West Des Moines feels more suburban than Des Moines, yet it remains connected to city life. It has highly rated schools and two major shopping destinations that draw traffic from the entire metro area. The area keeps pace with its rapidly expanding neighbors like Waukee and Clive, with its well-equipped park system and new projects on the southwest end, from subdivisions to entertainment megaplexes. Several corporate headquarters and college campuses called West Des Moines home.
Residents can take a stroll thru Knolls Park in West Des Moines.
West Des Moines is the perfect mix of history, progression, and growth.
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Where to find condos, townhouses and luxury estates in town
According to Matt Fuelberth, Realtor with Iowa Realty, who hosts the Life in Des Moines, Iowa YouTube channel, each neighborhood has its own unique community. “The Historic Valley Junction area has an old, classic downtown Main Street feel, with houses built in the early 1900s,” he says. Streets of midcentury homes branching off Ashworth Road are also considered the old part of town. Condos, townhouses and single-family homes built in the early 2000s are farther west, along with rare listings for estates over $1 million. The newest tract and custom homes are on the outskirts, and the southwest side towards Norwalk still has some open land to build on.
Valley Junction is home to quaint and historic homes, many of which are over 100 years old.
Some West Des Moines homes are worth well over $1 million.
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How West Des Moines compares to nearby suburbs on cost
"The area had a lot of money at the time, so there are these sprawling houses with mature trees," says Liz Lashier, West Des Moines resident and Realtor with NextHome Your Way. "That's also where you’ll probably find the biggest disparity of prices. You'll have an $800,000 house and a $250,000 house—one’s been fixed up and well-maintained, and one needs a lot replaced.” The median price for homes in West Des Moines is in the mid $300,000s—higher than Des Moines’ median in the low $200,000s, but lower than the national average and nearby suburbs like Waukee and Clive, which have medians in the low to mid $400,000s.
Students can earn college credit through DMACC programs
While West Des Moines Community School District serves most of the area, some students are zoned for school districts based in Norwalk, Winterset and Waukee. The state offers out-of-district transfers based on availability. Fuelberth says the school system is a major draw to the area. “A lot of times, people are willing to pay premiums and move to the city for West Des Moines’ top-scoring schools,” he says. Tuition-based Dowling Catholic High School is another option. Most high schools—public or private—offer college credit through Des Moines Area Community College’s Career Advantage program. One of six DMACC campuses is in West Des Moines, as well as Des Moines University.
Valley High School is a public high school located in West Des Moines, Iowa.
DMACC West Campus is located in West Des Moines and features a modern, technology-forward building.
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Major employers and clinics cluster near key highway junctions
Most residents choose to get around by car, though the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority provides local bus service, and a vast bike trail system connects the entire region. “It used to be that everybody drove downtown for work, but they've moved a lot of the companies out to the suburbs,” Lashier says. Hy-Vee's corporate headquarters, insurance firms like Athene USA Corporation and a Wells Fargo campus are based here. Branches of The Iowa Clinic, MercyOne and UnityPoint Health are located at the intersection of Interstates 35, 80 and 235, which lead in all directions throughout the metro.
HyVee is one of the area's biggest employers and is headquartered in West Des Moines.
Athene has a beautiful and modern campus west of Jordan Creek Town Center.
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Where to shop and dine from Valley Junction to Jordan Creek
Historic Valley Junction's storefronts house antique and vintage stores, art galleries and restaurants. “It’s kind of an old town neighborhood with buildings that date to the late 1800s to the early 1900s,” says Deb Miller, a Realtor with Iowa Realty. Jordan Creek Town Center is the largest mall in the Des Moines metro with over 150 brands spread across a mixed indoor-outdoor development. Suburban shopping centers are at each corner of West Des Moines, and even these are frequent stops for neighboring communities.
Jordan Creek Town Center is Iowa's largest mall and offers something for everyone.
Historic Valley Junction is a shopping and dining destination.
