Let the numbers do the talking.
Ankeny, IA vs West Des Moines, IA
Ankeny, IA vs West Des Moines, IA: What the data shows
Ankeny, IA is in Ankeny, IA while West Des Moines, IA is in West Des Moines, IA — both in the same state. On home prices, West Des Moines, IA is the more affordable option at $285,000 median — $8,000 less than Ankeny, IA's $293,000. WYLT rates Ankeny, IA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and West Des Moines, 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. West Des Moines, IA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Ankeny, IA has Low flood risk and West Des Moines, IA has Low flood risk.
Ankeny, IA is the more walkable neighborhood. Ankeny, IA scores 3/100 (car-dependent) versus West Des Moines, IA's N/A/100. For families weighing school quality, West Des Moines, IA has the higher school rating — Ankeny, IA rates 5.9/10 and West Des Moines, IA rates 6.1/10.
| Category | Ankeny, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $293K | $285K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $1K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $109K ✓ Higher income | $82K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Low ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 3/100 ✓ More walkable | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | 2/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | 3/100 | 40/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 30 min ✓ Shorter commute | 35 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| 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 | Families looking for good schoolsYoung professionals who driveRetirees wanting a quiet suburb |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.
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