Where to Live in
West Des Moines

West Des Moines isn't one neighborhood—it's a patchwork of distinct vibes, price points, and commute realities. Choosing wrong means either overpaying for a "premium" address or getting stuck in traffic hell with no coffee shop to work from.

Quick Compare: Top Neighborhoods in West Des Moines

Jordan Park

Overview: This is West Des Moines' crown jewel for walkability. Centered around the bustling Jordan Creek Town Center area, it's where young professionals live without needing a car for every errand. Think high-rise apartments mixed with modern townhomes along Mills Civic Parkway.

The Numbers:

• 🏠 Rent: $1,400 - $1,800/mo (1BR) | $1,800 - $2,400/mo (2BR)
• 🏡 Buy: Median home $420k - $480k
• 🚗 Commute: 15 min to downtown Des Moines | 8 min to Wells Fargo campus
• 🚶 Walk Score: ~72 (Very walkable)

Local Intel: The secret is the paved trail system connecting you to the Des Moines River Trail without touching a major road. Avoid Mills Civic Parkway between 4:30-6pm—it's a parking lot. The best parking hack for Jordan Creek Mall is the north garage by Barnes & Noble.

Who Thrives Here: Remote workers who want coffee shop hopping (Java Jack's is the local spot) and easy access to Des Moines' best restaurants without the downtown price tag.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ True walkability: Grocery (Hy-Vee), coffee, and 50+ restaurants within 10 minutes
• ✅ New construction quality: Buildings post-2015 have modern amenities and soundproofing
• ❌ Premium pricing: You're paying 30-40% above city median for the location
• ❌ Weekend mall traffic: Saturdays can feel like a tourist attraction

Schools: West Des Moines Community Schools (rated B+), with Westridge Elementary being a standout.

The Verdict: Move here if you want urban amenities in suburban packaging. Avoid if you're on a tight budget or hate any semblance of commercial hustle.

Valley Junction

Overview: The historic heart of West Des Moines, centered on 5th Street's brick-lined commercial district. This is where character meets convenience—1920s bungalows and Craftsman homes behind a thriving main street. The Saturday Farmers Market here is arguably better than downtown's.

The Numbers:

• 🏠 Rent: $1,200 - $1,600/mo (1BR) | $1,500 - $1,900/mo (2BR)
• 🏡 Buy: Median home $320k - $380k
• 🚗 Commute: 18 min to downtown | 12 min to MercyOne Medical Center
• 🚶 Walk Score: ~68 (Somewhat walkable)

Local Intel: The Farmers Market (Saturdays, May-Oct) closes 5th Street—great for residents who can walk, but brutal for parking if you're driving in. Best hidden gem: the Pocket Park between 5th and 6th for quiet reading. Avoid the "East Village" stretch of 5th after 10pm—it's where the bar crowds concentrate.

Who Thrives Here: Empty nesters downsizing from big suburban houses, or creatives who want historic charm without downtown Des Moines' grit.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Authentic main street: Real local businesses (Meadowlark, Brickhouse Music), not chains
• ✅ Mature trees and walkable blocks: Built before cars ruled everything
• ❌ Aging infrastructure: Expect plumbing and electrical surprises in pre-1950s homes
• ❌ Limited parking: Only 1-2 spots per house, and street parking is competitive

Schools: Callanan Middle School feeds into the area (C+ rating), but the historic homes mean smaller yards and tighter lot lines.

The Verdict: Perfect for those who value character over convenience. Skip it if you need modern amenities, big garages, or have a long daily commute.

Ashworth Park

Overview: Classic 1970s-1980s suburbia on the western edge of West Des Moines. This is where families buy their first home—solid construction, decent lot sizes, and a quiet, grid-pattern neighborhood. It's not exciting, but it's dependable.

The Numbers:

• 🏠 Rent: $1,100 - $1,400/mo (1BR) | $1,300 - $1,600/mo (2BR)
• 🏡 Buy: Median home $280k - $340k
• 🚗 Commute: 22 min to downtown | 15 min to Ruan Center
• 🚶 Walk Score: ~45 (Car-dependent)

Local Intel: The hidden gem is Ashworth Park itself—surprisingly large playground and soccer fields. Traffic hack: Use Ashworth Road to get to I-80/35, but avoid it during school drop-off (8-8:30am) when the elementary school line wraps onto the street. The Hy-Vee at 50th and Ashworth is the neighborhood hub.

