Moving to Ankeny, Iowa: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide

Considering moving to Ankeny, Iowa? This thriving Des Moines suburb offers explosive growth, excellent schools, and family atmosphere. With approximately 70,000 residents in 2025, Ankeny combines new development with quality amenities and Metro Des Moines’ premier residential destination.

Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Ankeny:

Ankeny’s 2025 population is approximately 70,000 residents in this Polk County city immediately north of Des Moines experiencing rapid growth. The median age is around 36 years, with families, young professionals, and working-age residents. The population is approximately 89% White, 5% Hispanic, 3% Asian, 2% Black or African American. Ankeny features extensive new suburban development, growing commercial corridors, Prairie Trail connecting to Des Moines, and serves as the metro’s fastest-growing city. The city attracts families seeking new construction with excellent schools, professionals wanting Des Moines proximity, and those prioritizing safety and quality of life. Ankeny appeals to middle to upper-middle class families seeking Iowa’s premier suburb. The community values education, family atmosphere, growth management, and maintaining quality despite explosive expansion.

Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Ankeny:

Ankeny offers moderate costs for the Des Moines metro. Median home values range from $290,000 to $420,000 in 2025, with abundant new construction providing inventory and value. The median household income is approximately $88,000. Rental properties average $1,200 to $1,800 monthly. Iowa has no state income tax on retirement income; individual income tax is progressive 0.33%-8.53%. Property taxes are moderate. Overall cost of living is competitive for the amenities and schools, making Ankeny highly attractive for families, professionals, and those seeking Des Moines area’s best schools and newest homes. The city provides tremendous value with new development and top-ranked schools. Housing costs create accessibility while providing modern amenities.

Economy and Job Market:

Ankeny residents typically work throughout the Des Moines metro. Major local employers include Casey’s General Stores (headquarters), Faith Baptist Bible College, retail centers, and businesses along commercial corridors. Many commute to Des Moines (immediately adjacent) or work throughout the metro. The broader Des Moines economy offers vast opportunities. Typical commute times to downtown Des Moines are 15-25 minutes. The city serves as a premier residential community for Des Moines professionals. Many residents work in insurance, financial services, healthcare, and various sectors throughout the metro.

Education:

Ankeny Community School District serves city students with highly-rated schools including Ankeny High School and Ankeny Centennial High School, both consistently ranking among Iowa’s best. The exceptional schools from elementary through high school attract families specifically for educational excellence. The outstanding school system is the primary reason families relocate to Ankeny, creating education-focused community values and competitive academic environment with exceptional achievement and resources.

Recreation and Lifestyle:

Ankeny offers extensive parks including High Trestle Trail Bridge (spectacular pedestrian bridge with LED lighting), Prairie Trail providing paved connection to Des Moines, and comprehensive recreation facilities. The Ankeny Market & Pavilion hosts farmers market and events. Residents enjoy newer commercial development with shopping and dining, community events, and immediate Des Moines access for entertainment. The lifestyle emphasizes family activities, new home amenities, outdoor recreation on extensive trails, and quality of life. The four-season Iowa climate enables year-round activities. The community values top schools, family atmosphere, trail system, safety, and maintaining quality despite rapid growth. Living in Ankeny means embracing explosive growth and newer suburb character, accepting that it’s Des Moines metro’s boom town, and prioritizing schools and family atmosphere while enjoying Iowa’s top-ranked schools, High Trestle Trail beauty, exceptional safety, and new construction creating the Des Moines area’s premier family destination where rapid growth meets educational excellence.

Healthcare and Services:

Ankeny residents access comprehensive healthcare through MercyOne Ankeny Medical Center, immediate Des Moines hospital access, and facilities throughout the metro. The regional healthcare infrastructure provides quality medical care easily accessible.

Transportation:

Ankeny is accessed via Interstate 35, U.S. Route 69, and various arterial roads. Des Moines International Airport is 15-20 minutes south. DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit) provides limited bus service. Most residents use personal vehicles. The Prairie Trail offers bike connectivity to Des Moines. Typical commute times to downtown Des Moines are 15-25 minutes.

Conclusion:

Moving to Ankeny in 2025 offers premier Des Moines suburb living with explosive growth, top-ranked schools, and family atmosphere. The city’s combination of educational excellence, new construction, and High Trestle Trail makes it ideal for families, professionals, and those seeking Iowa’s fastest-growing destination where top schools meet new development and exceptional quality of life defines Metro Des Moines’ premier residential city.