How fast can I sell my house in Des Moines?

With the right pricing strategy and marketing, homes in Des Moines typically sell within 30-60 days. Sarah Ingles uses data-driven pricing and professional marketing to help homes sell quickly.

What is an SRES designation?

SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) is a designation for REALTORS who specialize in helping seniors with real estate transactions, including downsizing, relocating to senior living, and estate sales.

What are the best suburbs near Des Moines?

The top suburbs near Des Moines include Ankeny, Grimes, Waukee, Johnston, West Des Moines, and Urbandale. Each offers excellent schools, amenities, and community features.

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Des Moines Neighborhoods & Suburbs Directory | Smart Move DSM

📍 Complete Directory

View All Des Moines Neighborhoods & Suburbs

This is your master directory of every neighborhood and suburb we cover in the Des Moines metro. Scan by area type, click into detailed guides, and find the community that fits your budget, commute, and lifestyle — or let me narrow it down for you.

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How This Page Works

Scan the List

Browse neighborhoods and suburbs grouped by type: urban, suburban, small-town, or 55+ friendly.

Click for Details

Each area links to a full guide with home prices, schools, commute times, neighborhood vibe, pros/cons, and current listings.

Get Personalized Help

Not sure where to start? Request a custom shortlist and I'll recommend 3–5 areas based on your needs.

Feeling overwhelmed? That's completely normal. You can also use the Neighborhood Comparison Hub to see areas side-by-side, or just reach out — I'm happy to point you in the right direction.

🏘️ Neighborhood Directory

All Des Moines Metro Communities

Click any neighborhood to view the full guide with home prices, schools, lifestyle details, and current listings.

🏙️ Urban & In-Town Des Moines

Walkable neighborhoods close to downtown with character homes, local restaurants, and urban convenience. Ideal for professionals, empty nesters, and anyone who wants city energy without the commute.

Downtown Des Moines

The metro's urban core with lofts, condos, walkable dining, and easy access to employment centers. Best for professionals who want to live where they work.

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Downtown & East Village

The trendiest pocket of downtown with boutiques, rooftop bars, and renovated historic buildings. Walkable and vibrant.

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Sherman Hill

Historic Victorian neighborhood just west of downtown. Beautiful architecture, tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community.

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Ingersoll & North of Grand

Charming corridor with local shops, cafes, and a mix of historic homes and updated bungalows. Great walkability to restaurants and Greenwood Park.

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South of Grand

Established neighborhood with mature trees, classic homes, and proximity to Gray's Lake and downtown. Quiet streets with city convenience.

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Beaverdale

Beloved neighborhood known for its tight-knit community, brick bungalows, local shops, and annual events. A Des Moines favorite for families and couples alike.

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Drake Neighborhood

Eclectic area surrounding Drake University with affordable homes, diverse residents, and walkable access to campus amenities.

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Waterbury

Quiet, residential neighborhood with mid-century homes and easy access to I-235. A practical choice for commuters who want in-town living.

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Indian Hills

Upscale neighborhood with larger lots, established landscaping, and proximity to Greenwood Park. Popular with families and executives.

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🏡 Popular Family Suburbs

The most sought-after suburbs for families, with strong school districts, newer construction, parks, and family-friendly amenities. These communities consistently rank among the best places to live in Iowa.

West Des Moines

The largest suburb with everything from starter homes to executive estates. Top schools, Jordan Creek, Valley Junction, and major employers nearby.

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Waukee

One of Iowa's fastest-growing cities with highly-rated schools, new construction, and family-focused amenities. Popular with young families.

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Ankeny

Consistently ranked among America's best places to live. Excellent schools, trails, shopping, and a strong sense of community. Growing rapidly.

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Urbandale

Established suburb with mature neighborhoods, good schools, and central location. A practical choice with easy access to both downtown and western suburbs.

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Johnston

Family-focused suburb with top-rated schools, Beaver Creek, and a mix of established neighborhoods and new developments.

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Clive

Smaller suburb tucked between Urbandale and West Des Moines. Convenient location, greenbelt trails, and a quiet residential feel.

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Grimes

Fast-growing suburb northwest of Des Moines with newer construction, Dallas Center-Grimes schools, and a small-town feel that's quickly expanding.

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Altoona

Affordable suburb east of Des Moines with Adventureland, Prairie Meadows, and easy access to I-80. Growing with new developments.

