Clive

Tucked neatly between Des Moines and West Des Moines along the I-235 corridor, Clive, Iowa often flies under the radar compared to its larger neighbors — and that’s precisely what many residents love about it. With a population of just under 19,000 people, Clive has the infrastructure and amenities of a much larger city while maintaining a genuine sense of community. If you’re weighing a move to the greater Des Moines metro area, Clive deserves a serious look before you sign anything.

A City That Fits Multiple Lifestyles

One of Clive’s quiet strengths is its versatility. Young professionals appreciate the quick freeway access to downtown Des Moines employment hubs, while families are drawn to the highly regarded Waukee Community School District, which serves much of Clive. With a median age of 38.2, the community skews toward established adults who value stability and quality services without the congestion of urban living. Retirees and empty-nesters find the well-maintained neighborhoods and flat, walkable terrain particularly appealing. Areas like Clive Hills and the neighborhoods surrounding Clive’s beloved greenbelt offer a pleasant suburban feel without feeling sterile or cookie-cutter.

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing in Clive sits in a comfortable middle ground for the Des Moines metro. The median home price of $379,000 reflects a market that’s competitive but not unreasonable, especially when you factor in the quality of neighborhoods, lot sizes, and nearby amenities. You’ll find a solid mix of ranch-style homes built in the 1970s and 1980s alongside newer construction, particularly near the NW 86th Street corridor. The median household income in Clive is a robust $131,082, which suggests that most residents are well-positioned to handle the local housing market. Renters do have options, though inventory can be tight, so arriving with flexibility is helpful. Overall, day-to-day costs for groceries, utilities, and services track closely with Iowa’s famously affordable cost of living.

Employment and Economy

Clive itself hosts a surprising number of employers for a city its size. The area along University Avenue and NW 86th Street is dense with medical offices, financial services firms, and corporate headquarters. Mercy One and UnityPoint Health both have significant presences in and around Clive, making it a natural fit for healthcare professionals. The broader Des Moines metro — home to major employers like Principal Financial Group, Wells Fargo’s regional operations, and Hy-Vee — is typically no more than a 15-minute drive. For remote workers, the combination of affordable housing and reliable infrastructure makes Clive an increasingly attractive landing spot.

Lifestyle and Recreation

Don’t let the suburban label fool you — Clive punches above its weight when it comes to recreation. The Clive Greenbelt Trail is perhaps the city’s crown jewel, a multi-use paved trail system that winds through parks and green space, connecting residents to the broader Des Moines metro trail network. Adventureland Park and the Jordan Creek Town Center mall are both just a short drive away for family entertainment and shopping. Locally, the Clive Aquatic Center draws crowds every summer, and the city’s parks department consistently runs well-organized community events. The restaurant scene along University Avenue has grown noticeably in recent years, offering options well beyond the typical suburban fare.

The Bottom Line

Clive, Iowa isn’t flashy, and it doesn’t try to be. What it offers instead is something harder to find: a genuinely well-run, well-located community where quality of life is taken seriously. Whether you’re relocating for work, raising a family, or simply looking for a stable and welcoming place to put down roots in the Midwest, Clive checks an impressive number of boxes. Come with realistic expectations and an open mind, and there’s a good chance you’ll wonder why you didn’t consider it sooner.