$376,853Average Value$244Average Price per Sq Ft62Homes For Sale
Old and new Ankeny meet in the southwest corner
Despite its sheer size and rapid growth, Southwest Ankeny contains some of the city’s most walkable areas, all by developer design. This area contains some of the city’s newest—and oldest—architecture, with ever-increasing popularity among commuters to downtown Des Moines or West Des Moines. Save for John Deere Des Moines Works, a machinery manufacturing plant, the area keeps new mixed developments like Praririe Trail close to homes. "The concept started when I first became a Realtor, and that was 20 years ago,” says Darla Willett-Rohrssen, a local Iowa Realty agent. “Now it's it's coming to fruition... you're right next to the water slides and the water park, you can pick up your food because there's a market right there, you can go out to bowling and do your Pilates. It's just a very walkable concept that's right in the center of Ankeny." Single family homes in Prairie Trail follow one of four designs—European Romantic, Arts & Crafts, Colonial Revival, or Victorian—and include attached garage space. Most homes range from $110,000 to $600,000, though Large Cape Cod and Tudor-style homes close to Saylorville Lake can reach from $750,000 to $1.5 million.
Southwest Ankeny features a wide array of homes with different character.
A ranch-style home in Southwest Ankeny.
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Ankeny homes, from tried-and-true to shiny and new
If not for the contemporary architecture, Ankeny neighborhoods tell their age by the amount of natural shade available to pedestrians. Statement maples and elms and backyard trees create a canopy over ranch-style homes, bungalows, Colonials built between the 1920s and 1990s. Trees become younger in areas of New Traditional homes built in the late 90s. Freshly planted saplings adorn growing townhouse developments and condo communities with swimming pools and other amenities. Much of the new construction centers in Prairie Trail: a “town within a town” that has been a long time coming. Single-family homes in Prairie Trail follow one of four designs—European Romantic, Arts & Crafts, Colonial Revival, or Victorian—and include attached garage space. Most homes range from $110,000 to $600,000, though large Cape Cod and Tudor-style homes close to Saylorville Lake can reach from $750,000 to $1.5 million.
Southwest Ankeny features a wide array of homes that are fenced-in for some privacy.
Southwest Ankeny features a wide array of brick homes.
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Walkable shopping in Uptown Ankeny and The District at Prairie Trail
Ankeny’s oldest neighborhood sits on the southwest side: Uptown Ankeny, several streets of walkable storefronts housing classics like Leaning Tower of Pizza alongside newcomers like Trailside Tap. The District at Prairie Trail, the brain child of this neighborhood’s developers, offers residents access to walkable dining and entertainment district. Main Street Cafe & Bakery features lunch selections alongside fresh baked goods in a stylish atmosphere. Jethro’s BBQ offers classic barbeque with an outdoor patio offering views of the pond at Promenade Park. Des Moines area favorites include Smokey Row Coffee, a cafe chain with a diner-style food menu and an old fashioned soda fountain. Local businesses like Valor & Violet Salon join the mix, as well as a Hy-Vee Grocery Store location. Shoppers hop in the car to reach other big box options like Walmart on the Delaware Avenue corridor, along with Target, TJMaxx, Home Depot and more.
Magee's is a favorite amongst locals in Southwest Ankeny.
Wasabi is a sushi restaurant in Southwest Ankeny.
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Top-ranked learning in the Ankeny Community School District
State Street cuts southwest Ankeny in half, serving as an Ankeny Community School District zoning border. Kids on the western side attend Prairie Trail Elementary School, which scores an A from Niche, while Heritage Elementary School serves students living to the east and scores an A-minus. Kids funnel into Parkview Middle School for sixth and seventh grades and graduate to Southview Middle School for eighth and ninth grades. Ankeny High School — rated the best public high school in the Des Moines area by Niche — currently serves Grades 10 through 12. However, district staff and community members are advocating for new construction so that the school can also house a freshmen class. All three schools score A’s from Niche.
