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Des Moines Metro Area Guide

From urban core to outer suburbs — discover the neighborhoods, schools, and communities that make up Central Iowa's largest metro area.

Explore Metro Rings Browse All Neighborhoods

Understanding the Des Moines Metro

The Des Moines metropolitan area is Central Iowa's largest population center, with hundreds of thousands of residents across multiple cities, suburbs, and small towns.

For homebuyers, it helps to think of the metro in four "rings" based on distance from downtown: the Urban Core, Inner Suburbs, Growth Ring, and Outer Reaches.

The 4 Metro Rings

Choose your ring based on lifestyle priorities, commute tolerance, and budget.

🏙️ Urban Core (0-5 miles)

The walkable heart of Des Moines

  • Includes: Downtown, Beaverdale, East Village, Ingersoll
  • Price Range: $150K - $400K+
  • Best For: Young professionals, urban enthusiasts, empty nesters
  • Commute: 5-15 minutes, often walkable
  • High walkability to restaurants, coffee, arts
  • Lofts, condos, and historic character homes
  • Diverse population and vibrant culture
  • Limited yard space; tighter parking

🏡 Inner Suburbs (5-15 miles)

Established suburbs with top schools

  • Includes: Urbandale, Clive, Johnston, West Des Moines, Pleasant Hill
  • Price Range: $280K - $400K
  • Best For: Families, school-focused buyers
  • Commute: 10-20 minutes to downtown
  • Top-rated schools (8-9/10)
  • Mature trees, parks, established neighborhoods
  • Convenient shopping and services
  • More space and yard than urban core

🚀 Growth Ring (15-25 miles)

Rapidly growing with new construction

  • Includes: Waukee, Ankeny, Grimes, Norwalk, Altoona
  • Price Range: $285K - $375K
  • Best For: Young families, first-time buyers, investors
  • Commute: 15-25 minutes to downtown
  • Newest construction and planned communities
  • Strong appreciation potential (4-6% annually)
  • Modern schools with growing programs
  • More space at competitive prices

🌾 Outer Reaches (25+ miles)

Small-town charm and rural living

  • Includes: Carlisle, outer Norwalk, Polk City, small towns
  • Price Range: $200K - $300K
  • Best For: Rural lifestyle, acreage buyers, value seekers
  • Commute: 20-35+ minutes to downtown
  • Acreage options and small-town feel
  • Lower cost of living and property taxes
  • Peace, quiet, and wide-open spaces
  • Limited nearby shopping and dining

Which Ring Fits Your Lifestyle?

🏙️

Urban Core

Walkability & Culture

🏡

Inner Suburbs

Schools & Community

🚀

Growth Ring

New & Appreciating

🌾

Outer Reaches

Space & Quiet

Featured Metro Communities

Explore popular neighborhoods across all four rings.

Urban Core

Downtown Des Moines

💰 $250K🏙️ Walk Score: 90+

Modern lofts, trendy dining, arts district. Perfect for urban professionals.
Urban Core

Beaverdale

💰 $275K🌳 Historic Charm

Tree-lined streets, historic homes, walkable shops, strong community.
Inner Suburbs

West Des Moines

💰 $400K⭐ 9/10 Schools

Jordan Creek Mall, Valley Junction, premium neighborhoods.
Inner Suburbs

Urbandale

💰 $300K📍 10 Min Access

Central location, Living History Farms, convenient to everywhere.
Growth Ring

Waukee

💰 $375K📈 Fastest Growing

Top schools, new construction, fastest-growing suburb in Iowa.
Growth Ring

Ankeny

💰 $340K⭐ 9/10 Schools

Prairie Trail lifestyle, award-winning schools, family amenities.

Quick Metro Ring Comparison

RingPrice RangeCommuteSchoolsWalkabilityBest For
🏙️ Urban Core$150K - $400K+5-15 minMixed★★★★★Professionals, urban enthusiasts
🏡 Inner Suburbs$280K - $400K10-20 min★★★★★★★★Families, school-focused
🚀 Growth Ring$285K - $375K15-25 min★★★★★★First-timers, investors
🌾 Outer Reaches$200K - $300K20-35+ min★★★★Rural lifestyle, value seekers

Tips for Choosing Your Ring

🚗

Consider Commute

Map your daily drive during rush hour. A 20-minute commute can feel different at 8am vs 10am.

📚

Prioritize Schools

If education matters, inner suburbs and growth ring offer the best combination of quality and value.

💰

Balance Budget

Moving one ring out can save $50K-$100K+ while still offering excellent quality of life.

🏘️

Visit Multiple Rings

Don't assume — visit neighborhoods in different rings to see what feels right for your lifestyle.

📈

Think Long-Term

Growth ring suburbs appreciate fastest. Urban core holds value from walkability and character.

🎯

Match Lifestyle

Urban for walkability, inner for schools, growth for space, outer for acreage and quiet.

Metro Area FAQs

What cities are in the Des Moines metro area?
The metro includes Downtown Des Moines, Beaverdale, Ankeny, West Des Moines, Waukee, Johnston, Urbandale, Clive, Grimes, Pleasant Hill, Altoona, Norwalk, and Carlisle. The metro spans Polk, Dallas, Warren, and Madison counties.
What is the average commute time in Des Moines?
Des Moines has excellent commutes compared to larger metros. Urban core: 5-15 minutes. Inner suburbs: 10-20 minutes. Growth ring: 15-25 minutes. Outer areas: 20-35+ minutes.
Which suburb is best for families?
Top family suburbs include Ankeny (9/10 schools), Waukee (9/10 schools, fastest growing), Johnston (9/10 schools), and West Des Moines (9/10 schools). For value: Grimes, Norwalk, or Pleasant Hill with 8-8.5/10 schools.
Is Des Moines a good place to move to?
Yes! Des Moines consistently ranks among America's best places to live. Benefits: affordable housing, excellent schools, low unemployment, short commutes, growing job market, safe communities, and high quality of life.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Metro Ring?

Whether you're moving to Des Moines or relocating within the metro, I'll help you find the right ring and neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, budget, and goals.

Schedule Free Consultation Explore All Neighborhoods

Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES®

📞 563-513-8771 | ✉️ [email protected]