What is the median home price in West Des Moines Iowa?

The median home price in West Des Moines, Iowa is approximately $400,000 as of December 2025 - the highest in the Des Moines metro. Prices have increased about 4.2% year-over-year. West Des Moines commands premium pricing for its top schools, Jordan Creek shopping, and prestige.

How are West Des Moines Iowa schools rated?

West Des Moines Community School District consistently earns 9/10 ratings across elementary, middle, and high school levels. Valley High School and Dowling Catholic are among the metro's elite high schools with 95%+ graduation rates, extensive AP programs, and strong athletics.

What is Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines?

Jordan Creek Town Center is Iowa's largest shopping destination with 1.3 million square feet, 150+ stores including luxury brands, 50+ restaurants, movie theater, and entertainment. Located in West Des Moines, it's walkable from many neighborhoods and serves as the region's premier retail hub.

What is Valley Junction in West Des Moines?

Valley Junction is West Des Moines' historic downtown district featuring 140+ locally-owned shops, boutiques, art galleries, antique stores, and restaurants in Victorian-era buildings. It hosts Iowa's largest farmers market and numerous cultural events throughout the year.

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👑 Premier Community

West Des Moines

Premium Living • Jordan Creek • Valley Junction • Top Schools

68K+ Population

$400K Median Price

9/10 School Rating

#1 Metro Prestige

Welcome to West Des Moines

The Des Moines metro's most prestigious address

Where Excellence Meets Affluence

West Des Moines stands as the Des Moines metro's undisputed premier community — the place where corporate executives, successful professionals, and affluent families choose to live. Home to Jordan Creek Town Center (Iowa's largest shopping destination), major corporate headquarters, and the metro's most expensive real estate, West Des Moines represents the pinnacle of suburban living in Iowa.

What sets West Des Moines apart is the complete package: top-rated 9/10 schools, unmatched retail and dining options, mature neighborhoods with established character, luxury new developments, extensive parks and trails, and a tax base that supports exceptional city services.

The community ranges from historic Valley Junction with its Victorian charm to modern Jordan Creek-area developments with million-dollar homes. Whatever your preference, West Des Moines delivers at the highest level.

                    Quick Facts
                    County: Polk & Dallas
ZIP Codes: 50265, 50266, 50325
School District: WDM CSD
Founded: 1893
Population: 68,000+
Median Income: $95,000+
Crime Rate: Very low
Character: Premium, prestigious

                

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 68,000+ Residents

🏠 $400K Median Price (Highest!)

📚 9/10 School Rating

💼 75K+ Jobs in WDM

👑 The West Des Moines Premium

West Des Moines commands the metro's highest prices because it delivers what affluent buyers value most: prestige, convenience, amenities, schools, and quality of life. Understanding what you're paying for explains the $100K-$150K premium over comparable suburbs.

Jordan Creek

Iowa's largest mall with 150+ stores, restaurants, entertainment. Walk to everything.

Valley Junction

Historic district with 140+ shops, restaurants, antiques, art galleries. Walkable charm.

Corporate Hub

Wells Fargo, Athene, EMC Insurance HQs. Walk/bike to work. Metro's employment center.

Top Schools

WDM CSD consistently 9/10. Valley & Dowling Catholic High Schools are metro standouts.

Parks & Trails

40+ parks, 60+ miles trails including Raccoon River Trail. Greenbelt connects community.

City Services

Highest tax base = best services. Police, fire, streets, snow removal all premium quality.

What the Premium Buys: A home in West Des Moines isn't just real estate — it's a lifestyle. You walk to Jordan Creek instead of driving to strip malls. Your kids attend 9/10 schools. Your commute is 5 minutes instead of 20. For buyers who can afford it, the premium is worth every penny.

West Des Moines Schools

Consistently top-rated with unmatched facilities and programs

Elementary

10+ Elementaries

9/10

Excellent all

Middle School

Multiple MS Options

9/10

Strong programs

High School

Valley & Dowling

9/10

Metro elite!