Who Thrives Here: Young families prioritizing space and safety over nightlife. Commuters who work west or south of downtown.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Value for space: You get 3-bedrooms and a fenced yard for what a 1BR costs in Jordan Park
• ✅ Established, quiet streets: Low through-traffic, strong neighbor networks
• ❌ Zero walkability: You need a car for everything, including a gallon of milk
• ❌ Boring architecture: Think beige siding and identical rooflines

Schools: West Des Moines schools (B+), with several elementary schools within walking distance for older kids.

The Verdict: Ideal for first-time homebuyers with kids. Avoid if you're single, under 35, or want walkable nightlife.

Clive Hills

Overview: Established, tree-lined neighborhood where professionals upgrade from starter homes. Built in the 1980s-1990s, it's got the space, privacy, and school quality that keeps families rooted. The hills and mature oaks give it a park-like feel.

The Numbers:

• 🏠 Rent: $1,300 - $1,700/mo (1BR) | $1,600 - $2,100/mo (2BR)
• 🏡 Buy: Median home $380k - $450k
• 🚗 Commute: 20 min to downtown | 10 min to Wells Fargo campus
• 🚶 Walk Score: ~52 (Car-dependent, but walkable to parks)

Local Intel: The neighborhood is built around the Clive Greenbelt Trail—direct access to 10+ miles of paved paths without crossing major roads. The Clive Aquatic Center is a 5-minute drive and where all kids spend summers. Traffic hack: Use 88th Street instead of Hickman during rush hour.

Who Thrives Here: Established families with school-age kids, or professionals who want suburban peace with city access.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ Top-tier schools: Clive Elementary and Walnut Creek Campus are district standouts
• ✅ Mature trees and privacy: Lots are 0.3+ acres, houses are set back from streets
• ❌ No rental market: Mostly owner-occupied, limited apartment options
• ❌ Aging 1980s construction: Expect roof and HVAC replacements soon

Schools: West Des Moines Community Schools (B+), specifically Clive Elementary (A-rated) and Walnut Creek Campus.

The Verdict: Move here for the schools and space. Avoid if you're renting or want modern open-concept floor plans.

Ridgedale

Overview: The "new money" suburb on the far west edge, where cornfields turned into subdivisions in the last 10 years. It's where you get more house for less money, but you're trading character for square footage and commuting time.

The Numbers:

• 🏠 Rent: $1,050 - $1,350/mo (1BR) | $1,250 - $1,550/mo (2BR)
• 🏡 Buy: Median home $260k - $320k
• 🚗 Commute: 25 min to downtown | 18 min to Ruan Center
• 🚶 Walk Score: ~38 (Very car-dependent)

Local Intel: The biggest mistake is not budgeting for HOA fees—many subdivisions have $100-200/month dues. The new Clive Greenbelt extension connects to the neighborhood but it's a 15-minute walk to reach it. Traffic on 100th Street is brutal during new construction phases (which seem permanent).

Who Thrives Here: Budget-conscious commuters who work west of downtown and want modern amenities without the Jordan Park premium.

Pros & Cons:

• ✅ New construction perks: Modern floor plans, energy efficiency, builder warranties
• ✅ More house for the money: 3BR townhomes for $280k vs. $380k in Clive Hills
• ❌ Construction chaos: Expect 3-5 years of roadwork and new development noise
• ❌ No soul yet: No walkable restaurants, coffee shops, or community gathering spots

Schools: Newer schools (Waukee district spills over here), but ratings are average (B) as they're still establishing.

The Verdict: Buy here if you want new construction on a budget and don't mind being a pioneer. Avoid if you want established community amenities.

Final Advice

For young professionals: Jordan Park is your winner—pay the premium for walkability and a 15-minute commute. For families: Ashworth Park gives you the best value and safety, while Clive Hills offers the top schools if you can afford it. For retirees/empty nesters: Valley Junction's character and walkable main street can't be beaten.

Traffic pattern reality: Everything funnels through I-80/35 and Highway 5. If your commute is west or south, you're golden. North or east to downtown adds 10-15 minutes of stop-and-go. The secret weapon is the Des Moines River Trail—bike commuting from Jordan Park or Valley Junction to downtown is legitimately faster than driving at rush hour.

Counterintuitive pick: Ridgedale is actually the smart buy for remote workers who need space for a home office and don't care about nightlife. You'll save $500+/month in rent that can fund a coworking membership and still pocket the difference.