Ankeny, IA

Long before Ankeny became one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the Midwest, it started as a quiet farming stop along the railroad tracks. Over the decades, the community transformed from a sleepy agricultural village into a bustling hub of commerce and industry. A major turning point came in the 1940s when a wartime ordnance facility became the John Deere Des Moines Works, which remains one of the city's major employers today. As new neighborhoods sprouted outward toward Interstate 35, Ankeny managed to preserve its heritage while evolving into an energetic city just minutes north of downtown Des Moines.

ATTRAnkeny High School / Public domain

Newcomers quickly discover that daily life here revolves around two distinct neighborhood hubs. In Uptown Ankeny, you will find the original historic center filled with brick storefronts, local coffee spots, neighborhood breweries, and direct access to the High Trestle Trail. A short drive to the southwest sits Prairie Trail, a sprawling planned development built around green parks, scenic ponds, and The District. In The District, residents can walk from their front doors straight to restaurants, movie theaters, boutique shops, and rooftop patios, offering a great mix of classic charm and modern walkable living.

ATTRAshton B Crew / CC BY-SA 3.0

Ankeny also benefits from a strong local economy and educational presence that keeps the community thriving throughout the week. On the south side of town, Des Moines Area Community College operates a large main campus serving thousands of students in everything from university transfers to skilled technical trades. The campus brings plenty of activity to the area alongside local theater productions, fitness facilities, and workforce training programs. Between DMACC, major corporate offices, and John Deere, residents enjoy access to solid career opportunities and education right in their own backyard.

ATTRUser:IrvingPlNYC / CC BY-SA 3.0

Outdoor recreation and local gatherings are a huge part of everyday life here. The High Trestle Trail cuts right through town, letting cyclists and walkers hop on the paved path and ride all the way out to the famous glowing bridge over the Des Moines River valley. In the heart of Uptown, the Ankeny Market & Pavilion serves as a central gathering place where neighbors meet for Saturday morning farmers markets, summer concerts, and food truck nights. Between neighborhood splash pads, the Kirkendall Public Library, and outdoor events at the Ankeny Bandshell, it is easy to see why so many families and young professionals decide to put down roots here.