Best Neighborhoods in Des Moines, Iowa for Families and Young Professionals
Quick Answer: For families, top choices are Waukee (top schools, safe), West Des Moines (balanced amenities), and Ankeny (community feel, growth). For young professionals, focus on Downtown Des Moines/East Village (walkable, vibrant) and the Ingersoll/ Sherman Hill area (historic, trendy). Budget-conscious buyers should explore South Des Moines or Johnston.
The Real Cost of Living in Des Moines Neighborhoods
Des Moines is known for affordability, but costs vary significantly by neighborhood. Here’s a breakdown of real 2024 data.
| Neighborhood/Area | Median Home Price (Buy) | Avg. Rent (2BR Apt) | Property Tax (Est. Rate) | Typical Utility Cost (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee | $415,000 | $1,500 | ~1.5% ($6,225/yr on median) | $220-$280 |
| West Des Moines (Jordan Creek) | $375,000 | $1,400 | ~1.6% ($6,000/yr) | $210-$270 |
| Ankeny | $350,000 | $1,350 | ~1.55% ($5,425/yr) | $210-$270 |
| Downtown / East Village | $325,000 (Condos) | $1,600+ | ~2.0% (Higher in city) | $180-$230 (Apt) |
| Sherman Hill / Ingersoll | $275,000 | $1,100 | ~1.9% | $200-$250 |
| South Des Moines | $185,000 | $950 | ~1.9% | $230-$300 (older homes) |
Case Study: A young professional couple renting a 2BR in the East Village spends ~$1,800/month on housing+utilities. A family of four buying a median home in Waukee has a total monthly housing cost (mortgage+tax+ins) of ~$2,800. Data sourced from local MLS and Zillow Research.
Best Areas in Des Moines: At a Glance
- Top for Schools & Safety: Waukee, Clive, Polk City.
- Top for Walkability & Nightlife: Downtown, East Village.
- Best Value (Price vs. Amenities): Ankeny, Johnston, Beaverdale.
- Most Historic & Charming: Sherman Hill, South of Grand (SOG).
- Fastest Growing & New Construction: Waukee (northwest), Ankeny (southeast).
In-Depth: Best Neighborhoods for Families
Families prioritize schools, safety, parks, and space. These areas excel.
1. Waukee (Dallas County)
- Schools: Waukee Community School District (rated 9/10 GreatSchools). New, state-of-the-art facilities.
- Parks & Rec: Over 20 parks, extensive trail system connecting to Raccoon River Park.
- Safety: Extremely low crime. Waukee PD has active community programs.
- Real Example: The "Sugar Creek" subdivision features community pools, playgrounds, and family-oriented events.
- Drawback: Can feel "cookie-cutter"; heavy traffic on University Ave during peak times.
2. West Des Moines (Western Suburbs)
- Schools: West Des Moines Community Schools (8/10) and some Waukee schools.
- Amenities: Top-tier shopping (Jordan Creek Town Center), corporate HQs (Wells Fargo, Principal), and the Des Moines Botanical Garden.
- Areas: Ashworth Road area (established, luxurious), areas near Valley Junction (historic, quaint).
3. Ankeny (North of DSM)
- Vibe: Fast-growing with a strong sense of community. New retail and parks constantly added.
- Schools: Ankeny Community School District (8/10), building new schools to manage growth.
- Commute: Easy access to I-35 for downtown (15-20 mins) and Ames.
- Key Road: Delaware Avenue is the main commercial corridor.
In-Depth: Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals
YPs seek networking, convenience, lifestyle, and often a rental-friendly market.
1. Downtown Des Moines (DSM) & East Village
- Apartments: High-rises (The Liberty, The Equitable), lofts (Kirkwood), modern complexes (The Brewer).
- Networking: Proximity to Gravitate coworking, Young Professionals Connection (YPC) events.
- Walk Score: 85+ (Walker's Paradise).
- Nightlife: Court Avenue district bars, live music at Wooly's, upscale dining.
2. Ingersoll Avenue / Sherman Hill
- Vibe: Historic homes (Victorians), trendy local boutiques, and the best cafe/brunch scene (Django, Gateway Market).
- Housing: Mix of renovated apartments and duplexes. More character than downtown high-rises.
