Johnston

“Johnston is an amazing, connected community that has continued to grow,” says Ryan Rohlf. Ryan is Chief Client Advocate, owner and Realtor® with the dsm SOLD Team at Keller Williams Legacy Group. Ryan is also a resident of Johnston and is part of the 2024 Johnston Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “There’s a great mix of people moving in from out of state, as well as young people settling down outside of the Des Moines downtown area.” New constructions and blossoming business districts have turned this sleepy town into a destination 15 miles from Des Moines. With top schools in the Johnston Community Public School District, quiet paved streets and family-friendly parks, many Des Moines families choose Northwest Johnston. Ridgedale Heights’ new development on the northwest corner of the neighborhood is brimming with building and buying opportunities. These contemporary, two-story townhomes with three bedrooms are built by Goldstar Townhomes & Villas. They often share walls and are priced around $250,000. Single-family Craftsman and modern ranch-style homes with three or more bedrooms cost around $350,000 or more. Ridgedale Heights is also part of a homeowners’ association, with an estimated $175 annual fee. Established suburban homes without HOAs in the Beaver Creek Elementary School zone have been valued at over $400,000, with large driveways, two-car garages, and generally spacious backyards. Students attending Beaver Creek Elementary School can walk or bike to school, while Summit Middle School, for grades six and seven, sits just 2 miles south. Johnston Senior High School, with a nationally ranked show choir, has ten tennis courts, a soccer field and the Dragon Stadium football field. All three schools scored an A-minus on Niche and are considered some of the top schools in the Johnston Community School District. Johnston Middle School, for eighth and ninth grade, scores an A on Niche and is home to the Johnston High School softball fields. Johnston Town Center is home to the Johnston City Hall and The Yard, an open green gathering space with a stage for live music and a splash pad for cooling down on hot days. During winter months, weather permitting, the Johnston Commons offers a public ice rink and the annual Kites on the Green family event in May. In early June, Terra Park hosts the Johnston Green Days alongside the Johnston Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a weekend festival and town celebration with a business expo kickoff, carnival rides and food vendors,” Rohlf says. “We have seen restaurants grow in Johnston as well,” Rohlf says. “One great example is Wasabi CHI - they just recently had their ribbon cutting with the Chamber as they moved into a larger space.” Flame the Taqueria is a unique restaurant with tasty street tacos. For an evening out, Trostel’s Greenbriar is an upscale restaurant with signature steaks like their gunpowder ribeye and slow-roasted prime rib. For a quick meal, Charlotte’s Kitchen offers chicken sandwiches, root beer floats and French fries – both from their dine-in location and the Charlotte’s Kitchen food truck. On 86th Street is Jethro's BBQ n' Pork Chop Grill, a popular restaurant and bar with six other locations around the Des Moines metropolitan area. “In late March or early April, Van Dee’s Ice Cream Shoppe opens up. It's definitely a Johnston staple,” Rohlf says. Van Dee’s serves sundaes, soft-serve ice cream, burgers and sandwiches. Pointe Vista Park offers open green spaces and long sidewalk trails. The park includes a basketball court, and the on-site playground is near a small lake. Northwest Johnston is near Terra Park, which hosts annual festivals and includes walking trails, a playground and modern art. Rent kayaks and paddle around Terra Lake, or fish from the dock. "Johnston also includes access to the Neal Smith Trail, the Sycamore Trail and the Trestle Trail," Rohlf says. "Johnston also has access to the first portion of the ICON Water Trails project. This provides access to the Des Moines River for kayaking, canoeing and tubing." Both businesses and housing are beginning to boom in Northwest Johnston, but it’s still easy to get around. Northwest Johnston “is right off the interstate,” Rohlf says. “It’s easy to get around if you are trying to get from the suburbs to Des Moines, and everything else is usually just a 10-to-30-minute drive.” Most residents in Northwest Johnston get around on Interstate 235 or travel up and down Merle Hay Road for everyday errands. 86th Street is becoming a popular commercial spot for businesses looking to put down roots, and 62nd Avenue connects it with Merle Hay Road. Beaver Creek on the east side of town, though picturesque, has been reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as impacted by bacteria that may make it unsafe for swimming and boating. Likewise, the EPA has listed Saylorville Reservoir as being impacted due to murky waters.

