Norwalk offers small-town charm near the Des Moines metro
A southernmost suburb of the Des Moines metro area, Norwalk is between Des Moines International Airport to the north and Iowa farmland to the south. The area consists of midcentury homes, brand-new subdivisions and golf course communities, where residents often drive to neighboring Des Moines and West Des Moines for shopping options and office jobs. There are more businesses coming, however, as Norwalk Central – a mixed-use mega-development in Norwalk's heart – finishes new commercial and residential development along with an indoor sports facility, baseball fields and a park with a band shell.
Homes on the northeast side back up to Echo Valley Country Club.
Softball, soccer, and baseball all have their time to shine at Norwalk-McAninch Sports Complex.
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New construction drives growth as land opens up in Norwalk
Around half of the recently sold homes in Norwalk were built after 2020. “We’ve had a lot of growth down there just because we were running out of land,” says Kris Mehmen, a Realtor with Re/Max Precision who sells in the area. “You had to go pretty far west in the Waukee area to build new construction, and Norwalk had a lot of areas that builders could still build in.” The median price in Norwalk is $330,000, which is comparable to West Des Moines’ median price but higher than Des Moines’ median price, in the low $200,000s. Houses stay on the market for an average of 95 days, higher than the national average of 53 days.
Waterfront homes on Lake Colechester complete with docks.
Ranches and split-level homes make up the more established neighborhoods.
The area features many new construction homes and neighborhoods.
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Parks, trails and sports facilities offer year-round recreation
Norwalk’s summers are hot and humid, while its winter temperatures dip below freezing, so Norwalk Parks & Recreation maintains indoor and outdoor facilities year-round. Billy O. Phillips Park is just one of several neighborhood playgrounds anchoring residential areas. The Norwalk Aquatic Center is a large public pool with a waterslide, and an ice-skating rink on North Avenue opens on cold winter days. Complimenting the baseball and softball fields at McAninch Sports Complex is the City State Bank Norwalk Fieldhouse. Facilities include:
Four multipurpose courts for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball
A two-lane indoor track surrounding the courts
A lounge area with foosball and ping pong, as well as space for community programming
Additional parks will be added to this core development in the coming years. Norwalk also has two regionally popular golf courses: private Echo Valley Country Club and public Legacy Golf Club.
The modern playground equipment at Billy O'Phillips Park is a huge hit with children.
Neighbors gather at the Starkweather Shelter in Billy O'Phillips Park.
The log-cabin-themed playground of Windflower Park harkens back to the city's origins.
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Most homes are zoned for Norwalk schools, with some in metro districts
Norwalk Community School District encompasses a five-school pathway, from Oviatt Elementary School for prekindergarten through first grade to Norwalk Senior High School. Small portions of the city fall within the Des Moines or West Des Moines school zones. Regardless of district, all high schools offer dual enrollment credits at Des Moines Area Community College, which has campuses in Des Moines and West Des Moines. The state’s open enrollment policy allows students to transfer to other districts within the state if there is space available.
Oviatt Elementary School serves Norwalk students in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade.
Lakewood Elementary School is located in Norwalk.
Norwalk Middle School serves local students in grades 6-8.
Norwalk High School serves students in grades 9-12.
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Norwalk offers short commutes and new bike trail connections
“Norwalk was a small, little community, and it has grown... there’s a window company there called Windsor Window that has brought a lot of people,” Mehman says. Des Moines, West Des Moines and the surrounding suburbs are expanding with new businesses and job opportunities. Though Norwalk is outside the reach of the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority bus system, the city is about 10 miles from Downtown Des Moines by car and just 6 miles south of Des Moines International Airport.
Norwalk residents can reach downtown Des Moines, the airport or medical centers in nearby cities without exiting onto the highway. However, Interstate 35 is an access point for the metro area's Urban Loop freeway system. “One of the big advantages to living here, that I hope doesn’t go away, is that it’s easy to get from one area to another,” Mehmen says. Norwalk is also a recent addition to the Des Moines area's regional network of bike trails, with the 2-mile Great Western Trail connection opened in 2021.