- Commute: 5-minute bike or drive to downtown offices.
Step-by-Step: How to Find Your Home in Des Moines
- Define Budget & Priorities: Use the cost table above. Get pre-approved with a local lender (see Resources).
- Research Schools & Commute: Even if no kids, schools affect resale. Test-drive your commute at 8 AM.
- Engage a Local Realtor: The market moves fast. A realtor has off-market insights. See our resource list.
- Visit in Person (Critical): Neighborhoods change block-by-block. Spend a weekend exploring.
- Make a Competitive Offer: In popular areas, be prepared for multiple offers. Your realtor will guide you.
- Complete Inspections: Always include inspection contingency. Older homes may need foundation (common in Iowa) or sewer line checks.
Where to Go: Local Agencies & Resources
- Housing & Realtors: Des Moines Area Association of Realtors (DMAAR).
- Rental Listings: DSM Apartments (local focused).
- School Ratings: GreatSchools.org and the Iowa School Performance Profiles (official state site).
- Crime Data: CrimeReports.com (filter by city/neighborhood).
- City Planning & Zoning: Individual city websites (e.g., City of West Des Moines, City of Waukee).
Safety & Risk Analysis
Des Moines suburbs are very safe. Urban areas have typical city variation.
- Check Specific Blocks: Use CrimeReports. Safety can vary within a named neighborhood.
- Vehicle Theft/Theft from Vehicle is the most common property crime in the metro. Never leave valuables in your car.
- Violent Crime is heavily concentrated in specific areas not covered in this "best of" guide.
Data Source: The Des Moines Police Department and suburban PDs publish annual reports.
Commute & Time Efficiency
| From → To Downtown DSM | AM Peak Drive Time (Mins) | Off-Peak Drive Time (Mins) | Key Roads / Highways |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee (Vine St. Area) | 25-35 | 20-25 | University Ave, I-80, I-235 |
| West Des Moines (Jordan Creek) | 20-30 | 15-20 | I-80, I-235 |
| Ankeny (NE Mixmaster) | 20-30 | 15-20 | I-35, I-235 |
| Johnston | 15-25 | 10-15 | I-35/80, NW 86th St |
| Sherman Hill / Ingersoll | 5-10 | 5 | Grand Ave, Ingersoll Ave |
Waiting Time Example: The morning backup on eastbound I-235 between 63rd St and the river adds 7-12 minutes to commutes from the west. Plan accordingly.
Housing Market & Vacancy Rates
- Overall Vacancy Rate: ~4.5% (Q1 2024), indicating a tight landlord's market. Source: HUD Market Analysis.
- New Construction: Heavy in Waukee, Ankeny, and Grimes, helping moderate prices but not fast enough to significantly raise vacancy.
- Rental Advice: Start searching 60-75 days before move-in. Have documents (pay stubs, references) ready to apply instantly.
Essential Services: Hospitals & Healthcare
- Major Systems:
- MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center: Located at 1111 6th Ave, Des Moines. A level II trauma center.
- UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center: Located at 1200 Pleasant St, Des Moines. Also a major trauma center.
- VA Central Iowa Health Care System: Located at 3600 30th St, Des Moines (for veterans).
- Suburban Hospitals: MercyOne West Lakes (West Des Moines), UnityPoint Health - Methodist West (West Des Moines).
- Road Note: I-235 is the primary artery connecting downtown hospitals to western suburbs. University Avenue is a key east-west route for accessing clinics in western suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest neighborhood in Des Moines for families?
A. Waukee and Clive consistently rank as the safest neighborhoods in the Des Moines metro area, with very low crime rates, excellent police-community relations, and proactive neighborhood watch programs.
Which Des Moines neighborhood is best for young professionals?
A. The Downtown Des Moines (DSM) and East Village areas are top choices for young professionals. They offer walkability, a high density of apartments and lofts, vibrant nightlife, coworking spaces like Gravitate, and easy commutes to major employers.
What is the average cost of buying a home in Des Moines?
A. As of early 2024, the median home sale price in the Des Moines metro is approximately $285,000. However, this varies widely: from $180,000+ in starter areas like South Des Moines to $500,000+ in established suburbs like West Des Moines (Ashworth Road area) and Waukee.