Side-by-side comparison of two top Des Moines metro suburbs — prices, schools, commute, amenities, and lifestyle.
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.
Indianola is the better choice if you prioritize most affordable town-center feel in the metro area. Watch out for: longest commute of the top suburbs.
| Factor | West Des Moines | Indianola |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $350,000 | $270,000 |
| Population | ~69,000 | ~16,000 |
| County | Polk/Dallas | Warren |
| School district | WDM CSD + Waukee CSD (split — verify by address) | Indianola CSD |
| Commute to downtown | 15 min to downtown | 25-30 min to downtown |
| Vibe | amenity-rich, broad housing variety, prestige | small-town charm, Simpson College, balloons |
| Amenities | Jordan Creek, Valley Junction, Raccoon River Park | Simpson College, National Balloon Classic |
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).
Indianola sits in Warren County with a population of about ~16,000. The vibe is small-town charm, Simpson College, balloons, with amenities including Simpson College, National Balloon Classic. Median home prices run around $270,000 with a 25-30 min to downtown.
Schools in Indianola: Indianola CSD.
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