Ankeny

If you’ve been scrolling through Iowa relocation options and keep landing on Ankeny, there’s a good reason for that. This city just north of Des Moines has quietly become one of the fastest-growing communities in the entire Midwest, and the people who move here tend to stay. With a population that has surpassed 70,000 residents and a demographic that skews noticeably young — the median age sits at just 33.2 years — Ankeny has the energy of a city still figuring out how great it can become. Here’s what you actually need to know before making the move.

A City That Fits Multiple Lifestyles

Ankeny doesn’t have a single identity, which is part of its appeal. The northwest side of the city, particularly around the Prairie Trail development, offers a walkable, mixed-use neighborhood feel with boutique shops, restaurants, and community events built around a town-center concept. If you prefer something quieter, neighborhoods like Rock Creek Estates and areas near the High Trestle Trail corridor offer a more suburban, nature-adjacent lifestyle. Families love the highly rated Ankeny Community School District, while young professionals appreciate the short 15-minute commute into downtown Des Moines without paying Des Moines prices. It genuinely serves a wide range of people without feeling like it’s trying too hard.

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing in Ankeny is not cheap by Iowa standards, but it remains reasonable compared to national benchmarks. The median home price is around $311,300, which will get you a well-maintained three- or four-bedroom home in most neighborhoods. New construction is abundant, particularly in developments on the city’s northern and western edges, so buyers have real choices between established areas with mature trees and newer builds with open floor plans and modern finishes. Renters will find apartment complexes concentrated along the SW State Street and Oralabor Road corridors. The cost of groceries, utilities, and everyday expenses tracks with broader Iowa averages, meaning your dollar goes noticeably further here than in comparable suburbs of Chicago or Kansas City.

Employment and Economy

Ankeny’s economy is genuinely diverse, which provides stability that single-industry towns lack. Hy-Vee, the employee-owned Midwestern grocery giant, is headquartered here and is one of the city’s largest employers. Iowa State University’s research park presence brings additional professional and tech-adjacent opportunities. The Des Moines International Airport is only about 20 minutes south, which matters if your work involves travel. The median household income of $106,603 reflects a workforce that is largely professional, and the figure also signals that Ankeny attracts employers willing to pay competitive wages. Healthcare, insurance, finance, and manufacturing all have a meaningful footprint in the broader metro area that Ankeny residents readily access.

Lifestyle and Recreation

Outdoor recreation is a legitimate selling point here. The High Trestle Trail, a stunning 25-mile paved bike path with its iconic illuminated bridge over the Des Moines River, is arguably the city’s most beloved landmark. Ankeny’s park system is extensive for a city its size, and Prairie Ridge Sports Complex draws families with youth athletics year-round. The local restaurant and bar scene has matured significantly in recent years, with Prairie Trail hosting a rotation of local dining options that would surprise anyone who assumes Iowa means chain restaurants only. Winters are real and cold, so going in with that expectation matters, but fall and spring make up for it.

The Bottom Line

Ankeny is a genuinely strong choice if you want affordability relative to major metros, solid schools, a growing local economy, and a community that still has momentum rather than having already peaked. It’s not a hidden gem anymore — people have figured it out — but it hasn’t lost the livability that made it attractive in the first place. If those priorities align with yours, Ankeny is worth a serious look.