Along the banks of the Des Moines River just north of Iowa’s state capital, the suburban pocket of East Johnston hums with activity. A family-friendly community with an excellent school system, East Johnston offers a fast commute to the big city, plus inviting parks, several walking trails, and a roster of seasonal events that bring locals together and help make friends out of neighbors. East Johnston’s residential streets are dominated by grassy front yards and interspersed with shady oaks. Architecturally, the neighborhood offers several styles, with ranch houses from the 1970s commingling with homes built in the last 20 years. “We’ve got a wide variety in that part of Johnston,” says Kyle Clarkson, a Realtor with LPT Realty. Many of the newer homes feature asymmetrical details and steeply pitched roofs. Prices range from $300,000 to nearly $500,000. Potential homebuyers with pets should be aware that fenced yards are rare, and most property fences highlight form over function. Sidewalks line major streets like Merle Hay Road, where there are numerous stores and businesses, but the roads in residential areas aren’t quite as walkable: Pedestrians will have to navigate along the shoulder or walk right in the road. Fortunately, traffic is light in these areas. “Most people move here for the school district,” says Andrew Bruellman, a Realtor and Sales Associate with RE/MAX Concepts. “They have good athletic programs, good academics—everything is good.” Lawson Elementary School and Summit Middle School each get an A-minus from Niche, while Johnston Middle School receives an A. Johnston High School, which also gets an A-minus, is home to Dragon Stadium, a newly built football arena that’s become a local landmark. The baseball and softball diamonds also impress, with built-in dugouts and announcer’s booths. Dewey Park sits right in the center of the neighborhood and features a soccer field, plenty of walking paths, and separate play structures for toddlers and older kids. The Sycamore Trails network winds through a forested stretch along the Des Moines River, calling out to runners, walkers, dog-walkers and dog-runners. Johnston Town Center hosts special events throughout the year. In the winter, a skating rink shines beneath strings of lights, while a splash pad offers a cool respite from the summer heat. And on the first Saturday in May, Kites on the Green adds a colorful splash to the fields near the Johnston Public Library. When date night rolls around, many locals head to Trostel’s Greenbriar, which transforms seasonal ingredients into globally inspired dishes. Backpocket Pin & Pixel, a duckpin bowling alley and arcade, offers a brewery and taproom, making it a good place to spend a rainy Saturday. And Fareway Meat and Grocery is the closest place to stock up on the essentials. Most residents use their cars to get around, especially if they commute to Des Moines, which takes 15 to 20 minutes. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) bus system includes a stop at Johnston Public Library, about a 15-minute walk from East Johnston. In 2019, the original Beaver Creek Crossing Bridge collapsed due to major ice jams. The updated bridge, part of the 3.75-mile Trestle to Trestle Trail, features creative lighting that gives it a special aura after dark. And architecture snobs won’t want to miss the Paul J. and Ida Trier House, a perfect Prairie-style home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

The North District of Johnston, Iowa, is a small residential community between Camp Dodge and Saylorville Lake. Homes in the area are clustered in developments on either side of Beaver Drive, one of Johnston’s main thoroughfares. “The neighborhood is very visually appealing, with all the trees and Saylorville Lake,” says Elli Jennings, Realtor for Re/Max, who has lived in the Des Moines area all her life. “There are some really cool midcentury homes there too.” Locals have access to several city parks and bodies of water, as well as miles of trails. Locals can visit nearby Morningside Park, which has a picnic area, playground and access to a loop of trails around Johnston. They can also visit Johnston Commons, a 14-acre park with amenities such as a basketball court and playground. To get up close and personal with military vehicles, people can pull into the overlook beside Camp Dodge, marked Tank Hill Park, where there are tanks, a fighter jet and a scenic vista. “We try to make sure that every development of homes has a park within a quarter mile,” says John Schmitz, the director of parks and recreation for Johnston. In addition, Saylorville Lake, a reservoir maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offers recreational opportunities such as boating, camping and fishing. Those with an interest in military history can visit the Iowa Gold Star Museum, located in the center of Camp Dodge, which offers tours of retired tanks and aircraft, as well as hands-on exhibits focused on these vehicles. There is a wide variety of homes in the North District, from three-bedroom midcentury ranch and farmhouse-style places to newly built homes near Saylorville Lake valued at around $1 million. “It’s a pretty sought-after area. It’s not unfriendly to first-time homebuyers, but it’s not the most affordable,” says Jennings. “There is less inventory, so when something comes up for sale, it goes quickly.” Median list prices are in the low-to-mid $400,000 range. Three-bedroom, traditional-style homes may list for around $400,000, but many of the newly constructed traditional-style homes are valued between $550,000 and $1 million. In Johnston Commons, on the first Saturday in May, there is an annual Kites on the Green event with bol racing, kite fighting and an inflatable obstacle course. In June, the city holds Johnston Green Days, a multi-day event with a carnival and live music. The festival also entails a coronation of the King and Queen of Green. This experience takes place in Terra