Saylorville has a rural feel and easy access to Des Moines attractions
Saylorville has a more rural feel compared to other nearby suburbs, thanks to its location near the lake of the same name. It offers a quieter lifestyle, with an easy commute to Des Moines. The community is residential and doesn’t have a major commercial corridor, but it’s close to things to do in Johnston and Ankeny. It is a census-designated place, so services, taxes and laws follow Polk County.
Saylorville is a small community just north of Des Moines with a sprawling, semi-rural feel.
Saylorville features streets of beautifully manicured suburban landscape.
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Saylorville mixes new homes with classic styles on shaded roads
The neighborhood has newer housing developments with planned residential communities, where single-family homes line curving streets shaded by towering trees. The Green at Woodland Hills has new traditional-style homes built in the early 2020s, and ranch-style houses can be found throughout the area. There are also a handful of American Craftsman homes with front porches and attached garages. Most of Saylorville is above the lake basin and has limited flood risk, but it’s important to check flood zone status for property near the river or lake.
Much of the area features a large amount of greenery to help locals feel comfortable and safe
Residents can live right on the golf course at Woodland Hills.
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Home prices and tax perks for buyers outside Ankeny limits
Joan Axtell, a real estate associate with RE/MAX Concepts, sells homes in the area and says that they sell quickly. She says that being outside Ankeny city limits means residents are not subject to city taxes. Home prices range from the high $100,000s to the mid $500,000s, but some larger or newer homes can start in the low $600,000s and go up to the low $900,000s. Saylorville’s average home value is in the high $300,000s, which is:
lower than the national average value in the mid $500,000s.
Higher than Des Moines’ average value in the low $300,000s.
What families should know about school zones and DMACC access
The majority of Saylorville's children can attend schools in the Saydel Community School District. Some of the more northern sections of the neighborhood are zoned for the Ankeny Community School District. Iowa state law allows students to enroll in other districts within the state if there is space available. Both Saydel High School and Ankeny High School students can take college courses at Des Moines Area Community College, which is located just north of Saylorville and offers more than 200 programs, certificates and transfer degrees, including the Iowa Culinary Institute.
Crocker Elementary School in Southwest Ankeny prepares students for greatness.
Students of Southview Middle School excel in their studies.
Older students attend Ankeny High School.
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Commutes are car‑dependent, with quick routes to the metro area
“If you work or drive to Des Moines or any area south or west often, the trip is short with an advantage of being already south of Ankeny traffic,” Axtell says. The commute to downtown Des Moines is about 7 to 9 miles, but commuters may also be traveling to nearby areas like Johnston, Ankeny and West Des Moines. Iowa Highway 415 runs north-south through this neighborhood, while state Route 69 runs adjacent to the area and connects commuters to Interstate 35 in nearby Marquisville. Getting around by walking or biking is limited, and there are limited public transportation options.
Saylorville is a suburban neighborhood north of Des Moines on Saylorville Lake.
Older sections feature a wealth of split and bilevel homes and nice ranches.
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Things to do include lake recreation, long trails and year‑round fun
Saylorville Lake is a popular multipurpose spot for fishing, boating and observing wildlife. “There are multiple ramps and different places to get into the lake,” says Shonna Murrey, a broker associate who is the area leader for Epique Realty and the team leader for The Murrey Group. Outdoor activities are year-round, including sledding and ice fishing.
Murrey also notes that the entire Des Moines metro area is known for its recreational walking and biking trails. The Neal Smith Trail is about 26 miles long and runs through Saylorville. There are also plenty of areas dedicated to camping and nature preserves. Cottonwood Recreation Area offers another option just south of Saylorville Lake and has on-site campgrounds and access to the Des Moines River. People can golf at the Des Moines Driving Range and the public 18-hole Woodland Hills Golf Course.
The Cottonwood Recreation Area has tons of amenities for visitors.
Cottonwood Recreational Area provides access to the river for fishing or canoeing.
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Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Video By
Charles Kennedy
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ryan Hoover,
an experienced agent in this area.
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