Thinking About Relocating to Ankeny, Iowa? Start Here
Thinking about moving to Ankeny, Iowa? You're not alone. Ankeny has become one of the fastest-growing communities in the state, attracting families, young professionals, retirees, and remote workers from across the country. With highly rated schools, a strong local economy, newer neighborhoods, and convenient access to the Des Moines metro, it's easy to see why so many people are choosing to call Ankeny home. If you're relocating from out of state, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before making your move.
Why Are So Many People Moving to Ankeny?
Ankeny consistently ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in Iowa, thanks to its combination of affordability, amenities, and quality of life.
Some of the biggest reasons people relocate here include:
Excellent public schools
A growing job market
Easy access to downtown Des Moines
Newer homes and neighborhoods
Hundreds of acres of parks and trails
Family-friendly community events
A wide variety of shopping and restaurants
Lower cost of living than many larger metropolitan areas
Whether you're relocating for work, family, or simply a different pace of life, Ankeny offers something for nearly everyone.
Where Is Ankeny Located?
Ankeny is located just north of downtown Des Moines along Interstate 35, making it one of the most convenient communities in Central Iowa.
Approximate drive times include:
Downtown Des Moines – 20 minutes
West Des Moines – 25 minutes
Ames – 30 minutes
Des Moines International Airport – 30 minutes
Many residents work throughout the Des Moines metro while enjoying the neighborhoods, schools, and amenities Ankeny has to offer.
What Does It Cost to Live in Ankeny?
Compared to many parts of the country, Ankeny offers strong value for homebuyers.
Housing options include:
Condominiums
Townhomes
Starter homes
New construction
Executive homes
Acreage properties just outside city limits
Utility costs, transportation expenses, and overall living costs are generally lower than in many larger metropolitan areas, making Ankeny attractive to buyers relocating from higher-cost states.
What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Ankeny?
One of the first questions relocating buyers ask is:
"Where should I live?"
The answer depends on your lifestyle, budget, commute, and priorities.
Prairie Trail
Known for its walkable design, parks, restaurants, community events, and mix of housing options, Prairie Trail is one of Ankeny's most recognizable neighborhoods.
Deer Creek
Offers mature trees, established homes, convenient shopping, and quick access to many daily amenities.
Otter Creek
Popular with buyers looking for larger homes, golf course access, and established neighborhoods.
Briarwood
Provides excellent value with established homes, parks, and convenient access throughout the city.
The Grove
One of northwest Ankeny's fastest-growing areas featuring newer homes, nearby schools, and convenient access to recreation and shopping.
A local Realtor can help you compare neighborhoods based on your lifestyle—not just the price of the homes.
Should You Buy New Construction?
Ankeny has become one of Iowa's leaders in new home construction.
New construction may be a great option if you're looking for:
Modern floor plans
Energy-efficient features
Builder warranties
Custom finish selections
Minimal maintenance
Existing homes may offer:
Larger lots
Mature landscaping
Established neighborhoods
Lower purchase prices
Faster move-in timelines
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, which is why understanding your priorities is so important.
How Competitive Is the Housing Market?
Today's market is much more balanced than it was several years ago.
Buyers are seeing:
More available inventory
More opportunities to negotiate
More time to make decisions
A wider selection of homes
Well-priced homes still attract strong interest, but buyers generally have more flexibility than they did during the peak of the competitive market.
What Should You Do Before Moving?
Relocating from another state involves more than simply finding a home.
Here are a few important steps to take:
Get Pre-Approved
Meeting with a lender before beginning your search helps establish your budget and strengthens your future offer.
Research Neighborhoods
Every area of Ankeny offers something different. Think about commute times, schools, parks, shopping, and the lifestyle you want.
Visit If Possible
If you can, spend a weekend exploring neighborhoods, restaurants, and local attractions before making your decision.
Work with a Local Realtor
An experienced local real estate agent can help narrow your search, recommend neighborhoods, coordinate virtual showings, and guide you through every step of the process—even if you're buying from across the country.
Can You Buy a Home Without Visiting?
Yes.
Many out-of-state buyers successfully purchase homes in Ankeny before moving.
Technology makes it easier than ever through:
Virtual tours
Video walkthroughs
Electronic signatures
Remote closings
Video calls during inspections
Having a Realtor you trust becomes even more important when you're purchasing from hundreds—or even thousands—of miles away.
What Makes Ankeny Different?
People often tell us they chose Ankeny because it offers the best balance of convenience and community.
Residents enjoy:
Extensive trail systems
Community festivals and seasonal events
Youth sports and recreation
Local coffee shops and restaurants
Shopping at The District and Delaware Avenue
Quick access to Saylorville Lake
Short drives to downtown Des Moines, Ames, and surrounding communities
Ankeny continues to grow while maintaining the welcoming feel that attracts so many new residents each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ankeny a good place to raise a family?
Many families are drawn to Ankeny because of its schools, parks, recreation opportunities, and strong sense of community.
How far is Ankeny from Des Moines?
Downtown Des Moines is typically about a 20-minute drive, depending on traffic.
Are there a lot of new homes in Ankeny?
Yes. Ankeny continues to experience significant residential growth, offering buyers a wide variety of new construction and existing homes.
Can you help buyers relocating from another state?
Absolutely. Our team regularly helps buyers relocate to Central Iowa by providing virtual tours, neighborhood guidance, local recommendations, and support throughout the buying process.
Let Us Help Make Your Move Easier
Moving to a new state can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.
Whether you're relocating for work, family, retirement, or simply a fresh start, having a knowledgeable local Realtor can make the process much smoother.
At The Hokel Real Estate Team, we've helped buyers relocate to Ankeny from across the country. From your first video call to closing day, we're here to answer your questions, recommend neighborhoods, coordinate showings, and help you feel confident every step of the way.
Thinking about moving to Ankeny? We'd love to help you find the right home—and make your transition to Central Iowa as seamless as possible.