📞 (563) 513-8771  |  ✉️ [email protected]  |  📲 Get the App
Brokered by CHASE. Collective
Best Suburbs in Des Moines to Buy a Home (2026 Ranked List) | Smart Move Des Moines

Central Iowa Real Estate Guide

Best Suburbs in Des Moines to Buy a Home (2026 Ranked List)

Local expert insights on where to live, median home prices, school ratings, and neighborhood vibes — updated for 2026.

Jump to Rankings

⚡ Quick Comparison: Top 5 Des Moines Suburbs

Rank Suburb Best For Median Price School Rating
1 West Des Moines Families & Amenities $340,000 ★★★★★ A+
2 Ankeny New Construction $310,000 ★★★★★ A+
3 Waukee Luxury & Schools $385,000 ★★★★★ A+
4 Clive Convenience $325,000 ★★★★☆ A
5 Beaverdale Charm & Walkability $275,000 ★★★★☆ A-
*Prices reflect Q1 2026 median sales. Data updated monthly from Central Iowa MLS.

1. West Des Moines: Best for Families & Amenities

The Vibe

West Des Moines is the gold standard for suburban living in Central Iowa. Think tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and Jordan Creek Town Center for shopping and dining. It's where young professionals become families and stay for decades. The community feels established yet modern, with everything from Target runs to date nights just minutes away.

The Data

  • 💰 Median Home Price: $340,000
  • 🚗 Commute to Downtown: 15-20 minutes
  • 🎓 School District: West Des Moines Community Schools (A+ Rated)
View homes for sale in West Des Moines →

2. Ankeny: Best for Growing Families & New Construction

The Vibe

Ankeny is Iowa's fastest-growing city — and for good reason. New subdivisions pop up constantly, offering modern floor plans and energy-efficient builds. The Prairie Trail district is a masterpiece of mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, and miles of walking trails. If you want a brand-new home with that "fresh start" feeling, Ankeny delivers.

The Data

  • 💰 Median Home Price: $310,000
  • 🚗 Commute to Downtown: 15-25 minutes
  • 🎓 School District: Ankeny Community Schools (A+ Rated)
View homes for sale in Ankeny →

See Real-Time Home Values in Your Favorite Neighborhood

Don't rely on Zestimates. Get accurate, local MLS data with the Smart Move Des Moines app — Central Iowa's only AI-powered real estate platform.

Download on iOS Download on Android

Free download • No commitment • Updated daily from MLS

3. Waukee: Best for Luxury Homes & Top Schools

The Vibe

Waukee has transformed from a quiet farming town to one of Iowa's most desirable addresses. The schools consistently rank among the state's best, and the housing stock skews newer and larger. Triumph Park and the growing downtown district give it a "small town with big amenities" feel. Perfect for executives and families who want space and prestige.

The Data

  • 💰 Median Home Price: $385,000
  • 🚗 Commute to Downtown: 20-30 minutes
  • 🎓 School District: Waukee Community Schools (A+ Rated)
View homes for sale in Waukee →

4. Clive: Best for Convenience & Central Location

The Vibe

Clive is the "Goldilocks" suburb — not too far, not too expensive, just right. Nestled between West Des Moines and Urbandale, it offers easy access to I-35 and I-80. The Greenbelt Trail runs right through it, and the mix of established neighborhoods and newer developments means options for every budget. It's practical luxury.

The Data

  • 💰 Median Home Price: $325,000
  • 🚗 Commute to Downtown: 12-18 minutes
  • 🎓 School District: Waukee/West Des Moines (A Rated)
View homes for sale in Clive →

5. Beaverdale: Best for Charm & Walkability

The Vibe

Beaverdale is Des Moines' hidden gem — a neighborhood technically within city limits but with small-town charm to spare. The iconic brick Tudor homes line the streets, local shops dot Beaver Avenue, and neighbors actually know each other. It's walkable, quirky, and fiercely loved by its residents. Perfect for those who want character over cookie-cutter.

The Data

  • 💰 Median Home Price: $275,000
  • 🚗 Commute to Downtown: 8-12 minutes
  • 🎓 School District: Des Moines Public Schools (A- Rated)
View homes for sale in Beaverdale →

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about Des Moines suburbs

What is the safest suburb in Des Moines?

Waukee and Clive consistently rank as the safest suburbs in the Des Moines metro, with violent crime rates well below state and national averages. West Des Moines and Ankeny also score highly. All four communities have well-funded police departments and strong neighborhood watch programs. For specific crime statistics, I recommend checking the Iowa Department of Public Safety's annual reports.

Which Des Moines suburb has the lowest property taxes?

Ankeny typically offers the lowest effective property tax rates among top-tier Des Moines suburbs, though rates vary by neighborhood. Clive and parts of West Des Moines also have competitive rates. Keep in mind that lower taxes sometimes mean different service levels. I always recommend calculating your total monthly cost (mortgage + taxes + insurance) rather than focusing on tax rate alone. Want me to run the numbers for a specific property? Reach out anytime.

Is Ankeny or West Des Moines better?

It depends on your priorities:

  • Choose Ankeny if: You want new construction, more home for your money, and don't mind a slightly longer commute to the western suburbs.
  • Choose West Des Moines if: You prioritize established neighborhoods, proximity to Jordan Creek shopping, and a more "finished" suburban feel.

Both have A+ rated schools and excellent amenities. The best choice comes down to lifestyle preferences and where you work. I've helped dozens of families make this exact decision — let's chat about what matters most to you.

What is the most affordable suburb in Des Moines?

Beaverdale offers the best value among desirable Des Moines neighborhoods, with a median price around $275,000. Urbandale and parts of Johnston also offer solid options in the $280,000-$320,000 range. For buyers stretching their budget, these areas deliver great schools and community without the premium of Waukee or West Des Moines.

What's the best suburb for retirees and downsizers?

Clive and West Des Moines are excellent choices for retirees and downsizers. Both offer:

  • Low-maintenance townhomes and ranch-style homes
  • Easy access to healthcare (MercyOne, UnityPoint nearby)
  • Walkable shopping and dining
  • Active 55+ communities

As an SRES® certified specialist, I help seniors navigate the unique challenges of selling a longtime home and finding the perfect next chapter. Learn more about my senior transition services.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Suburb?

I'm Sarah Ingles, a local REALTOR® who's helped hundreds of families find their home in Central Iowa. Let's talk about what you're looking for.

📞 Call (563) 513-8771 Schedule a Consultation