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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On average, homes in Norwalk, IA sell after 92 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Norwalk, IA over the last 12 months is $335,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Built by DeMir Homes & Design and featured in the 2026 HomeShow Expo, this brand new 1.5 story offers standout design, exceptional functionality, and a setting that is hard to duplicate. Tucked at the end of a cul-de-sac on nearly half an acre with no neighbors directly behind you, the home was designed to take full advantage of its privacy and views. The main level features an open layout filled
Bring your own builder so you dont miss your chance to own one of the last remaining lots in this desirable Norwalk neighborhoodand 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
Positioned within Norwalk’s established Brody’s Landing PUD, these two separate land areas offer a flexible mixed-use development opportunity in a growing residential corridor. Conveniently located along County Road G14 and E. 27th Street, the sites are near established neighborhoods, schools, and major transportation routes.The approved PUD designates the property for Commercial Flex
Brodie WubbenRE/MAX Precision Land & Development Group
Peoples Company is proud to present 68.72 acres m/l of premier building and recreational land located just south of Norwalk, Iowa, in Warren County. Situated within the Norwalk Community School District and less than one-half mile from the pavement of Highway R57, this property offers an outstanding opportunity to own a large tract of land with excellent building potential, recreational
Discover the perfect balance of privacy, convenience, and opportunity on this exceptional 20.31 ± acre property located just south of Norwalk and Cumming, Iowa, and only minutes from West Des Moines. Offering a beautiful combination of productive open cropland and mature timber, this property provides an ideal setting to build your dream home, establish a hobby farm, or create the private country
Brodie WubbenRE/MAX Precision Land & Development Group
Welcome to this Norwalk community of Holland Pointe! This Cedar ranch offers open-concept living with a vaulted ceiling, fireplace and kitchen with island and corner pantry. Three bedrooms on the main level including a primary with en-suite bathroom with dual sinks and a walk-in closet. Entertain in the finished Lower Level with a large family room, fourth bedroom and 3/4 bath. With Quartz
What a great opportunity to own a larger two story home in a newer Norwalk neighborhood. The home has an inviting open floor plan that includes a fireplace in the living room and an office on the main level. The unfinished basement offers great storage and potential. It has a three car attached garage. The rear deck overlooks the tree lined backyard. Property is being sold As-Is. Inspections are
Welcome to 2721 Yordi Drive, a beautifully crafted new construction home by HQ Homes. Offering 1,822 finished square feet, this detached single-family residence combines thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and modern finishes in a highly functional floor plan. Designed with today’s homeowner in mind, the open-concept main level features approximately 9-foot ceilings, luxury vinyl plank
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
Designed exclusively for 55 or better, this spacious ranch townhome offers low-maintenance living with all the essentials on the main level. The open-concept layout features a kitchen with a center island, a dining area, and a great room that flows seamlessly to a patio. Enjoy a private primary suite with a walk-in closet and bath, plus a second bedroom, full bath, and convenient laundry. The
Callaway at Holland Pointe is one of Norwalk's newest apartment communities, offering modern one and two bedroom apartments along with three bedroom apartments and townhomes at 1501 Callaway Lane in Norwalk, IA. Floor plans range from 660 to 2,170 square feet, providing space and flexibility for everyday living. Designed for families, professionals, couples, and individuals alike, this is a
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!
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, you'll
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.
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
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
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
737 Kitterman Circle. Norwalk, IA 50211 Available Now Welcome home to this lovely updated, two story townhouse. Newer carpet, flooring and paint throughout. This is an open concept floor plan that is very spacious. The kitchen looks right out into the dining and family room. The finished basement is reminiscent of a studio space, with a full kitchen and nicely finished bath.
Property Id: 1499335 Built in 2024 this 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
Property Id: 1724690 Open concept main level with fireplace and kitchen with island and pantry. The upper level also features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and laundry. Finished lower level provides an additional family room, fourth bedroom and third bathroom.
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