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Summer farmers markets and live music draw big crowds
West Des Moines also has community events that draw people from all over the metro area. “During the summer, they have a farmers market every Thursday night,” Miller says. “They have live music, food trucks and little vendors who sell things there. It’s a really popular destination in the summertime.”
The Historic Valley Junction Foundation organizes an annual Cinco de Mayo Festival and celebrates the area’s Mexican heritage that harkens back to the city's railroad days. The festival includes live performances, artwork and cultural foods. “They have a Jingle in the Junction event that happens during the holiday season that’s fun,” Miller says. “It brings a lot of people down to shop in that area.”
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Francisco de la Vera
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tammy Claiborne,
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.
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On average, homes in West Des Moines, IA sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in West Des Moines, IA over the last 12 months is $327,245, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover this beautifully maintained first-floor condo in the heart of West Des Moines, offering comfortable, convenient living with no stairs and easy accessibility throughout. The home features two spacious bedrooms, including a primary suite with a walk-in shower, a generous kitchen, and a private outdoor patio perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, the large living area flows
Step into this stunning ranch townhouse that combines timeless craftsmanship with modern comfort. With 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, this home offers both functionality and style. The open living area is a true showstopper with soaring 15-foot ceilings, rich woodwork, and gleaming cherry floors that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen and dining spaces flow seamlessly
Welcome to Cedar Ridge in West Des Moines built by Oakstone Homes!This stunning corner-lot home offers beautiful curb appeal with a covered front entry and an inviting open floor plan. The popular Oak Plan is a two-story design featuring 1,700 sq ft above grade plus a walkout lower level.Inside, you'll love the oversized Pella windows, 9-foot ceilings, LVP flooring, and stylish lighting
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained townhome built in 2017, featuring a bright, open-concept perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen, dining, and living spaces flow seamlessly together, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This home offers three bedrooms and four bathrooms, including a private primary suite complete with double sinks, walk in closet and spacious
Well-maintained, end-unit townhome with lots of natural light and space! Front porch looking onto green space. Three floors of livable space for you to enjoy. New LVP flooring. Living room with nice light, open to your dining area with bay window. New recessed lighting and ceiling fans throughout. Slider to your deck. Eat-in kitchen with white appliances. Half bath with a new vanity and sink.
The Riverside by Brenner Built is a stunning 5-bed, 3.5-bath ranch offering nearly 4,000 sq ft of finished living space on a walkout .67-acre lot with gorgeous views. Step inside to soaring 10’ ceilings with 11’ tray over the kitchen island, an open-concept layout, and a sun-filled great room with expansive windows framing the scenic surroundings. The kitchen impresses with a 10’+ island,
Rare opportunity to purchase over 6 acres of prime West Des Moines Real Estate. Ground is currently zoned RM-12, which will allow up to 75 multi family units. Property is located a short distance from bike trails, grocery, shopping, and Raccoon River Park. All information obtained from seller and public records.
