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
Matthew Young,
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 97 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Waukee, IA over the last 12 months is $369,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stop paying HOA fees and come see 995 8th Street in Waukee, a thoughtfully designed home that offers the comfort, convenience, and style today’s buyers are looking for. Built in 2019 and set on a generous 0.32-acre lot, this property stands out with its modern construction, open feel, and a layout that lives easily for everyday life. With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,741 square feet, the home
A rare opportunity to own nearly 3 acres in Waukee, offering the space, privacy and setting nearly impossible to recreate in today's developments. Tucked among mature trees along Fox Creek, this 5-bedroom home combines acreage living with the convenience of being just minutes from Waukee and West Des Moines. Inside, you'll find over 3,000 finished sq ft featuring an updated kitchen, spacious
Say goodbye to morning chaos—each bedroom in this beautifully crafted and has its own private bathroom, making busy routines a breeze. The executive kitchen is a chef’s dream, featuring quartz countertops, custom soft-close cabinetry, tile backsplash, and all four stainless steel appliances. With two spacious living areas—one on each finished level—there’s room for everyone to relax, entertain,
Location Location Location! Move right in and enjoy this immaculate 4-bedroom, 3-bath end-unit townhome with over 2100 SF in Westgate-a prime location just off Hickman Road in the Waukee School District! Conveniently located near Hy-Vee, Target, the movie theater, high schools, restaurants, and more. Freshly painted with brand-new carpet, this home is truly move-in ready. ! The main level
Welcome to this beautiful 2-story single-family home featuring 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a conveniently located upstairs laundry. The main level boasts an open-concept layout perfect for modern living and entertaining. You'll love the gourmet kitchen with stunning quartz countertops, a stylish tile backsplash, custom soft-close cabinets with hardware, a walk-in pantry, and all
Stunning custom executive ranch on a private .61-acre lot in The Reserve at Daybreak! Boasting 6 beds, 4 baths, and 3,768 SF of luxury finishes, this home features fresh 2025 interior paint and new LVP flooring. The open-concept main floor highlights a great room with fireplace open to chef's kitchen with an oversized marble island, 6-burner KitchenAid gas stove, under counter microwave and a
Nestled in the highly sought-after Reserve at Daybreak in Waukee, this expansive ranch offers over 3,000 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The main level features an open-concept layout filled with natural light, seamlessly connecting the living, dining, and kitchen spaces, along with a serene primary suite featuring a walk-in shower and a custom closet
Welcome home to this stunning 1.5 story home with 4,847 total sq ft in one of Clive's most desirable neighborhoods, just minutes from top rated Waukee schools, parks, trails, shopping, dining, and interstate access. The thoughtfully designed floor plan features a spacious main level primary suite, while the upper level offers three generous bedrooms including a private en-suite and two bedrooms
This 2 bed, 2.5 bath home features an open-concept layout with high ceilings and abundant natural light. The kitchen offers a breakfast bar, ample cabinet and counter space, stainless steel appliances, a pantry, and tile flooring. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite includes a tiled shower and a large walk-in closet, while the second bedroom also features its own walk-in closet and generous
Striking contemporary estate on 5.4 acres in Napa Valley Estates, offering over 11,244 square feet of finished living space with 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Soaring ceilings and a dramatic two-story atrium anchor the main level, where the living room's floor-to-ceiling glass walls and gas fireplace overlook the property's rolling grounds. The kitchen features high-end cabinetry, an oversized
Experience serene living in this stunning single-family ranch-style home featuring 4 bedrooms 2 up & 2 down in finished lower level and 3 full bathrooms. The open-concept design is perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy a chef-inspired kitchen with quartz countertops, a stylish tile backsplash, custom soft-close cabinetry with hardware, a spacious pantry, and all four stainless
Welcome home to this well-maintained 2-story townhome in a prime Waukee location! A dramatic vaulted living room welcomes you inside, creating a bright and spacious first impression. The open layout flows into the dining area and kitchen, making everyday living and entertaining a breeze. Convenient first-floor laundry adds to the home's functionality.Upstairs, you'll find two bedrooms,
Brick Towne at Kettlestone is now leasing!!Our community offers spacious one and two-bedroom apartment homes, thoughtfully designed with a combination of modern interior finishes and a classic vintage brick exterior.Conveniently nestled in a residential neighborhood, Brick Towne offers close access to grocery stores, shopping, recreation, restaurants, and schools. Plus, with easy
Welcome to your new home in Waukee, IA! This apartment complex offers a variety of amenities designed to enhance your living experience. Enjoy the refreshing outdoor pool during the warm summer months, or keep up with your fitness goals in our state-of-the-art fitness center. The clubhouse is a perfect place to socialize and meet your neighbors, while the playground area provides a fun and safe
Stratford Pointe pairs luxury one and two bedroom apartments with resort-style living, ideally located just steps away from Waukee Northwest High School, shopping, grocery, and the Raccoon River Valley Trail.Each apartment features beautiful modern amenities from large kitchens and granite countertops, to large walk-in closets, 9' ceilings, private balconies/patios, and private parking
Brick Towne at Prairie Crossing offers a combination of style and comfort. Let the leasing team show you everything this community has to offer. Our apartment community offers you a wide selection of amenities and features. These include: convenient on-site parking options and washers and dryers. It's time to come home to Brick Towne at Prairie Crossing. Contact us or stop in to discuss your new
Discover modern apartment living in the heart of Waukee’s growing KeeTown Loop District. Built in 2023, Center Stage offers a perfect blend of style, comfort, and convenience — steps from dining, entertainment, and scenic trails. Enjoy sleek finishes, secure key-fob access, and 24-hour amenities designed to make every day effortless.
Hit a grand slam with your new home in Waukee at The Pitch! Picture yourself living steps away from Triumph Baseball Fields, surrounded by modern comforts. Our homes are designed to impress, with stylish cabinets, neutral tones, and plenty of natural light. From spacious closets to private patios, every detail is a home run.But the fun doesn't stop there! Unwind in our clubhouse, get your sweat
When you choose one of our luxury apartments or townhomes in Waukee, Iowa, you gain more than just a place to live—you discover a sanctuary to relax and proudly call home. Whether you opt for a one, two, or three-bedroom apartment or townhome, your experience will be equally delightful. Each of our residences are thoughtfully designed, featuring stylish finishes, private patios, premium quartz
Experience more than just apartment living with us. From the moment you step through our doors, you'll feel the welcoming comfort that makes our residents proud to call us home. Enjoy cutting-edge amenities, beautifully maintained grounds, and a dedicated staff committed to elevating your lifestyle. With convenient shopping, top-rated schools, local museums, and parks nearby, plus community
Rialto is a brand-new luxury townhome community in Waukee, IA, offering two- and three-bedroom homes in one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the Des Moines metro. Floor plans range from 1,070 to 2,170 square feet, with high-end finishes, ADT Smart Home Technology, and spacious layouts. These luxury homes are designed for residents who want space, sophistication, and smart-home convenience
Welcome to Centennial Crossing, your welcoming townhome community in Waukee! Here, you'll find an inviting atmosphere close to cozy local restaurants and charming shops. Our pet-friendly and spacious townhomes for rent in Waukee are the perfect fit for everyone—whether you're a professional, student, family, or senior. Come take a closer look at what makes our community a wonderful place to call
Painted Woods Villas is Waukee’s premier new rental community, offering thoughtfully designed three-bedroom townhomes built for comfort and convenience. Each home features in-unit washers and dryers, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and an attached direct-access garage. Private walk-out patios extend your living space outdoors, while modern finishes make every home feel
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