Clive took on a unique shape in its evolution from a coal mining settlement to a suburb west of Des Moines. Smaller than some of the area's other satellite cities, Clive is narrowly shaped, sliding between Urbandale, West Des Moines and Waukee with overlapping school districts and retail centers. "Like Waukee, Clive is also up-and-coming," says Shane Kennedy, Clive resident and local agent with eXp Realty. "It feels almost a part of these other communities – it all kind of blends together." The city's slogan, "Distinct by Nature," highlights a key difference from other developments: the rolling greenbelt along Walnut Creek that backs up to many subdivisions. An 11-mile paved trail gives residents easy access to nature in their backyards. Clive is "distinct in that it has a little bit of everything," says Stephanie Wright, local Realtor at RE/MAX Precision and resident of over 40 years. "It's off the beaten path, but right in the middle of anything you need."
Clive Lake is surrounded by some of the most beautiful homes in the area.
Walkers, joggers, and bikers can all use the Clive Greenbelt Trail at the same time.
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Westward expansion of homes from the 1970s to the present day
The median price for a home in Clive is $440,000, which is slightly higher than the median value nationwide and in nearby cities like Waukee and West Des Moines. The city's oldest homes in Indian Hills hail from the 1970s and 1980s, though exterior updates are common. "Clive is constantly reinvigorating itself," Wright says. "Houses go through multiple remodels, so they retain their character but feel more modern." To the west are contemporary single-family homes, townhouses, and Country Club, a private community of custom homes on Clive Lake. Newcomers can also choose a floor plan and build in an upcoming subdivision on the far northwest side of town.
Western Clive offers newer, larger homes.
The eastern side of Clive features brick and stone ranches with large backyards.
Out west, Clive residents can live in larger modern homes with four or five bedrooms.
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Attending class with peers in West Des Moines and Waukee
142nd Street is Clive's dividing line between the West Des Moines Community School District and the Waukee Community School District, which serve the east and west sides of the city, respectively. Both score A ratings from Niche. High school students in either district can take dual enrollment credits online or in person through the Des Moines Area Community College system.
Indian Hills Junior High School is the only school within the neighborhood boundaries
Eason Elementary School takes great pride in inspiring its students.
Waukee High School serves half of Waukee's students in grades 10-12.
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Biking the Greenbelt Trail and preserving surrounding wildlife
The Clive Greenbelt Trail passes by several parks on its path through forested and residential areas, like the Campbell Recreation Area baseball diamonds, tennis courts and gazebos. In 2019, Clive adopted a new program to manage invasive species along their principal trail: the Clive Greenbelt Goats. These furry friends munch on non-native flowers and foliage, and are the subject of annual holiday ornament sales and volunteer opportunities. Along with private Clive Lake, the city will stock all seven of its ponds for fishing by early 2025. The Harbach Center finished construction in 2022 to provide more programming space for the Clive Public Library, along with an indoor Recreation Bay and gaming hub.
Clive Greenbelt Trail is a popular recreational thoroughfare that mirrors Walnut Creek for miles
Greenbelt Park offers a break from the trail in a neighborhood park setting.
The Clive Greenbelt Trail culminates at beautiful Clive Lake.
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Shopping options and eateries on University Avenue
Hickman Road and University Avenue, two main commercial drags, flank Clive to the north and south. The city shares big-box grocery stores from Hy-Vee to Aldi, chain restaurants and local bites with nearby communities. Jordan Creek Town Center, the largest open-air shopping mall in the state, is about 4 miles away in West Des Moines.
Target offers home goods, clothing, and groceries for Clive residents.
Residents have easy access to necessities, such as HyVee grocery store.
Nearby Valley West Mall has stores, specialty services, and restaurants.
The Home Depot on University Avenue gives Clive residents easy access to home improvement.
Whole Foods is a convenient high end grocery store in Clive.
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The drive in Clive and ongoing Hickman Road construction
Interstates 80 and 35 converge in Clive before crossing paths with Interstate 235. This system of freeways leads to employers in downtown Des Moines and surrounding suburbs, or to Des Moines International Airport, 15 miles away. Construction will continue here through 2028 as a $94 million project combats growing traffic with a new interchange and more lanes on Hickman Road. Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority also operates four local bus routes through Clive to downtown Des Moines and more.
Clive water tower. A great place to call home.
Metal sculptures grab attention at 86th & University.
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Marking calendars for the Clive Festival
Events in Clive range from weekly art nights at 515 Brewing to laser tag at the Harbach Center. The outdoor Greenbelt Music Festival donates part of its proceeds to revitalizing the city's principal trail. Food trucks, extended pool hours at the Clive Aquatic Center and the Thunder Over Clive fireworks display are highlights of the weekend-long Clive Festival.
Crime and wind event data in Clive
Data from the Iowa Department of Public Safety shows that crimes against people in Clive increased by about 86% between 2019 and 2023, while property crime decreased by about 21%. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has recorded 68 tornado instances in Polk County and 58 in Dallas County since 1950. Clive's outdoor warning sirens sound during a tornado warning, severe thunderstorm warning and testing on the first Saturday of each month.
Clive, a city of historic past and bright future.
The still-present railroad running through Clive is an important part of the city's history.
The old general store at Swanson Memorial Park offers a glimpse of the past.
With a passion for community connections and a commitment to exceptional service, Megan is here to help you find your perfect home and maximize the value of your current one. Coming from a successful 10+ year career at lululemon, Megan understands the importance of treating people well and creating memorable experiences. She will guide you through every step of the real estate process, ensuring clear communication and support for your decision-making. Just as everyone seeks quality products and great experiences, Megan is dedicated to delivering both in the realm of real estate. Megan has chosen to join the nationally recognized Weichert Realtors - The 515 Agency team for its supportive culture and cutting-edge approach. Collaboration is key to her success, and she's found the ideal team to work with. When she's not assisting clients, Megan enjoys the vibrant community of West Des Moines, where she and her husband, Brandon, are raising their three children. They love cheering on their kids in various activities and escaping to Clear Lake, IA for sun-filled days on the water with friends and family.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