Southwest Ankeny is also home to Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Ankeny Campus, where students take dual enrollment courses and pursue associate degrees. Contributing to their students’ futures is a condition of living in the Prairie Trail community. “When you come into the association, you have to agree to donate $2,000 to the scholarship fund,” says Liz Lashier, Realtor with NextHome Your Way. “But even if you sell one of the houses, you still have to donate the $2,000 to help." Awards are given in increments of $10,000 to students living in Prairie Trail who are pursuing higher education.
Students of Southview Middle School in Southwest Ankeny excel in their studies.
Ankeny High School serves the students of Southwest Ankeny.
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Traffic between Ankeny and Des Moines
With Ankeny’s rapid expansion comes considerable rush hour traffic on Interstate 35 and Delaware Avenue, two major thoroughfares leading 10 miles to downtown Des Moines. “It’s a little bit difficult to get around because it’s grown so fast and it used to be a tiny town,” Lashier says. “The infrastructure wasn’t built originally for that, though it’s getting a little better.” Residents may leave the car at home if their errands are within walking or biking distance, with trails tracing main roads and threading through the DMACC campus. Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority buses also travel to southwest Ankeny, with Express Route 98 connecting the community college campus to downtown Des Moines.
Though Ankeny is largely self-sustained, residents head south for a few other reasons besides work and day trips downtown. The Iowa Clinic Ankeny Campus covers basic medical care on the southwest side, but major hospitals include the Iowa Lutheran Hospital, 8 miles away. Commercial flights take off 18 miles south at Des Moines International Airport, where a new terminal is in the early construction phase.
Centered in Southwestern Hills, the Des Moines International Airport is the jumping off point for all flights from Des Moines.
Southwest Ankeny is a bike friendly neighborhood, crisscrossed by bike trails.
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Swimming at Cascade Falls or floating on Saylorville Lake
Several key Ankeny attractions make their home on the southwest side—from the twirling slides, lazy river and practice lanes at Cascade Falls Aquatic Center to the big screens and lounge-equipped lanes at B&B Theatres Ankeny 12 & B-Roll Bowling. Meanwhile, dozens of soccer, baseball and softball fields sprawl to the north at Prairie Ridge Sports Complex, with enough parking to accommodate youth leagues and their families on game day.
Many Southwest Ankeny subdivisions are also a short walk, bike ride or drive from neighborhood parks, like Dean Park’s modest pavilion, playground and splash pad. Boat owners living on the southwest side are the closest to Saylorville Lake, the biggest water body in the Des Moines metro area. "All the land around it is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers, so no houses are built there. It’s all just protected nature,” Lashier says. “You can have houses close to it, but not on it!” The lake is stocked with fish and includes sandy shorelines backing up to cliffs, as well as a visitor’s center and seasonal butterfly garden.
The Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center in Southwest Ankeny.
Saylorville Lake in Southwest Ankeny.
