | amenity-rich, broad housing variety, prestige |
| Amenities | Costco, new Hy-Vee, Kettlestone, Prairie Crossing | Jordan Creek, Valley Junction, Raccoon River Park |
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).
West Des Moines sits in Polk/Dallas County with a population of about ~69,000. The vibe is amenity-rich, broad housing variety, prestige, with amenities including Jordan Creek, Valley Junction, Raccoon River Park. Median home prices run around $350,000 with a 15 min to downtown.
Schools in West Des Moines: WDM CSD + Waukee CSD (split — verify by address).
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