Living in a well-designed city just outside Des Moines
Bordering Johnston and Waukee, Grimes is a fast-growing city in Polk County just outside of West Des Moines. With many new housing developments, a high-scoring school district and an array of modern city parks and sports complexes located right in the community, Grimes is considered a sought-after community that is highly accessible. Major employers such as Amazon and The Right Stuf also help with the city’s growth, and the community is in proximity to highways and the greater Des Moines metro area. “The city has done a lot of infrastructure development and it is very well-planned,“ says Ryan Rohlf, chief client advocate and Realtor at Keller Williams Legacy Group. “The old town portion of Grimes has a small Main Street, and the newer area has more entertainment sections.”
Grimes is the quintessential fusion between classic small town and rapidly growing suburb.
Brand new homes are popping up on the edges of Grimes.
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New developments in demand at Grimes
Grimes has a mixture of traditional Cape Cods, Craftsman and ranch-style homes, and some new constructions such as contemporary and New Traditional styles with stucco or moonstone exteriors. Properties vary in size from more modest, 1960s homes or townhouses at about 1,000 square feet to larger single-family homes at around 2,000 square feet, with prices listed between $200,000 and $750,000. Yard sizes vary from 5,000 square feet to multi-acre lots, and trees are more densely populated in the more established areas of the city. “We are seeing very consistent growth over the homes in Grimes; the houses are in high demand, and there are no dips in prices,” adds Matt Fuelberth, a Realtor with Iowa Realty who services the greater Des Moines area.
Grimes is home to some quaint brick bungalows around the center of town.
Many of these homes were built 15-20 years ago.
Contemporary styles and three-car garages are commonplace in new construction homes.
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Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District
North Ridge Elementary and Heritage Elementary School both have an overall A Niche score, and Dallas Center Elementary is rated B-plus. Students may then attend Dallas Center-Grimes Middle School and continue to Dallas Center-Grimes Oak View for seventh and eighth-grade education. Both schools score an A-minus. Dallas Center-Grimes High School has a B-plus Niche score and offers Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) classes to its students.
Heritage Elementary has modern facilities to improve the quality of life in Grimes.
North Ridge Elementary in Grimes offers the students seating while they wait to be picked up.
Grimes' South Prairie Elementary School has benches for students needing a break outside.
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City of Grimes Parks and Recreation
The city is home to 10 parks and three sports complexes for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Waterworks Park has playgrounds and ball diamonds, as well as picnic tables for summer alfresco. Residents may go for a walk on Glenstone Trail, which can be accessed at Glenstone Park. The 45-acre Grimes South Sports Complex contains a skate park, baseball, softball and soccer fields and basketball, tennis and sand volleyball courts. GrimesPlex and Grimes North Sports Complex offer similar amenities and provide residents with additional outdoor options, and golfers may book a tee time at Beaver Creek Golf Club or Tournament Club of Iowa. Nearby camping sites include Acorn Valley, Prairie Flower and Big Shelter campgrounds, and water activities such as fishing, boating and swimming can all be explored at Saylorville Lake. Grimes Sky Zone is an indoor trampoline park that is popular for birthday parties and family fun.
The Grimes South Sports Complex baseball field lets visitors recreate their favorite Cubs game.
The famous island green can be found on Number 3 on the South course of Beaver Creek.
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Shopping and dining around Grimes
Residents may shop at Walmart, Aldi and the nation’s largest Hy-Vee store for daily groceries and home essentials. In July and August, families may also go to the local farmers market and buy fresh produce and food from area farmers. Old School Pinball & Arcade is a 1980s-themed venue featuring an extensive collection of classic free-play games, and its milkshakes have gained a loyal following among regulars. Across the street, Stevie C’s is a local bar known for its sticker décor and for the keg taps hanging from the ceiling. Hacienda Vieja is a popular Mexican joint that serves enchiladas and burritos.
Grimes residents have several grocery store options, including ALDI.
A plush dining room and coffee shop draws Grimes residents to enjoy a drink by the fire.
Menards is a longtime staple in Iowa, featuring helpful and knowledgeable employees.
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Events in Grimes and Des Moines
Grimes’ fall festival features fun activities such as bounce houses, balloon animals and face painting, along with craft vendors and food trucks, making it a great outing to kick off the fall season. There is also an annual fireworks show on the Fourth of July, and local employer Aquilo Financial Group also sponsors the Grimes Rock Around the Clock Concert Series. Notable events in Des Moines include the Iowa State Fair, the World Food and Music Festival and the 80/35 Music Festival.
Navigating Grimes and Des Moines
Grimes remains a largely car-dependent city, and residents typically commute by car. The city council of Grimes has decided to withdraw from the Des Moines Area Regional Transit service because only a limited number of people utilize the public transit system. For those needing assistance with transportation, Grimes Volunteer Support Services has over 70 volunteers who can provide rides for appointments and other needs. UnityPoint Health - Methodist West Hospital is about 7 miles south in West Des Moines, and the Des Moines International Airport is approximately 20 miles away via Interstate 35. For those who travel by car, Interstate 35 leads into Minneapolis and Interstate 80 provides access to Chicago.
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Max Gilmore
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Grimes, IA sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Grimes, IA over the last 12 months is $377,750, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Excited to present a 4 bed, 2 bath Split foyer home for under $300k in Grimes! The main floor offers 3 bedrooms, a full bath, a large living/formal dining area, and a spacious kitchen. A sliding door opens to a deck overlooking the fenced backyard with a storage shed. The best part is the back yard backs to trees with no neighbors. The finished lower level is perfect for a hang out room and
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Welcome to this charming 2-story home tucked away on a quiet street in one of Grimes popular neighborhoods! With over 2,000 square feet of finished space, this 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home offers a functional layout that is perfect for a growing family. The main level features a spacious living room w/gas fireplace, dining area, a nicely sized kitchen, and a convenient half bath. The kitchen
Beautifully crafted split-level townhome built in 2023, offering nearly 1,900 sq. ft. of modern living space. The open-concept main level features a chef's kitchen with an oversized island, stainless steel appliances, and elegant finishes that flow seamlessly into a bright living room with a cozy fireplace. The primary suite includes a walk-in closet and a spa-inspired ensuite with dual sinks and
Welcome to Destination 141, a new community nestled in the heart of Grimes, IA. We offer studio - three-bed apartments or enjoy more space with our two and three-bed townhomes with attached garages. You'll love the modern finishes, patios, open floor plans and much more in every home! When you're ready to step outside, enjoy our upscale community amenities including a clubhouse with a 24/7
Redwood(R) Grimes is where youll find the single-story rental apartment you've been looking for. Live in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, pet-friendly home with an attached garage. Come home to an apartment surrounded by charming greenery, with all the amenities of the Grimes community just a stones throw away. With an easy commute to downtown, you can get to the hustle and bustle of Des Moines in
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