Affordable options in Lakewood contrast with upscale estates nearby
Norwalk has a variety of neighborhoods offering a mix of newer homes and older properties. "The Lakewood neighborhood off of Lake Colechester is a small community very close to the rest of Des Moines," says Matt Fuelberth, a Realtor with Iowa Realty and host of the YouTube channel Life in Des Moines. "It's a unique place in Des Moines to find those older homes with a lot of character in an affordable price range." At the higher end of the community, larger homes are available in subdivisions like Silverado Estates, Echo Valley Estates and The Legacy, a golf course community with a neighborhood pool and clubhouse.
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Patrick Johnson
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Norwalk, IA sell after 91 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Norwalk, IA over the last 12 months is $339,900, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in a highly desirable area of Norwalk, this well-maintained, one-owner townhome offers comfort, convenience, and scenic surroundings. Built in 2008 and situated in Orchard Hills Villas, the two-story home overlooks a peaceful green space with beautiful west-facing views—perfect for enjoying evening sunsets. An inviting open front patio provides a great space for outdoor grilling or
This 21.20± acre property is located just south of Norwalk and Cumming, Iowa, and only minutes from West Des Moines. The land features a desirable mix of open cropland and timber, offering the perfect setting to build the home and acreage you’ve been dreaming of. With plenty of space for outdoor enjoyment and future improvements, this covenant-free property provides endless possibilities. Enjoy
Brodie WubbenRE/MAX Precision Land & Development Group
BRING YOUR OWN BUILDER so you don’t miss your chance to own one of the last remaining lots in this desirable Norwalk neighborhood—and the only corner lot still available. Located on Green Leaf Circle, this spacious building lot is ready for your dream home, with utilities conveniently located at the road. Enjoy the benefits of a thriving community in the Norwalk School District, with a short
Welcome home to this charming 2 story with amazing views. This home has 5 bedrooms and a warm, welcoming feel from the moment you arrive. A covered front porch sets the tone, sit out front and you can see the Legacy golf course. Just off the entry, a versatile front flex room provides the perfect space for a home office, cozy sitting area or dining room. Off the back deck you have pond views!
Ashlee & Kyle KnickerbockerKeller Williams Realty GDM
This exceptional ranch is priced right and offers nearly 2,000 sq ft of beautifully designed living space on the main floor, thoughtfully crafted for both everyday comfort and easy entertaining. With an open-concept layout and elevated finishes throughout, this home blends style, function, and quality. Step inside to a bright and inviting main level with hardwood flooring throughout the kitchen,
Welcome to the Jasmine Ranch at Holland Pointe in Norwalk! The main level boasts living space with a great open concept layout. The kitchen features quartz countertops, center island, and pantry. Electric fireplace in the living room. This home features a large primary suite and primary bath has a double vanity sink and walk in closet. Receive up to $1,750 in closing cost w/Preferred Lender.
BRING YOUR OWN BUILDER! Welcome to Holland Pointe, a thriving community located in Norwalk! With spacious lots, you have the flexibility to build your dream home. Offering a variety of large residential lots, including flat, daylight and walk-out properties available late summer of 2025. This community provides the perfect balance of small-town charm and convenient access to the Des Moines metro
Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, this stunning custom-built KRM walkout ranch sits on over half an acre and offers a truly private backyard retreat complete with a fire pit. At over 4,000sf of finish, designed for both everyday living and unforgettable entertaining, the home features 4 spacious bedrooms and 5 beautifully appointed bathrooms. The modern kitchen is a showstopper, featuring
BRING YOUR OWN BUILDER! Welcome to Holland Pointe, a thriving community located in Norwalk! With spacious lots, you have the flexibility to build your dream home. Offering a variety of large residential lots, including flat, daylight and walk-out properties available late summer of 2025. This community provides the perfect balance of small-town charm and convenient access to the Des Moines metro
Fish Creek Apartments in Norwalk, IAFish Creek Apartments offer spacious 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartment homes that have been recently remodeled to provide a modern and comfortable living experience to our residents. Nestled in a prime location, our apartments are conveniently situated near essential amenities and close to top-rated schools, ensuring ease of access to everything you need.