Excellent investment opportunity in Valley Junction! 317 7th St West Des Moines, IA triplex offers three separate rental units: two main-floor units and a spacious upper unit with two bedrooms and an additional flex space in the finished attic. Unit 101 and 103 are both studio apartments with a living area, spacious kitchen and full bathroom. Unit 201 consists of 2 bedrooms, separate kitchen and
Discover the Harrison Two-Story Plan by Greenland Homes in Pavilion Park, one of West Des Moines' most popular communities. This 4-bedroom home offers bright, open living spaces, a spacious kitchen island, and plenty of natural light throughout. Relax by the electric fireplace, cased in sleek shiplap. Enjoy the convenience of an oversized 2-car garage for additional storage and a lower-level
Located in a desirable WDM neighborhood with mature trees and quick access to shopping, dining, parks, and anywhere in the metro, this beautiful two-story awaits. This home has been thoughtfully maintained over the years and features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and character throughout. From the moment you enter, you'll love the rich colored, no maintenance tile floor which flows seamlessly through
Welcome to Maple Grove Villas in West Des Moines, IALocated at 8602 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266, Maple Grove Villas offers spacious 2- and 3-bedroom apartments and townhomes designed for comfort and convenience. Floor plans range from 923 to 1,336 square feet, providing plenty of space to suit your lifestyle.Our pet-friendly community welcomes both cats and dogs, and features
Welcome home to Concord at Marketplace! An exceptional senior living community in West Des Moines, IA for adults 55+. Thoughtfully designed homes combine with outstanding amenities to maintain your active lifestyle. To be eligible, you must be 55 years or older and meet the income requirements. Come home to expansive studio, one, and two bedroom apartments designed for simplified and comfortable
Strathmore Apartment Homes is ready to welcome you and your furry friends with an impressive collection of one and two-bedroom apartments. Designed to ensure you live your best life, our West Des Moines homes for rent are guaranteed to satisfy a wide variety of needs and tastes.Thanks to our rich experience in building comfortable homes at better prices, Strathmore is more than just another
Welcome home to Concord at Marketplace! An exceptional senior living community in West Des Moines, IA for adults 55+. Thoughtfully designed homes combine with outstanding amenities to maintain your active lifestyle. To be eligible, you must be 55 years or older and meet the income requirements. Come home to expansive studio, one, and two bedroom apartments designed for simplified and comfortable
Come home to nature's best offering of Peace, Comfort, Quality, and Style.Welcome to Regency Woods, a serene oasis where tranquility meets contemporary living. Located in the heart of West Des Moines, Iowa, our community offers an escape from the city hustle, providing a peaceful retreat for residents. With meticulously crafted residences boasting vaulted ceilings, cozy fireplaces, and inviting
Welcome home to Concord at Marketplace! An exceptional senior living community in West Des Moines, IA for adults 55+. Thoughtfully designed homes combine with outstanding amenities to maintain your active lifestyle. To be eligible, you must be 55 years or older and meet the income requirements. Come home to expansive studio, one, and two bedroom apartments designed for simplified and comfortable
Live the luxe life at Broadmoor at Jordan Creek in West Des Moines. Youll fall in love with the top-of-the-line finishes in every apartment home, from custom cabinetry and granite countertops to super-sized closets, nine-foot ceilings and sleek ceramic tile bathrooms with deep oval soaking tubs.While each apartment boasts its own list of luxe features and amenities, the community as a
Welcome home to Concord at Marketplace! An exceptional senior living community in West Des Moines, IA for adults 55+. Thoughtfully designed homes combine with outstanding amenities to maintain your active lifestyle. To be eligible, you must be 55 years or older and meet the income requirements. Come home to expansive studio, one, and two bedroom apartments designed for simplified and comfortable
Explore the Timeless Appeal and Contemporary Comfort at Olde English Village Apartments, situated in the heart of Polk County, IA. Offering a range of one- and two-bedroom residences, each home is thoughtfully designed to complement your lifestyle. With well-equipped kitchens, ample storage, and spacious layouts, our apartments ensure a cozy environment you'll always look forward to returning
Welcome home to Concord at Marketplace! An exceptional senior living community in West Des Moines, IA for adults 55+. Thoughtfully designed homes combine with outstanding amenities to maintain your active lifestyle. To be eligible, you must be 55 years or older and meet the income requirements. Come home to expansive studio, one, and two bedroom apartments designed for simplified and comfortable
Experience quality living at Wellington Apartments in the desirable West Des Moines area! Apartments feature spacious closets, private patios and balconies, in-home laundry, and fireplaces and vaulted ceilings in select units. Enjoy a beautiful tree-lined community with a clubhouse and coffee bar, 2-swimming pool, 2-dog park, fitness center, and walking and biking trails. Conveniently located
Welcome home to Concord at Marketplace! An exceptional senior living community in West Des Moines, IA for adults 55+. Thoughtfully designed homes combine with outstanding amenities to maintain your active lifestyle. To be eligible, you must be 55 years or older and meet the income requirements. Come home to expansive studio, one, and two bedroom apartments designed for simplified and comfortable
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