Huxley is a growing community with access to nearby cities
Located 25 miles north of Des Moines, Huxley offers a rural reprieve from the hustle and bustle of nearby cities. “The community is very small-town Americana,” says Barb Barrick, Huxley city clerk and longtime resident. “We’ve always been a bedroom community, but it's becoming more so. We have a lot of professionals who commute to Ames, Ankeny and Des Moines.” The quiet streets are steadily expanding, as waves of incoming developments carve space for new residents. Beyond its convenient commutes, the Story County community offers abundant options for recreation and annual traditions that bring neighbors together.
Housing includes bi-levels, ranch styles and new developments
Split- and bi-level-style homes built during the mid-to-late 20th century fill most of Huxley's central section. Mature trees dot front yards, with landscaping often featuring shrubbery and small flowering bushes. The quiet residential neighborhoods have sidewalks and streetlights. At the turn of the 21st century, several subdivisions began filling the area's outskirts with New Traditional and ranch-style homes. “There are lots and lots of new housing developments going in,” Barrick says. “There is a big demand here.” The median sales price is around $380,000, which falls below the figure in nearby Ames. Similarly, Huxley has a low CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Outdoor spaces include trails, playgrounds and ball fields
Centennial Park is the community’s largest green space, with playgrounds, pickleball and basketball courts and three baseball diamonds. “They host a lot of youth sports events there,” Barrick says. Railroad Park includes picnic areas, an amphitheater and an access point to the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail, a paved multiuse path that stretches for 32 miles. Nearby Christiansen Forest Preserve has a series of hiking trails that wind through prairie and forest. Ballard Golf & Country Club has a private nine-hole course, and a splash pad will come to Nord Kalsem Park by the end of summer 2025.
Highway and interstate access supports daily commutes
U.S. Highway 69 passes through the area and leads 11 miles north to Ames, home of Iowa State University and Mary Greeley Medical Center. The highway also connects the community to Ankeny, 14 miles south. “The commutes are pretty easy,” Barrick says. Interstate 35 is also nearby, linking residents to Des Moines, 25 miles south.
Ballard High School offers career and technical education
Ballard Community School District serves the area and has an A-minus rating from Niche. All four of the district’s schools receive a B or higher. Ballard High School has a B-plus and offers career and technical education courses. The program allows students to earn high school and college credits simultaneously, with career areas ranging from agriculture to business.
Residents dine locally and shop big-box stores in Ames
Most businesses in Huxley are located along U.S. Highway 69. Flight Bar and Grille serves craft beer and gastro-pub-style food made from seasonal ingredients. Casa Azteca is another independently owned spot known for its authentic Mexican fare. Fareway Meat & Grocery is available in the community, alongside Dollar General. Ames, 11 miles north, offers more retail options, with big-box stores Target and Walmart Supercenter.
Prairie Fest and Huxley Farmers Market are annual events
Neighbors get together in late August to celebrate Prairie Fest. “It’s a nod to the Huxley motto ‘Heart of the Prairie,’” Barrick says. Festivities at the weekend-long event include a parade, local vendors and a group bike ride. “It’s a great small-town celebration,” Barrick says. Huxley Farmers Market brings local vendors to Railroad Park every Wednesday evening from early June through September.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
