West Des Moines

A real downtown, a mall the whole state shops at, and more history than any suburb in the metro:
West Des Moines was here before “suburb” was even a word.

County: Primarily Polk County (small parts in Dallas, Warren and Madison Counties)
Population: 68,723 (2020 Census, US Census Bureau)
School district: West Des Moines Community School District
Commute: About 15mins citywide

West Des Moines is the kind of place that had its own identity decades before anyone called it a suburb. You get a genuine downtown in Historic Valley Junction, major shopping and dining out by Jordan Creek, and neighborhoods ranging from century-old bungalows to brand-new construction.

It's usually the first stop for buyers who want suburban space without giving up walkability, character and culture.

Neighborhoods

West Des Moines has become one of the most sought-after suburbs in the entire metro, ranked the #2 Best Suburb to Live in the Des Moines Area and among the top 5 places to live in all of Iowa by Niche. It pairs genuine big-city convenience, Jordan Creek Town Center alone holds roughly 150 stores and the only Apple Store in Iowa, with the kind of tree-lined, small-town character that's harder to find the closer you get to downtown.

Highly rated schools, well-kept parks and trails, and a real mix of historic neighborhoods and new construction mean there's a fit here for almost any kind of buyer, from first-timers to move-up families to luxury buyers. Here's a closer look at what each area is actually like.

Luxury & Gated:

Glen Oaks: Gated community around an 18-hole golf course, with HOA-maintained estate homes above $700K

Country Club: Older pocket near Des Moines Golf and Country Club with 1960s-70s split-levels, ranches, and bungalows from $500k-$2M

Wellington Ridge: Upscale neighborhood of executive and estate-style homes typically $550K-$1.1M with gated entries and HOA-kept grounds

New & Modern:

Jordan Creek: Contemporary area anchored by Jordan Creek Town Center, with executive single-family homes, luxury townhomes and newer apartments

Maple Grove: Newer growing area mixing townhomes and detached single-family homes

Raccoon River Park Area:

Mix of newer modern homes on mature lots around the park

Established & Charming:

Westridge-Ashworth Area: Established, centrally-located area of mid-century through early-2000s homes along mature, tree-lined streets

Valley Junction: Historic district of century-old craftsman bungalows and Victorians

Westwood-Tamara Area:

Residential pocket of mostly 2000s-era single-family homes in central WDM

Housing:

West Des Moines has a wide housing variety: Victorian and craftsman homes in Valley Junction, mid-century ranches near Ashworth Road, golf-course estates around Glen Oaks, condos and apartments near Jordan Creek, and new construction out toward Maple Grove. There is truly the biggest mix of new construction and established single family homes to townhomes and condominiums.

Who Moves Here?

West Des Moines’ homeownership rate is around, 57% (Niche), which tracks with a mix of renters, young professionals, and established families rather than one dominant buyer type.

The median household income runs around $86,600 (Niche), and Niche grades the city an A overall, including an A in both jobs and nightlife. That lines up with a suburb that has apartments and starter homes sitting right alongside executive housing near major employers like Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

Schools

West Des Moines Community School District serves most of the city: 8 elementary schools, 2 junior highs, the freshman campus at Valley Southwoods, and Valley High School. There is also a private school presence, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Elementary-Middle School and Dowling Catholic High School.

Niche grades the district an A minus, #22 among Best School Districts in Iowa.

The small Dallas County sliver of the city attends Waukee Community School District.

Worth flagging if you're a buyer looking at homes near the western edge.

West Des Moines High School:

The Tigers hold numerous Iowa high school state titles in major sports and have produced athletes to go onto the NFL, NBA, and Olympics.

Dowling Catholic

High School:

The Maroons are known for their academic excellence and their wrestling, football and soccer programs.

Before purchasing a home, you should always double-check what school zone it sits within before you fall in love with a house.

R
e
s
t
a
u
r
a
n
t
s

St Kilda Collective (All Day Cafe)
- Set in a restored historic building in Valley Junction with an in-house bakery and two bars, serving globally inspired, breakfast-forward fare until 3pm daily. Great for a relaxed brunch, coffee run or date night.
Cooper's on 5th (American / Cocktail Bar)
- Elevated comfort food in the heart of Valley Junction: pulled pork, braised short ribs, a well-loved burger, and a patio that fills up fast in summer.
Irina's Steak & Seafood (Steakhouse)
- A stylish, dimly lit steakhouse known for aged prime beef, A-5 Wagyu, and lobster tails, with Bang Bang Shrimp as the standout starter. Good for a special occasion or business dinner.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill (American / Steakhouse)
- A classic American grill known for wood-fired steaks, seafood, chicken, and ribs, plus a lively weekday happy hour. A reliable pick for a casual-but-nice night out.
Tom Archer's Poor Man's Country Club (Supper Club)
- Tucked in the basement of the newly renovated Val Air Ballroom: a retro, slowed-down supper club with burgundy leather booths and ballroom memorabilia on the walls. Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Things To Do

Raccoon River Park is West Des Moines' signature green space with Blue Heron Lake, a swimming beach, a 3.2-mile trail around the water, an inclusive playground and a 12-lane archery range that's the first of its kind in Iowa.

Historic Valley Junction is another part of the city's personality with charming shops and a Thursday farmers market (May through September, 80+ vendors).

Then there is Jordan Creek Town Center which has the largest shopping complex in the state of Iowa, which is Jordan Creek mall. You’ll find lots of good shopping there plus a movie theatre with all the new flix.

Feeling a place to go and play all kinds of games, but also share a great meal? Smash Park has all sorts of activities from pickleball to giant tabletop Jenga. Then make sure to order a meal to share.

Then further West, you’ll run into Top Golf, a place to have fun for the whole family! Practice your golf swing year round and enjoy an appetizer with friends.

Market Insight

Sellers

Buyers here are generally choosing between two identities: walkable, character-filled Valley Junction versus modern, amenity-driven Jordan Creek. Know which camp your buyer pool falls into and market accordingly. A Valley Junction bungalow sells on charm and walkability; a Jordan Creek or Maple Grove home sells on open floor plans, updated finishes, and proximity to the mall and golf clubs.

Buyers

Like a lot of river towns, West Des Moines has some low-lying pockets, mainly near the Raccoon River and Walnut Creek, that are worth a quick check before you fall for a listing. So for anything near the river corridor, it's smart to ask about flood-zone status and whether flood insurance is required, so you know your real monthly cost going in rather than finding out later.

Steven's Spots

Brunch at St Kilda for a "Brekkie Burrito" and a good cup of coffee. Then head to David's Fine Tobacco to get some work done and enjoy a cigar. Next take my family to Top Golf and help my kids work on their putting game and share some nachos for dinner. Finally meet the guys at Winchester Public House for a select bourbon.

As a West Des Moines native, these are some of my favorite spots!