Welcome to Cedarbrooke Place, the community of your dreams where comfort, leisure, and entertainment are tailored to your lifestyle. With a prime location and exceptional amenities, our pet-friendly apartments in Norwalk offer everything you need to truly feel at home. Discover a place where convenience and quality come together seamlessly! Conveniently located near Sunset Drive and IA-5, youll
Achieve a life of style and luxury at Legacy Landing. Open one, tow, and three-bedroom floor plans and state-of-the-art amenities define the contemporary lifestyle our residents enjoy.
Looking for a community closer to everything you care about? There is no doubt you will zip right along anywhere you want to go using the HWY 5 bypass or you can take advantage of one of the local amenities Norwalk has to offer with plenty of dining options, local shops and services and hometown events. During the warmer months, you can sit back, relax and enjoy living at High Pointe!
Alice Place Norwalk is a new construction, 55+ independent living community that consists of 59 units; a mix of efficiency and two-bedroom floor plans. Conveniently located near Fareway Grocery, Mercy Clinics Family Medicine and Billy O’Phillips Park, this will be a great place to call home! To be eligible for this housing, you must be 55 years or older and your household’s gross annual income
Designed and built by Eggers Bilt Homes in 1968, Sunset Apartments is a beautiful complex with a humble history. You'll feel comfortable and right at home with the family constantly on site keeping the buildings clean and solving problems quickly and diligently. Not only are the buildings themselves quaint and atmospherically warm, but so is the courtyard that sits in the heart of the three main
Discover the charm of Norwalk Meadows in the heart of Norwalk. Our freshly renovated 2-bedroom units feature an array of new upgrades, including premium stainless steel appliances, new vinyl plank flooring, upgraded cabinetry, and modern lighting and plumbing fixtures.Located just southwest of Des Moines, Norwalk offers easy access to West Des Moines and Jordan Creek Mall. Norwalk boasts
Experience comfortable, modern living in the heart of Norwalk, Iowa. This thoughtfully designed apartment community offers a quiet suburban setting with convenient access to Des Moines, local schools, parks, and everyday essentials. Each studio, one, and two-bedroom apartment home features clean, contemporary finishes including stainless steel appliances, durable luxury vinyl flooring, modern
Property Id: 1499335Almost new 2-story townhome has 3 BRs, a loft area, 2.5 Baths, and a 2-car oversized garage. Open and spacious floor plan, with the main floor boasting 9 ft ceilings and LVP flooring throughout. Enjoy large windows and lots of natural light. The Kitchen features a large pantry, island, and beautiful quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. The main floor also
$2,395 per month
4-Bedroom, 3.5-Bath Home with Walkout Finished Basement in Norwalk
Welcome to this stunning newly constructed home in Norwalk, blending modern comfort and style. This residence features four spacious bedrooms, three and a half baths, and a two-car attached garage, offering over 2,200 square feet of beautifully finished living space. Inside, the open floor plan includes a kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, flowing into a bright dining
$2,195 per month
Beautiful 3 Bed Ranch Home w/ fully finished basement in Prime Norwalk Location
This home is a must see! Affordability, convenience, quality, efficiency. This RANCH home offers an open floor plan with an eat-in kitchen opening into the great room. The convenience of a ranch floor plan offers the 1st floor laundry, 3 bedrooms, and 2 baths with the finished basement. It's a great community and just minutes away from Norwalk schools. All appliances are included - the
$2,350 per month
Enjoy new construction living in a prime Norwalk location!
Be the first to live in this brand-new 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch in Norwalk’s Holland Pointe community.This thoughtfully designed home features an open-concept layout with vaulted ceilings, a spacious living area with fireplace, and large windows overlooking a private tree-lined green space. The modern kitchen offers an oversized island, walk-in pantry, and flows seamlessly to a covered
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