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Clive Iowa Neighborhood Guide | Homes for Sale | Corporate Corridor Living | Smart Move DSM
💼 Corporate Corridor

Clive, Iowa

Modern Living • Top Schools • Prime Location

18K+ Population
$340K Median Price
9/10 School Rating
10 min To WDM/DSM

Welcome to Clive

Modern homes meet convenient West Des Moines location

The Perfect Balance

Clive offers the best of both worlds: the convenience and amenities of West Des Moines combined with a distinct community identity and competitive home prices. Located along the I-35/I-80 corridor, Clive is home to major corporate employers while maintaining well-planned residential neighborhoods.

What sets Clive apart is its intentional development. Unlike sprawling suburbs, Clive has preserved green spaces, created interconnected neighborhoods, and maintained the popular Greenbelt Trail system that winds through the entire community.

Clive attracts young professionals working at nearby corporate campuses, families seeking top-rated West Des Moines schools, and empty-nesters who want modern, low-maintenance homes near everything. Whether you're looking for homes for sale in Clive or townhomes for sale in the Des Moines suburbs, Clive delivers exceptional value.

Quick Facts

  • County: Dallas & Polk
  • ZIP Code: 50325
  • School District: West Des Moines CSD
  • Founded: 1956
  • Median Income: $88,000
  • Crime Rate: Very low
  • Commute: 10-15 min to WDM/DSM
  • Character: Modern, Professional
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 18,000+ Residents
🏠 $340K Median Home Price
📚 9/10 School Rating
💼 15K+ Corporate Jobs

💼 The Corporate Corridor Advantage

Clive sits at the heart of the Des Moines metro's corporate corridor. Major employers have established headquarters and regional offices here, creating thousands of high-paying jobs within minutes of Clive neighborhoods. This means shorter commutes, better work-life balance, and a professional community atmosphere.

Why Companies Choose Clive: Interstate access (I-35/I-80), proximity to Des Moines International Airport (15 minutes), educated workforce, modern infrastructure, and business-friendly policies.

🏦 Wells Fargo
Home Mortgage
🏢 Athene USA
Insurance
🌾 Corteva
Agriscience
💊 UnityPoint Health
Corporate
🏥 Iowa Health
System
📊 EMC Insurance
Regional

For Homebuyers: Living in Clive means 5-10 minute commutes instead of 30+ minutes from outer suburbs. More time with family, less time in traffic. Many Clive residents walk or bike to work on the Greenbelt Trail!

Clive Lifestyle & Amenities

Modern convenience meets outdoor recreation

🛍️ Shopping & Dining

Clive's location means easy access to everything:

  • Jordan Creek Town Center (10 min)
  • West Des Moines retail corridor
  • Hy-Vee, Target, Walmart nearby
  • Corporate campus restaurants
  • Valley Junction (historic district)
  • 100+ dining options within 10 min

🌳 Greenbelt Trail System

Clive's signature outdoor feature:

  • 16+ miles of paved trails
  • Connects neighborhoods to parks
  • Bike to work opportunities
  • Dog-friendly walking paths
  • Access to regional trail network
  • Well-maintained year-round

🏞️ Parks & Recreation

25+ parks and recreation facilities:

  • Campbell Recreation Area (151 acres!)
  • Clive Aquatic Center
  • Multiple playgrounds
  • Sports fields and courts
  • Disc golf course
  • Winter ice skating

🎉 Community Events

Active community calendar:

  • Movies in the Park (summer)
  • Clive Fest (annual celebration)
  • Farmers Market (seasonal)
  • Holiday events
  • Youth sports leagues
  • Adult recreation programs

Top-Rated West Des Moines Schools

Clive is served by the highly-rated West Des Moines Community School District

Elementary
Multiple Options
9/10
Consistently excellent
Middle School
WDM Middle Schools
9/10
Strong academics
High School
Valley & Dowling
9/10
Top Iowa schools

🎓 Academic Excellence

  • West Des Moines CSD consistently top-rated
  • High graduation rates (95%+)
  • Advanced Placement programs
  • Strong STEM curriculum
  • Award-winning fine arts
  • Extensive extracurriculars

🏈 Athletics & Activities

  • Valley Tigers (state championships)
  • Competitive all sports
  • State-of-the-art facilities
  • Strong music & theater programs
  • Robotics and academic teams
  • 100+ clubs and organizations

Clive Real Estate Market

December 2025 — Stable market with consistent appreciation

💡 Sarah's Market Insights

Clive offers excellent value compared to neighboring West Des Moines while providing the same school district and amenities. The corporate corridor location drives consistent demand — professionals working at nearby companies prioritize short commutes. Newer construction (post-2000) dominates, meaning lower maintenance concerns and better energy efficiency. Homes near the Greenbelt Trail or Campbell Recreation Area command premiums of 5-10%. Townhomes and patio homes attract empty-nesters downsizing from larger WDM properties. Investors target Clive for stable appreciation and strong rental demand from corporate employees on temporary assignments.

⚠️ Insurance Considerations for Clive Homes

As a property insurance expert with 10+ years of experience, I help buyers identify potential insurability issues BEFORE making an offer. Here's what to know about Clive:

✅ Generally Favorable

Clive homes are mostly newer construction (post-1990s), meaning modern electrical, plumbing, roofing, and HVAC systems. Insurance carriers love this — lower risk means better rates.

🌪️ Iowa Storm Risk

Like all of Iowa, Clive experiences severe weather. Hail damage is the primary concern. Check roof age carefully — carriers may require replacement if 15+ years old.

💧 Minimal Flood Risk

Clive is generally not in flood zones. Most neighborhoods are elevated. Flood insurance rarely required, though basement backups can occur during heavy rains.

🏠 Townhome Considerations

Many Clive townhomes have HOA master policies. Verify what the HOA covers vs. what you need to insure. Loss assessment coverage is important.

💰 Competitive Rates

Newer homes = lower insurance costs. Expect $1,000-$1,500/year for typical Clive single-family home. Townhomes may be $600-$900/year since HOA covers exterior.

✅ Sarah's Pre-Purchase Review

Before making an offer, I'll review the property for insurance red flags. For Clive, I specifically check: roof age/condition, HOA master policy details, and basement drainage systems.

Clive Homes for Sale

Current listings and opportunities in Clive

🏠 Find Your Clive Home

Browse current Clive listings or get personalized recommendations based on your needs.

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Ready to Move to Clive?

Let Sarah help you find the perfect home in this modern, convenient community

Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® - Clive Real Estate Expert

Sarah Ingles

REALTOR® SRES® | 10+ Years Insurance Expertise

Your Clive real estate expert. I help buyers navigate the corporate corridor market and use my property insurance background to identify potential issues before they become problems.

📞 563-513-8771