Let the numbers do the talking.
Ankeny, IA vs Cedar Falls, IA
Ankeny, IA vs Cedar Falls, IA: What the data shows
Ankeny, IA is in Ankeny, IA while Cedar Falls, IA is in Cedar Falls, IA — both in the same state. On home prices, Cedar Falls, IA is the more affordable option at $250,000 median — $43,000 less than Ankeny, IA's $293,000. WYLT rates Ankeny, IA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Cedar Falls, IA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Ankeny, IA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Cedar Falls, IA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. On environmental risk, Ankeny, IA has Low flood risk and Cedar Falls, IA has Low flood risk.
Cedar Falls, IA is the more walkable neighborhood. Ankeny, IA scores 3/100 (car-dependent) versus Cedar Falls, IA's 18/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Cedar Falls, IA has the higher school rating — Ankeny, IA rates 5.9/10 and Cedar Falls, IA rates 6.2/10.
| Category | Ankeny, IA | Cedar Falls, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $293K | $250K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $109K ✓ Higher income | $72K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 3/100 | 18/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 2/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | 3/100 | 25/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 30 min | 30 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A | A |
| Violent Crime | Low | Low |
| Property Crime | Low | Low |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 5.9/10 | 6.2/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | FamiliesCommuters to Des MoinesRemote workers who need a quiet setting | Families with childrenFirst-time homebuyersRemote workers who can drive |
Bottom line
For families with young children, Cedar Falls offers a slightly better education system and a more affordable housing option, making it the better choice. However, for commuters who need a shorter drive to Des Moines, Ankeny's higher median income and solid schools make it the better option. Overall, both neighborhoods cater to different lifestyles, so consider which amenities are more important to you.
Share this comparison