Park, which is about 2.5 miles from the North District. For shopping needs, Fareway Meat and Grocery and Hy-Vee Grocery are both along Merle Hay Road, about 1 mile south of the North District. There is also a Walgreens nearby and several locally owned restaurants. “Charlotte’s Kitchen and Flame are both very popular,” Schmitz says. Flame serves tacos and burgers, and Charlotte’s Kitchen is known for crispy fried chicken sandwiches. Members of the Hyperion Field Club can dine at the on-site restaurant. North District students may attend Henry A. Wallace Elementary School, which rates an A on Niche. Johnston Middle School also earns an A, and Johnston High School, an A-minus. Johnston High partners with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) to offer dual enrollment courses, including industrial technology and health occupations. They have a nationally ranked show choir, and their soccer and girls’ basketball teams made it to state championships in 2023. Johnston is about 12 miles from downtown Des Moines. “The area has easy access to Des Moines, but there isn’t much pass-through traffic,” Schmitz says. “Also, there’s a trail system that allows you to get from place to place without having to get in your car.” Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) buses pick up riders along Northwest 70th Avenue and Merle Hay Road, taking them to the DART central station in Des Moines. Stops begin at 6:30 a.m., and the final stop is just before 8:00 p.m. on weekdays. Buses run on Saturdays and Sundays as well but with a more limited schedule. Des Moines International Airport, which offers nonstop flights to cities such as Austin and Phoenix, is 12.5 miles south. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) most recent survey, Beaver Creek was assessed to be in good condition for aquatic life, but it is listed as impacted due to bacteria that may make it unsafe for swimming and boating. Saylorville Reservoir was listed as impacted due to murky water. Camp Dodge serves as the headquarters for the Iowa National Guard, the Midwest Counterdrug Training Center, the Fire Service Training Bureau and the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

Located about 4 miles south of Saylorville Lake and bordering Beaver Creek to the west, Central Johnston is a tranquil residential community that is in proximity to the city of Des Moines. Cited by Money Magazine as the “top suburb in Iowa,” this neighborhood has often received accolades for its reasonable cost of living, top-rated schools and quality of life. “This is a neighborhood north of the city with a small-town feel; it’s got good transportation, outstanding schools, lots of boating and recreational options and big employers such as DuPont, John Deere and Iowa PBS,” says Jerry Steenhoek, a local agent serving the Dallas County area at Iowa Realty Waukee. Primarily comprised of ranch-style and Colonial Revival homes, properties in Central Johnston sit on sizeable, landscaped front lawns with leafy trees that shade the sidewalks. A 2,700-square-foot, single-family home with three bedrooms can be listed from about $400,000 to $550,000. “The home value in the Johnston area continues to trend upward; although the homes have longer days on the market, we are still seeing multiple offers coming in for listings,” says Steenhoek. Prospective schools include Henry A. Wallace Elementary School and Johnston Middle School, both of which have an overall A score from Niche. Johnston High School has an A-minus rating and, with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), offers a dual-enrollment program for students interested in careers such as business, health sciences, design and engineering. The 200-acre Terra Park is at the heart of Central Johnson, providing residents with scenic trails, a grassy outdoor event space for concerts and celebrations, a playground and a fishing pier at Terra Lake for anglers. Lew Clarkson Park, which is adjacent to Beaver Creek, is connected to the Green Meadows West Trail and the Beaver Creek Greenbelt Trail for casual strolls or hikes. There is also a nine-hole disc golf course near the park’s wooded area for enthusiastic players. The neighborhood’s nearest grocery store Hy-Vee is along Greendale Road, and staple restaurants like the upscale Trostel’s Greenbriar are on Merle Hay Road. For casual fare, visit the Cactus Bob’s BBQ Corral, which is often praised for authentic briskets and longhorn barbeque dishes. For shopping and entertainment, head 2 miles south to the Merle Hay Mall, which is complete with a movie theater, a bowling alley and over 90 fashion labels and restaurants. Big-box retailers such as Target and Kohl’s are also at the mall. Johnston Green Days is an annual festival that takes place at Terra Park with carnival rides, parades and a business Expo. The Green Festival at Johnston Commons Park is another yearly celebration featuring kite-building, kite flying, live music and fun for the entire family. Closer to the city, the 11-day Iowa State Fair takes place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds with carnival rides, live performances and shows, nearly 100 food vendors and 1 million visitors. Additional celebrations include the World Food and Music Festival offering cuisine from 26 countries, the two-day 80/35 Music Festival featuring artists from around the world and the Des Moines Arts Festival. While the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) provides bus routes for areas of Des Moines, not every neighborhood has an accessible bus stop. Central Johnston remains a car-dependent community for daily and work commutes. Medical clinics such as UnityPoint Health – Johnston and Mercy One – Johnston are in the neighborhood, and UnityPoint Health – Iowa Lutheran Hospital is about 10 miles away. The Des Moines International Airport is about 15 miles to the south, and Interstate 80 and Interstate 35 lead into Chicago and Minneapolis, respectively.

