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.
Jason Rude
Rude Realty
(515) 400-4122
346 Total Sales
3 in East Johnston
$195K - $287K Price Range
Ginger Atcheson
Real Estate Property Solutions, LLC
(515) 400-3340
198 Total Sales
2 in East Johnston
$248K - $325K Price Range
Adam Bugbee
Real Broker, LLC
(515) 400-3855
238 Total Sales
4 in East Johnston
$270K - $499K Price Range
Angela Veatch
RE/MAX Revolution
(515) 489-4285
46 Total Sales
1 in East Johnston
$161,000 Price
Susie Sheldahl
Realty One Group Impact
(515) 461-8610
271 Total Sales
2 in East Johnston
$235K - $342K Price Range
Maria Torres
Iowa Realty Mills Crossing
(515) 400-0263
160 Total Sales
2 in East Johnston
$225K - $415K Price Range
On average, homes in East Johnston, Johnston sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in East Johnston, Johnston over the last 12 months is $345,000, up 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Median List Price
$350,000
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Median Sale Price
$345,000
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Median Single Family Sale Price
$360,500
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Median Townhouse Sale Price
$255,000
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Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$226,500
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Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
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Last 12 months Home Sales
53
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Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
23%
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Average Price Per Sq Ft
$235
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Number of Homes
1,120
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Number of Homes for Sale
14
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Median Year Built
2001
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Months of Supply
3.20
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Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,522
Significantly below the national average
1,934
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Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,325
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Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,088
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Average Studio Size Sq Ft
1,382
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Median Lot Size Sq Ft
14,374
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Total Population
3,408
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Median Age
42
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Population Density
2 ppl/acre
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Population under 18
25.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
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Population over 65
19.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
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Median Household Income
$74,633
Below the national average
$79,597
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Average Household Income
$97,711
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High School Graduates
98.3%
Above the national average
89%
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College Graduates
40.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
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Advanced Degrees
12.2%
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% Population in Labor Force
70.1%
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Annual Precipitation
36''
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Average Winter Low Temperature
11°F
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Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
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Annual Snowfall
30''
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Bikeability
Walkability
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Fine suburban living in city of Johnston
A community that never loses its neighborly vibe
Suburban calm meets city access near Des Moines’ shops and trails
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