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Living in Ankeny: Why People are Loving the Fastest Growing City in Iowa

Writer's picture: Darson GranthamDarson Grantham

Updated: Jan 9, 2024


living in Ankeny, Iowa

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If you are looking for a new place to call home, you might want to consider living in Ankeny, Iowa. Ankeny is a city in Polk County, Iowa, that is part of the Des Moines metropolitan area. It is one of the fastest-growing and most desirable cities in the state, with a population of over 61,000 people. But what makes Ankeny so special?


Why do so many people love living in Ankeny, Iowa?


Let’s explore some of the reasons why Ankeny is a great place to live, work, and play. We will also show you how living in Ankeny can benefit you if you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Des Moines, Iowa.


5 Reasons Why People Love Living in Ankeny, Iowa


Convenient Location


One of the main advantages of living in Ankeny is its convenient location. Ankeny is situated just off I-35 and minutes north of I-80, making it easy to commute to downtown Des Moines or other nearby cities, such as Ames, West Des Moines, and Urbandale. It is also close to the Des Moines International Airport, which offers flights to major destinations across the country and the world.


Living in Ankeny means that you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a suburban lifestyle with access to urban amenities. The city has a variety of shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural options, as well as parks, trails, golf courses, and sports facilities. You can also take advantage of the attractions and events in Des Moines, such as the Iowa State Fair, the Des Moines Art Center, the Science Center of Iowa, and the Wells Fargo Arena.


Preparing Your Children for Success


Another reason why living in Ankeny, Iowa is a smart decision is its excellent school system according to Niche.com. Ankeny has two public school districts, Ankeny Community School District and North Polk Community School District, which serve over 12,000 students in total. Both districts are known for their high academic standards, innovative programs, and extracurricular activities. These schools offer Advanced Placement courses, STEM education, fine arts, athletics, and more. They have a high graduation rate, with 95% of students graduating in 2020.


Ankeny is also home to some of the best higher education institutions in the state. Ankeny hosts the largest campus of the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), which offers over 200 programs and degrees in various fields. DMACC has partnerships with several universities, such as Iowa State University, Drake University, and the University of Iowa, which allow students to transfer credits and earn bachelor’s degrees. Ankeny also has a private school, Ankeny Christian Academy, which provides a faith-based education for preschool through 12th-grade students.


Abundant Opportunities and Affordability


People love living in Ankeny because of its strong and diverse economy. Ankeny has a low unemployment rate of 2.6%, compared to the national average of 4.8%. It also has a high median household income of $89,484, compared to the national median of $67,500. The city’s cost of living is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.


Ankeny is home to some of the state’s largest employers, such as Casey’s General Stores, John Deere, Mrs. Clark’s Foods, Perishable Distributors of Iowa, SYSCO Foods, and Tone’s Spices. It has a thriving small business community, with over 2,000 businesses operating in the city.


A Community That Welcomes You With Open Arms


Ankeny has a friendly and welcoming community. The city has a reputation for being a safe, clean, and family-oriented city, with a low crime rate, a high homeownership rate, and a high graduation rate.


Ankeny has a strong sense of community, with many opportunities for civic engagement, volunteerism, and social interaction. It has over 23 churches, 18 parks, and 10 elementary schools, as well as various clubs, organizations, and associations. The city holds many events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Ankeny SummerFest, the Ankeny Farmers Market, the Ankeny Art Center’s Art in the Park, and the Ankeny Unplugged Music Festival.


Attractive Real Estate


Ankeny has an attractive and affordable real estate market. It has a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to townhomes, condos, and apartments. Its median home value is $239,300, which is slightly higher than the national average of $231,200, but lower than the Des Moines metro average of $246,800. The median rent is $1,108, which is also lower than the Des Moines metro average of $1,150.


Des Moines is the capital and the largest city of Iowa, with a population of over 215,000. Des Moines has a vibrant and diverse economy, culture, and lifestyle, making it a desirable place to live, work, and play. Des Moines also has a hot and competitive real estate market, with high demand and low inventory.


If you are looking for a home in Des Moines, living in Ankeny can give you an edge over other buyers, as you can enjoy a shorter commute, a lower cost of living, and a higher quality of life. If you are selling a home in Des Moines, living in Ankeny can help you attract more buyers, as you can offer them a great alternative to the city, with more space, amenities, and value.


Do you want to see more of what living in Ankeny looks like? Watch this video of exploring this charming suburb, nestled in the heart of Des Moines. From picturesque parks to thriving communities, Ankeny offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities.



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Find out how to get your questions answered about moving to Ankeny, Iowa with a Local Realtor!


As you can see, there are many reasons why people love living in Ankeny, Iowa. Ankeny is a city that offers a convenient location, a strong economy, a friendly community, and a great real estate market. It is also a city that can help you achieve your real estate goals in Des Moines, Iowa, whether you are buying or selling a home.


If you are interested in living in Ankeny, Iowa, or buying or selling real estate in Des Moines, Iowa, you need a professional and experienced realtor who can guide you through the process. You can book a free consultation with me, a realtor for Des Moines, Iowa, to help you find your dream home or sell your home for the best price.





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