Westridge is a planned residential community with houses built as recently as 2024 and continues to grow. Saplings and sidewalks line wide streets that often end in cul-de-sacs. The neighborhood is about 5 miles from Johnston. “The area is split between easy access into Johnston and to the east side of Grimes,” says John Schmitz, who has worked with Johnston Parks and Recreation for about 11 years. Students attend the highly rated Johnston Community School District, which receives an A from Niche. Another big neighborhood draw is its proximity to the headquarters of Corteva Agriscience, a company that offers solutions for seed crop protection for farmers and producers. "It's a huge employer for the area,” says Jill Roghair, a Realtor with LPT Realty, LLC and West Des Moines resident for over 20 years. Most shopping, dining and recreational activities are within 5 miles. Modern Craftsman, contemporary ranch-style and two-story single-family homes sit on manicured and landscaped lots that start at one-quarter acre and go as high as 3 acres. Prices for most three to four-bedroom houses tend to fall between $350,000 and $550,000, while more spacious properties can cost over $2 million. Johnston Community School District serves the Westridge community and permits enrolled students to change schools. Young people can start at Beaver Creek Elementary School, which earns an A-minus from Niche. Johnston Middle school scores an A, and Johnston High School, also with an A-minus, offers 80+ clubs and programs, including chess, mock trial and a poetry club. Crosshaven Park sits in the neighborhood and features a basketball court, a soccer field, a playground and a walking trail that connects nearby houses. “It has easy accessibility and a wide range of activities for all ages,” Schmitz says. Pointe Vista Park features a nearby pond, playgrounds, trails and a winter sledding hill. Beaver Creek Golf Club is a public facility with a 27-hole course. It offers daily and season passes. From June to September, Westridge residents can drive 6 miles to the Johnston Farmers Market, where they can explore over 30 vendors. The market offers fresh produce, flowers and other local products. Hy-Vee and Aldi are nearby for additional essentials. Destination Grille is a lively restaurant with a colorful decor that serves gourmet American cuisine. Nearby chain restaurants include Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and B-Bop’s. Johnston hosts several events throughout the year, including the annual Kites on the Green Festival at Johnston Commons Park. This family-friendly event includes kite-building and a giant kite show. From June through September, residents can attend the Yard Summer Concert Series and Movies on the Yard. Iowa Highway 141 runs parallel to the neighborhood and is only a mile away, giving residents easy access to major Iowa cities, like Cedar Rapids. The area is mainly car-dependent, although there are a few Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority bus stops outside the community. The Des Moines International Airport is about a 17-mile drive and works with six airlines to service flights to several U.S. destinations and connections to international ones. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center is a 4-mile drive in case of emergency. Little Beaver Creek, which is an offshoot of Beaver Creek, runs through the neighborhood and is impaired by E. coli bacteria. To prevent further water contamination, the City of Johnston is running stormwater management programs, including stabilizing water banks and reducing the amount of runoff entering the sanitary sewer system. Westridge itself is designed to help reduce water pollution through its landscaping. “It has a lot of native plants along the trails for stormwater runoff,” Schmitz says. The city also advises residents to take small steps in their households, such as getting nontoxic cleaners when possible and properly disposing of hazardous materials.