What You Should Know About Living in Iowa’s Largest Metro
Des Moines used to be one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets, but not any more. The metro has grown rapidly in recent years and regularly ranks near the top of national quality-of-life lists. That’s because more people are realizing it’s a perfect destination for young professionals, families, and retirees.
At KRM Custom Homes, we know there’s no shortage of reasons to move here. We’ve been developing homes across the Des Moines metro for over 20 years. During that time, we’ve been honored to play a role in building the growing communities our clients call home.
Here’s our guide to what you should know about living in Des Moines, from the local neighborhoods to the must-see attractions. Whether you’re looking to build here or just want to learn more, check out our guide to the area we love.
Table of Contents
- Des Moines Is One of the Nation’s Most Livable Cities
- The Suburbs Are Growing at a Tremendous Rate — & They’re a Great Place to Live
- It’s a Biking Hub & a Great Place for Getting Outdoors
- Des Moines Metro Breakdown: A Quick Guide to Major Cities & Suburbs
- Moving to Des Moines? We’re Ready to Help!
Des Moines Is One of the Nation’s Most Livable Cities
You don’t have to look hard to find Des Moines ranking highly on a national “best of” list. The city’s growing population, strong job market, and affordability make it an attractive option for people of all ages.
Des Moines is quieter and less densely populated than larger Midwest cities like Chicago or Minneapolis. But that smaller size means residents enjoy a slower pace and much quicker access to what the area has to offer.
Here are a few of the recent accolades that Des Moines and its suburbs have received:
- No. 1 on Forbes’ 2023 Best Places for Young Professionals
- No. 4 on RentCafe’s 2026 Most Livable Metro Areas
- No. 4 on Neighbor.com’s 2024 Most Neighborly Cities in America
- No. 4 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Places to Live
- No. 6 on Travel + Leisure’s 2026 Best Place for Millennials to Live
The Suburbs Are Growing at a Tremendous Rate. They’re Also a Great Place to Live
Des Moines is the fastest-growing large metro area in the Midwest, according to the latest Census Bureau data. It outpaces major metro areas like Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, Kansas City, and Indianapolis.
A major driver of this expansion is booming population growth in suburban communities like Ankeny, Waukee, and West Des Moines. These communities offer many new housing developments, strong job markets, plentiful recreational opportunities, and high-quality school districts. This makes them great locations for new custom home builds.
We offer build-ready lots in some of the metro’s major growth areas, including Waukee, West Des Moines, Grimes, Urbandale, and Norwalk.
It’s a Biking Hub & a Great Place for Getting Outdoors
There are more than 800 miles of biking, hiking, and running trails in the Des Moines metro. These trails link across the city’s suburbs, making the city’s system perfect for avid bikers or runners. Des Moines also offers several great opportunities for river kayaking and trail running. The city has a strong cycling culture and is the home of RAGBRAI, a statewide event that brings thousands of people to Iowa every year.
Des Moines Metro Breakdown: A Quick Guide to Each City & Suburb
Des Moines
Population: 212,086
Location: Central Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa’s capital, houses major employers in industries like finance, insurance, and health care. Amenities include the Downtown Farmers’ Market, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and the Des Moines Civic Center. The city has many neighborhoods with distinct flavors, giving you a wide variety of homes to choose from. While much of the metro’s growth lies in the suburbs, Des Moines still has many housing opportunities for those looking to build a new home in the city.
Waukee
Population: 34,890
Location: West of Des Moines
Located on the metro’s western edge, Waukee is a destination for many young families. The city ranks high for safety, has a family-focused atmosphere, and is home to the state’s fastest-growing school district. Buyers also enjoy a growing number of attractions like the Kettlestone commercial district and Waukee Towne Center.
West Des Moines
Population: 74,224
Location: West of Des Moines
Sitting between Waukee and Des Moines, West Des Moines is a major retail hub and home to major corporate offices for employers like Wells Fargo, Athene USA, and Hy-Vee. Other parts of the city maintain more of a small-town “main street” feel, such as the Valley Junction area. Neighborhoods also have proximity to major outdoor areas like Walnut Woods State Park and Raccoon River Park. West Des Moines is a great location for young professionals and those looking for access to the many amenities the city has to offer.
Ankeny
Population: 77,833
Location: North of Des Moines
Heading north on I-35 brings you to Ankeny, a big draw for families wanting quality schools and modern infrastructure. Casey’s General Stores keeps its national corporate headquarters here, right alongside the main DMACC campus. A major feature of the suburb is Prairie Trail, a walkable, master-planned urban center full of local restaurants and plazas. The city also acts as a primary launch point for riders jumping on the High Trestle Trail.
Grimes
Population: 17,405
Location: North & West of Des Moines
Grimes is another rapidly growing suburb located on the metro’s far northwest corner. Sitting along Highway 141, it has many desirable lots with quick commutes to nearby suburbs like Urbandale, Johnston, and Clive. Major developments include the 50-acre GrimesPlex multi-sport venue and a brand-new public library. The city also offers easy access to outdoor recreation at Beaver Creek Golf Club and nearby Saylorville Lake.
Urbandale
Population: 48,570
Location: North & West of Des Moines
Urbandale sits right at the intersection of Waukee, Clive, Grimes, and Des Moines. This quiet, established community gives families access to outdoor space and 54 miles of continuous bike trails. Its central location puts homeowners within minutes of many of the metro’s top attractions.
Clive
Population: 19,861
Location: North & West of Des Moines
Clive sits between West Des Moines and Urbandale. It gives families access to quieter neighborhoods without sacrificing easy access to the rest of the metro. The city is known for the Clive Greenbelt, an 11-mile paved trail and park system that winds through the city’s center.
Indianola
Population: 16,829
Location: South of Des Moines
Indianola is the county seat of Warren County, sitting just 14 miles south of Des Moines. It offers several attractions like Simpson College, the Des Moines Metro Opera, and the National Balloon Classic. The community houses a YMCA, an Aquatic Center, and quick access to outdoor recreation at Lake Ahquabi State Park. The city also offers a five-year tax abatement for new home constructions.
Norwalk
Population: 15,004
Location: South & West of Des Moines
Sitting minutes from the Des Moines International Airport, Norwalk is another one of the metro’s fast-growing suburbs. Buyers choose Norwalk for its expanding trail network, family-friendly parks, and competitive lot pricing for custom builds.
Moving to Des Moines? We’re Ready to Help!
If you’re relocating to Des Moines, KRM Custom Homes is ready to be your guide. Explore our wide selection of build-ready lots, as well as our listings for move-in-ready homes. Whatever your stage of life or budget, we’re here to help you find the perfect home for your family.
