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.
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 | West Des Moines | Johnston |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $350,000 | $340,000 |
| Population | ~69,000 | ~24,000 |
| County | Polk/Dallas | Polk |
| School district | WDM CSD + Waukee CSD (split — verify by address) | Johnston CSD (top 3 in Iowa) |
| Commute to downtown | 15 min to downtown | 15-20 min to downtown |
| Vibe | amenity-rich, broad housing variety, prestige | established, top schools, mature trees |
| Amenities | Jordan Creek, Valley Junction, Raccoon River Park | Terra Park, Johnston Trail |
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).
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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