🎓 Academic Excellence

Consistent 9/10 ratings across all grades
95%+ graduation rate
Extensive AP, IB, and dual enrollment
Strong STEM and fine arts programs
High college acceptance rates
National recognition and awards

🏆 Valley Tigers & Dowling Maroons

Multiple state championships
Elite athletic programs
Award-winning performing arts
Competitive speech and debate
Extensive extracurriculars
Strong school spirit and traditions

📚 Why West Des Moines Schools Command Premium

West Des Moines schools consistently deliver 9/10 education with facilities, programs, and outcomes that match the community's expectations. The combination of strong academics, extensive activities, modern facilities, and engaged families creates an educational environment where students thrive. For families prioritizing education and willing to pay for the best, West Des Moines schools justify the premium pricing.

West Des Moines Lifestyle

Unmatched amenities and endless options

🛍️ Jordan Creek Town Center

Iowa's premier shopping destination:

1.3 million sq ft — Iowa's largest
150+ stores including luxury brands
50+ restaurants and entertainment
Movie theater, bowling, activities
Walk or bike from many neighborhoods
Year-round events and attractions

🏛️ Historic Valley Junction

Charming Victorian downtown district:

140+ locally-owned shops/boutiques
Art galleries and antique stores
Unique restaurants and cafes
Farmers market (largest in Iowa!)
Music, arts, and cultural events
Walkable historic neighborhood

🍽️ Dining Excellence

200+ restaurants across all cuisines:

Upscale dining (Fleming's, Centro)
Local favorites and chef-driven concepts
Jordan Creek dining district
Valley Junction local gems
National chains (all the best ones)
Something for every taste

🏞️ Parks & Recreation

40+ parks and 60+ miles of trails:

Raccoon River Trail (multi-use)
Greenbelt Trail throughout
Colby Park (100+ acres)
Walnut Woods State Park nearby
Multiple recreation centers
Year-round programming

West Des Moines Real Estate Market

December 2025 — Premium market with strong demand and highest metro prices

$400K Median Home Price (Highest!)

↗️ Up 4.2% YoY

22 Days on Market

⚡ Steady Premium Pace

98% Sale to List Price

💪 Strong Demand

💡 Sarah's Market Insights

West Des Moines represents the metro's premium tier — median prices 15-20% above comparable suburbs. The $400K median is $100K higher than Urbandale, yet buyers pay willingly for prestige and amenities. The market segments distinctly: Jordan Creek area ($350K-$800K+) attracts executives. Valley Junction ($250K-$500K) draws character-seekers. Established central neighborhoods ($300K-$600K) offer mature trees and location. The $375K-$475K range sees most activity. Best opportunities: older homes (1960s-1980s) needing updates — get the schools and location at below-market prices, then renovate.

⚠️ Insurance Considerations for West Des Moines

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 West Des Moines:

🏠 Diverse Housing Stock

West Des Moines homes span 100+ years — from Victorian Valley Junction to brand-new luxury estates. Insurance varies dramatically by age. Historic homes need specialized coverage.

🏛️ Historic Home Concerns

Valley Junction and older neighborhoods have homes with original systems. Check electrical, plumbing, roof. Some carriers won't insure homes 100+ years old without major updates.

🌪️ Iowa Storm Risk

Hail damage is the primary concern. Many WDM roofs replaced after 2011/2018 hail storms. Request documentation. Premium homes = premium replacement costs if damaged.

💧 Minimal Flood Risk

Most West Des Moines sits elevated. Some areas near Raccoon River may have considerations, but flood insurance rarely required. Check FEMA maps for specific properties.

💰 Higher Insurance Costs

Expect $1,500-$2,500+/year for typical WDM home ($400K value). Luxury homes ($700K+) cost $3,000-$5,000+/year. Higher values = higher premiums. Shop multiple carriers.

✅ Sarah's Pre-Purchase Review

For WDM buyers, I review: age-appropriate system checks, roof condition, electrical capacity, plumbing, HVAC, foundation, premium features (pools, outbuildings), and replacement cost estimates.

🎯 Bottom Line for West Des Moines Buyers

West Des Moines insurance varies widely based on home age, value, and features. Budget $1,500-$2,500+/year for typical homes, more for luxury properties. Older homes need careful evaluation. Premium properties require proper coverage limits — replacement costs are high! My insurance expertise protects your investment.

Sarah Ingles

REALTOR® SRES® | 10+ Years Insurance Expertise

Your Central Iowa real estate expert. I help families buy, sell, and transition homes — with unique insight into property risks that other agents miss.

📞 (563) 513-8771

✉️ [email protected]

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