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Pleasant Hill

Quiet suburban community east of Des Moines with affordable housing, parks, and a slower pace while still being close to everything.

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Windsor Heights

Small, walkable community surrounded by Des Moines and Clive. Convenient location with its own downtown feel and quick access everywhere.

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🌾 Small-Town & Edge-of-Metro Communities

Quieter communities on the metro's edge offering more land, lower prices, and small-town charm while still being commutable to Des Moines. Great for buyers who want space and slower pace.

Norwalk

Growing community south of Des Moines with its own school district, new construction, and a family-friendly downtown. More affordable than western suburbs.

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Carlisle

Small town southeast of Des Moines with a tight-knit community feel, good schools, and easy access to Adventureland and I-80.

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Polk City

Lake-adjacent community north of Des Moines near Big Creek State Park. Popular for outdoor enthusiasts who want water access and trails.

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Adel

Charming county seat west of Des Moines with a historic downtown square, affordable homes, and ADM schools. True small-town feel.

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Bondurant

Fast-growing small town northeast of Des Moines with newer construction, Bondurant-Farrar schools, and a community-focused atmosphere.

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Indianola

College town (Simpson) south of Des Moines with balloon festival fame, affordable housing, and a distinct small-city identity.

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🏘️ Sub-Neighborhoods & Developments

Specific neighborhoods and developments within larger suburbs. These guides drill down into particular areas when you already know which city you're interested in.

Valley Junction

West Des Moines

Historic district with boutiques, restaurants, and walkable charm.

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Jordan Creek Area

West Des Moines

Newer development near Jordan Creek mall with upscale homes.

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EP True Area

Grimes

Growing area with newer construction and family-friendly amenities.

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Stonegate

Clive/Waukee

Established neighborhood straddling city lines with mature trees.

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Crosshaven

Johnston

Popular Johnston subdivision with community pool and parks.

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Windsor Ridge

Johnston

Newer development with modern homes and Johnston schools.

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Green Meadows

Johnston

Established Johnston neighborhood with larger lots and mature landscaping.

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Clayton Estates

Waukee

Family-friendly Waukee subdivision with community amenities.

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Kettlestone

Waukee

Newer master-planned community with trails and modern homes.

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Shadow Creek West

Waukee

Growing development with new construction options.

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Prairie Crossing

Waukee

Established Waukee neighborhood with community feel.

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⭐ SRES® Certified Specialist

Looking for 55+ Friendly Communities?

Some neighborhoods are better suited for aging in place, step-free living, and low-maintenance lifestyles. As an SRES® (Seniors Real Estate Specialist), I help seniors and their families evaluate communities through a different lens:

Proximity to healthcare and pharmacies
Snow removal and lawn care options
HOA support and maintenance-free living
Single-level homes and accessibility features
Quiet streets and community programming

Schedule a No-Pressure Senior Consult

Featured 55+ Communities

View all 55+ communities →

🤝 Personalized Help

Not Sure Where to Start?

Choosing between Des Moines neighborhoods and suburbs can feel overwhelming — especially if you're relocating from out of state or haven't bought a home in years. You don't have to figure it out alone.

Option A

Quick 15-Minute Call

Tell me your budget, commute needs, school priorities (if any), and lifestyle preferences. I'll recommend 3–5 best-fit areas and explain why each might work for you.

Schedule a Call

Option B

Custom Shortlist by Email

Fill out a quick form with your criteria, and I'll send back a personalized shortlist with neighborhood pros/cons and links to relevant guides and listings.

Request Shortlist

My SRES® training and 10+ years of insurance experience help me evaluate neighborhoods through a practical lens — not just curb appeal. I'm especially helpful for seniors, long-distance buyers, and anyone who can't easily drive around 10 different suburbs in person.

Explore Neighborhoods + Search Homes — All in One App

The Smart Move Des Moines app lets you search homes in real time, get instant alerts, save favorites, and message me directly. Pair it with these neighborhood guides and you have the complete picture: where to live and what's available there right now.

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Your Guide — Not Your Salesperson

My goal isn't to push you into a zip code. It's to help you choose the right community based on your season of life, your budget, and what actually matters to you. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a growing family, or planning your next chapter after 55, I'll give you honest guidance — not a sales pitch.

✓ 10+ Years Property Insurance Background

✓ SRES® Seniors Specialist

✓ Hyper-Local Des Moines Expertise

Browse these neighborhood guides at your own pace, or reach out when you're ready for a guide in your corner.

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