Let the numbers do the talking.
Ankeny, IA vs Burlington, IA
Ankeny, IA vs Burlington, IA: What the data shows
Ankeny, IA is in Ankeny, IA while Burlington, IA is in Burlington, IA — both in the same state. On home prices, Burlington, IA is the more affordable option at $121,500 median — $171,500 less than Ankeny, IA's $293,000. WYLT rates Ankeny, IA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Burlington, IA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Ankeny, IA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Ankeny, IA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Burlington, IA has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Ankeny, IA has Low flood risk and Burlington, IA has Low flood risk.
Burlington, IA is the more walkable neighborhood. Ankeny, IA scores 3/100 (car-dependent) versus Burlington, IA's 8/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Burlington, IA has the higher school rating — Ankeny, IA rates 5.9/10 and Burlington, IA rates 6.1/10.
| Category | Ankeny, IA | Burlington, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $293K | $122K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K | $891 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $109K ✓ Higher income | $54K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 3/100 | 8/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 2/100 | 2/100 |
| Bike Score | 3/100 ✓ More bikeable | 2/100 |
| Commute | 30 min | 30 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | B |
| Violent Crime | Low | Low |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 5.9/10 | 6.1/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | FamiliesCommuters to Des MoinesRemote workers who need a quiet setting | FamiliesRetireesRemote workers with reliable internet |
Bottom line
For families with a moderate budget, Ankeny's better schools and slightly higher income make it a more appealing option. However, for first-time homebuyers or retirees on a tight budget, Burlington's affordable housing and quieter small-town feel may be the better choice. Ultimately, Ankeny wins for commuters who need to access Des Moines, while Burlington remains a suitable option for those who prefer a car-centric lifestyle.
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