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Weekly and annual summer events at Wagner Park
All-City Play Day at Hawkeye and Wagner Parks is a summer field day for all ages, including face painting, team sports, a dunk tank and canoeing. Throughout the summer, Ankeny offers "Movies Under the Stars," Friday night children's movie viewings at the Wagner Park Bandshell. The Ankeny Market & Pavilion hosts the weekend Uptown Farmer's Market, where locals can find in-season produce, baked goods and meats procured from local farms. More educational events take place weekly at Ankeny-Kirkendall Public Library. “Children’s programs are our bread and butter here,” says library director Sam Mitchel, with options ranging from Taste-It Tuesday to Family Bingo.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shane Torres,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sandpiper Recreation Area
Boating
Picnic Area
Playground
White Birch Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Dean Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Glenbrooke Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Cherry Glen Campground
Camping
Trails
RV Hookup
Sawgrass Park
Lake
Trails
Playground
Sunset Park
Baseball/Softball
Trails
Playground
Westwinds Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Precedence Park
Picnic Area
Transit
Airport
Des Moines International
30 min drive
Bus
Dmacc Blvd & S Ankeny Blvd, Ank
Bus
Dmacc Blvd & Campustown Ct (Far-Side), Ank
Bus
Dmacc Blvd & Campustown Ct, Ank
Bus
Dmacc Blvd & Bldg 18, Ank
Bus
Dmacc Blvd & Lot L P&R, Ank
Bus
S Ankeny Blvd & SE 8th St, Ank
Bus
Dmacc Blvd & Bldg 13, Ank
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Southwest Ankeny
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Southwest Ankeny, Ankeny sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Southwest Ankeny, Ankeny over the last 12 months is $398,475, up 6% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful custom built two story in Westwinds! This 5 bedroom, 4 bath Oakstone Homes resale sitting on 1/3 acre on a quiet cul de sac. You'll be greeted by gorgeous hardwood floors in the entry leading to the kitchen and dining areas. Extra large kitchen with island, stainless steel appliances, including a gas stove with hood vent, breakfast bar and pantry. Formal and informal dining to meet
Welcome to 2010 SW 18th Street, a beautifully crafted residence in Ankeny's premier Prairie Trail community, built by the trusted local builder MJ Properties. With over 4,000 sq ft of richly finished living space, 5 bedrooms, and 5 bathrooms, this home combines elegance, comfort, and versatility—ideal for those who love to entertain or simply enjoy life with room to breathe. The main floor greets
Your opportunity to own this stunning 3 bed, 3 bath ranch in Prairie Trail's desirable 55+ Vineyard neighborhood is here! Built for low maintenance living, the layout was efficiently designed with ramp style entry from the garage leading into a large mudroom, walk in pantry and laundry area, 3' doorways, single handle faucets, and bright lighting. Step inside the kitchen to find gorgeous high
Welcome to 1641 SW Arlan Drive, a unique courtyard home situated on a corner lot with large front porch overlooking the shared greenspace. You'll love this prime Prairie Trail location with shopping, dining, and entertainment just steps away at The District. Your kitchen features top of the line appliances with a gas stove and microwave drawer, Jenn Air refrigerator and dishwasher. Upgraded white
Welcome to this stunning 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom ranch in Ankeny's desirable Westwinds neighborhood. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, enhanced by 3-zone radiant floor heating throughout the home, including the epoxy-finished oversized three-car garage. The sunlit main floor, with two large sliding doors, seamlessly connects the formal living room with a gas
This is a rare find! A meticulously maintained 2-story home perfect for family living, with an outstanding layout and nearly 2500 sq ft above grade. Situated on a large flat lot with a south-facing driveway, this home offers added privacy with green space/no neighbor to the east. A grand entry welcomes you with an open stairway and a front flex room. Walk into the kitchen and enjoy ample
Redwood(R) Ankeny is where youll find the single-story apartment you've been looking for. Live in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, pet-friendly home with an attached garage. Enjoy living tucked away in charming greenery, with all the amenities of the Ankeny community just a stones throw away. As a commutable distance to downtown, you can get to the hustle and bustle of Des Moines in just 20 minutes.
Tradition Apartments is a modern, spacious community conveniently located near shopping and recreation on Ankeny's growing south side. Near the Prairie Trail development, Tradition is close to upscale amenities, business and education. We are 7 miles straight north of downtown Des Moines and Wells Fargo Arena; with easy access to I-35. We are just minutes from Saylorville Lake and other
Experience the difference at The Sterling at Prairie Trail North! Youll never feel more at home. With a variety of floor plan layouts and a large assortment of amenities, youll be immersed in the best in leisure living. Located just down the road from Ankenys The District at Prairie Trail, youll enjoy shopping, restaurants, and entertainment right at your fingertips. Contact our leasing office to
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shane Torres,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
20,761
Median Age
35
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$105,278
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$123,952
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.1%
College Graduates
54.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.9%
% Population in Labor Force
78.6%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
11°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
30''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
3/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
6/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
