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.
Andrew Bruellman
RE/MAX Concepts
(515) 575-2183
233 Total Sales
8 in East Johnston
$66K - $428K Price Range
Jason Rude
RE/MAX Precision
(515) 400-4122
373 Total Sales
1 in East Johnston
$287,000 Price
David Welch
RE/MAX Precision
(515) 519-9867
264 Total Sales
1 in East Johnston
$800,000 Price
Ginger Atcheson
Real Estate Property Solutions, LLC
(515) 400-3340
184 Total Sales
2 in East Johnston
$248K - $325K Price Range
Joanne May
RE/MAX Revolution
(515) 461-6816
222 Total Sales
2 in East Johnston
$38K - $215K Price Range
Cy Phillips
Space Simply
(515) 393-2710
596 Total Sales
1 in East Johnston
$270,000 Price
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
$1,300 - $1,345 per month
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
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Fine suburban living in city of Johnston
A community that never loses its neighborly vibe
Cozy suburb with access to Saylorville Lake waterfront
Suburban community with access to parks and other outdoor recreation
Ankeny’s oldest—and newest—homes surround walkable town centers
