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.
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 | West Des Moines | Urbandale |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $350,000 | $285,000 |
| Population | ~69,000 | ~45,000 |
| County | Polk/Dallas | Polk |
| School district | WDM CSD + Waukee CSD (split — verify by address) | Urbandale CSD (strong) |
| Commute to downtown | 15 min to downtown | 10-15 min to downtown |
| Vibe | amenity-rich, broad housing variety, prestige | central, value, established |
| Amenities | Jordan Creek, Valley Junction, Raccoon River Park | Walnut Creek Park, Living History Farms |
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).
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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