How Waukee’s population boom is shaping development
Waukee's highly rated schools, employment opportunities and expanding amenities are attracting families to the area. It forms the western cusp of the Des Moines Metro Area, and like Ankeny to the north, it has space to grow on all sides. Waukee has had a significant population increase in recent years, making it the fastest-growing city in Iowa. It estimates a current population of around 35,000 people, which has led to new construction, businesses, parks and schools. Hickman Road, which runs through the city, is a major thoroughfare with shopping and dining options that continue to expand.
New construction homes are next to historic homes.
The "W" Roundabout makes the symbol for Waukee.
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New subdivisions mix with older homes
Subdivisions with fresh pavement and freshly planted trees make up much of Waukee, while other areas have mid-rise townhouses. “Waukee used to be an old farming community, so you’ll still see some homes from the 1950s,” says Jarod Snover, a lifelong Des Moines resident and local agent with Iowa Realty Mills Crossing.
Kris Mehmen, a Realtor with Re/Max Precision, sells in the area and notes its growth. “That’s where you’re going to find a lot of new construction booming...” she says. The median single-family home price in Waukee is in the high $300,000s, which is below the national average and that of neighboring communities like Clive, with a median price in the mid $400,000s. Homes spend an average of 115 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median townhouse price is in the low $200,000s.
Historic homes are scattered throughout the area.
Residential streets are often lined with colorful townhomes.
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Iowa’s open enrollment law gives families flexibility in school choice
The Waukee Community School District has highly rated schools. Northwest High School welcomed its first students in the 2021 school year, and the district purchased a tract of land for a potential third high school to keep up with the growing population. High school students can take classes for college credit at Des Moines Area Community College through the DMACC Career Advantage program. Due to Iowa law, families can enroll their students in a different school district within the state if there is available classroom space.
Waukee Middle School is dedicated to fostering an environment that supports and encourages the growth and development of all its students.
Waukee High School serves half of students in grades 10-12.
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Locals embrace rapid growth and a shift toward entertainment
“When I first moved to the area, Hickman, the main four-lane road, was just gravel,” says Shane Kennedy, Realtor with eXP Realty, who grew up in Waukee. “I would look around and just see cornfields. It's bizarre, you’re in the same area, but it doesn’t feel like it.” Alongside homes and projects like Apple data centers, the city’s newest developments aim to attract a flow of visitors to the city. “[Apple has] given a lot of money to the Waukee area, which has then enabled them to make some amazing park systems,” says Kris Mehmen, a Realtor with Re/Max Precision who sells in the area. Waukee is around 15 miles from Downtown Des Moines, so it's a popular place for those wanting to commute.
In addition to parks, the city now has the still-growing Waukee Towne Center, which aims to provide entertainment, restaurants, shops and nightlife. “I love the growth — It's aggressive, but in a good way,” Kennedy says. “They’re trying to make it a destination where people are going to stay here and go out here.”
Nature trails connect Waukee to the metro’s greenways
With 20 city parks and the public Sugar Creek Municipal Golf Course, Waukee offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation:
Waukee Triumph Park has a dozen diamond fields that are open to local leagues, an 11-acre pond with a fishing pier and a playground.
The city’s 25 miles of nature trails connect to other Des Moines metro trail systems, like The Heart of the Warrior Trail, which connects to Clive’s Greenbelt Trail in Lions Park.
Timberline Campground attracts visitors from the metro area with its fishing pond, swimming pool and dog park.
Waukee Triumph Park lake offers fishing opportunities for residents.
Centennial Park is the main park of the city.
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Traffic flows both ways as jobs shift to West Des Moines
Waukee’s suburban nature makes it a car-dependent area. It’s about 15 miles west of Des Moines via Hickman Road or Interstate 235. “People go downtown, but a bunch of companies have moved out to West Des Moines,” Kennedy says. “So you’ll see a pretty good flow of traffic going both ways in the morning on 235.” The rest of Des Moines’ interstates form a circle connecting residents to other satellite cities like Ankeny and Altoona. Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority buses offer public transportation into the city.
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Conar McDaniel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Li,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Waukee, IA sell after 113 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Waukee, IA over the last 12 months is $379,990, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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