Urbandale

Tucked just northwest of Des Moines, Urbandale, Iowa has quietly built a reputation as one of the most livable communities in the Midwest. It’s the kind of place where well-maintained neighborhoods sit minutes from corporate headquarters, and where a Friday night can mean dinner at a locally owned restaurant on 86th Street or a walk along the Raccoon River Valley Trail. If you’re weighing a move to the greater Des Moines metro, Urbandale deserves a serious look — and this guide will give you an honest picture of what life here actually looks like.

A City That Fits Multiple Lifestyles

With a population of just over 46,000, Urbandale strikes a comfortable balance between small-town familiarity and urban convenience. The median age of 38.7 reflects a community that’s largely made up of working professionals and established families, though younger residents are increasingly drawn here as the city continues to develop. Neighborhoods like Colby Park and the areas surrounding Meredith Drive offer tree-lined streets with a genuine sense of community. Urbandale is also notably safe, consistently ranking among Iowa’s top cities for low crime rates — something families moving from larger metros tend to appreciate almost immediately.

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing in Urbandale is competitive but still accessible compared to coastal cities. The median home price sits around $318,800, which buys you considerably more space than you’d find in similar suburbs outside Chicago or Minneapolis. You’ll find a range of options here — from newer construction developments in the northern parts of the city to more established mid-century homes closer to downtown Urbandale. The rental market is active too, with apartment communities along Aurora Avenue and near the Merle Hay Road corridor catering to those not yet ready to buy. The median household income of $113,086 suggests that most residents are financially comfortable, and that’s reflected in the quality of local services, schools (the Urbandale Community School District is well-regarded), and public infrastructure.

Employment and Economy

One of Urbandale’s strongest selling points is its proximity to serious employment. The city itself hosts a number of significant employers, including EMC Insurance Companies and Hilton Grand Vacations, while being a short commute from Des Moines’ broader business district. The insurance and financial services sectors dominate the local economy, but healthcare, technology, and logistics companies are well represented too. If you’re relocating for work, the city’s position along I-80 and I-35 makes it logistically practical for commuters heading in multiple directions. Remote workers will find the cost-of-living-to-income ratio very favorable.

Lifestyle and Recreation

Urbandale punches above its weight when it comes to things to do. The Living History Farms — a 500-acre outdoor museum chronicling Midwestern agricultural history — is a genuinely unique attraction that residents actually visit more than once. The city’s extensive trail system connects to the regional Raccoon River Valley Trail network, making cycling and running genuinely practical hobbies rather than just aspirations. Walnut Creek runs through town and anchors several parks. For dining and shopping, the Douglas Avenue and Meredith Drive corridors offer plenty of variety, and you’re never more than 15 minutes from Des Moines’ increasingly vibrant food and arts scene in the East Village or Ingersoll neighborhoods.

The Bottom Line

Urbandale won’t dazzle you with flashy skylines or nightlife, and that’s precisely its appeal. It’s a well-run, financially healthy city where good schools, stable employment, and accessible housing come together in a way that’s increasingly rare. Whether you’re a young professional planting roots, a family looking for space and safety, or someone relocating for work who wants comfort without compromise, Urbandale delivers on its quiet promises. Come with realistic expectations, and you’ll likely find yourself staying much longer than you planned.