$384,045Average Value$244Average Price per Sq Ft91Homes 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
Are you familiar with the Southwest Ankeny neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Southwest Ankeny
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Southwest Ankeny Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Southwest Ankeny, Ankeny sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Southwest Ankeny, Ankeny over the last 12 months is $350,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this one-of-a-kind masterpiece at 9295 NW 41st Ct in Polk City, Iowa, where elegance and functionality meet across 6478 sq. ft. of meticulously transformed living space! Situated on a sprawling 7.5-acre lot, this 4-bed, 4-bath contemporary home offers a serene, private retreat that has been completely renovated with top-of-the-line materials and an eye for detail. The main kitchen is a
Classic All-Brick Ranch in the Heart of Old Town AnkenyThis all-brick ranch sits on a large lot in a highly desirable Old Town Ankeny location. The spaciousgreat room features a striking stone fireplace, custom built-in shelving, and luxury carpeting—perfectfor relaxing or entertaining.The dining room easily accommodates large gatherings and features hardwood floors. The
Located in a desirable neighborhood, home offers a spacious and open layout perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Enjoy outdoor living on the expansive deck overlooking the fenced backyard, complete with mature trees for privacy and a hot tub for year-round enjoyment.This home has four bedroom and three baths nice size three car garage and spacious laundry room.Enjoy over 2300 of
The Cadbury offers 3,109 square feet of well-designed space, featuring 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a 3-car garageall on a single story. The main level includes a generous great room that flows seamlessly into a modern kitchen and dining area, creating an ideal space for gatherings. The primary suite provides a private retreat with a spacious bath and walk-in closet. Additional bedrooms offer
Welcome to this Caliber Homes stunner in the heart of Prairie Trail—5 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 2,776 finished sq ft with a 3-car garage . Step inside to a bright, airy layout with window transoms, warm LVP flooring, and beamed ceilings in the living room. The focal point is a cast stone fireplace with custom detail, flanked by natural light. The designer kitchen pairs style and function with quartz
Priced $17,000 under assessed value! House needs cosmetic updates. Great opportunity for sweat equity. Awesome location. Large yard with covered deck. Fenced yard. 2 car attached garage.Large vaulted living room with fireplace. 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. Come and check it out!!!
Welcome to this charming new listing in Ankeny! Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, this inviting 2-bedroom, 2 full bath home offers multiple spaces perfect for entertaining—whether you're hosting guests on the outdoor patio, enjoying the large backyard, or relaxing in the finished basement featuring a spacious rec room. Filled with character and comfort, this home also boasts a prime location on
Timber Valley Estates offers a private escape with close access to Saylorville Lake and the Neal Smith bike trail (soon to connect to the Iowa famous High Trestle Trail). Boasting 19 executive wooded lots, each one half acre or more in size, the development provides a perfect canvas to build a distinguished home. Exclusive to Strahan Construction as builder all of these luxury custom homes have a
OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY APRIL 23RD 1-4 Upgraded Oak cabinets and hardware, premium laminate countertops with integral bathroom backsplash. Stainless Steel appliances. Wheaton Lighting Package. Recess lighting in the kitchen. Luxury Vinyl Tile in Kitchen and Bath. Delta Faucet in the Kitchen. One Large Bedroom, Laundry, and one bath. Monthly Fee $1,548.00. NEW CARPET WILL BE LAYED WITH THE BUYER'S
Live New. Live Connected. Live Pointe 28 — Modern Apartments in Ankeny, Iowa.If you’re searching for brand-new apartments near Oralabor Road, Delaware Avenue, and The District at Prairie Trail, Pointe 28 delivers the location, lifestyle, and modern features you’ve been waiting for. Perfectly positioned on SW 28th Street, our community keeps you minutes from Ankeny’s top shopping, dining,
Welcome home. You’re going to love it here. The Sterling at Prairie Trail is a community unlike any other neighborhood in Ankeny, Iowa and is right down the road from the community’s vibrant new development known as The District at Prairie Trail. If you’ve never been to The District, its hip urban vibe meets small town, Iowa nice. Were different than other communities. We put our people first our
Welcome to a brand-new luxurious 194-unit rental building nestled in the heart of Prairie Trail in Ankeny. This vibrant community is surrounded by an array of restaurants, retail shops, and exciting entertainment options, making it the perfect place to live. Choose from stylish studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments featuring modern finishes. Enjoy resort-style amenities, including a
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.
Connect55+ in Ankeny, Iowa combines maintenance-free senior living with modern amenities and state-of-the-art facilities. The modern, pet-friendly Connect55+ senior housing community includes a cozy library, a welcoming community room, and spacious apartments. With a full calendar of fun events and exciting activities, you’ll never be bored at Connect 55+ Ankeny!A suburb of Des Moines,
Experience the difference at The Sterling at Prairie Trail North! You’ll never feel more at home. With a variety of floor plan layouts and a large assortment of amenities, you’ll be immersed in the best in leisure living. Located just down the road from Ankeny’s The District at Prairie Trail, you’ll enjoy shopping, restaurants, and entertainment right at your fingertips. Explore our one and two
$700 - $800 per month
Ankeny Park Apartments - $99 first full months rent- Limited Time Only - Ankeny Park Spacious One...
HOT DEAL!!!!! $99 1st month rent. APPLY TODAY! Brickyard Commons IIWelcome to Ankeny Park Apartments in Ankeny, IA! Our community offers fully equipped kitchens with appliances, remodeled units for a modern touch, and convenient on-site laundry facilities. Rest easy knowing our 24-hour emergency maintenance team is always available to assist. Enjoy high-speed MetroNet internet for just $60
Nestled in the heart of Prairie Trail, The District Brownstones are an upscale space full of modern finishes. This property is within walking distance to shops, dining, entertainment venues, gyms, and parks. With 1,315 sq feet of livable space, these brownstones are perfect for couples, roommates, or small families!One-time, non-refundable Lease Admin fee: $125Security Deposit:
Please visit our website (Hale-Development) for available units and to schedule a showing. For further questions regarding a unit, please submit your contact information on our website through the "Contact Us" button on the unit details. Cascade Falls townhomes offer the newest and most sought out premier rentals in Ankeny and provide luxury living at its best with first class amenities,
The Chalet at Prairie Trail offers stunning 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 2 car attached garage townhomes. These townhomes include stunning finishes and lots of natural light. Schedule a tour today!One-time, non-refundable Lease Admin fee: $125Security Deposit: $550Pet Friendly! 2 pets per unit. Maximum combined weight of 50lbs per unit.Pet Placement Fee of $275. Pet
BRAND NEWThe Roseann provides 1 and 2 bedroom rental units in the Prairie Trail area Ankeny IA 50023. Built in 2025 Units feature hard surface flooring All appliances included in unit1 and 2 bedroom options Quartz Counter tops The Roseann is in a wonderful location that is within walking distance to many great places, trails restaurants, movie theater, and bowling alley
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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