Minburn, IA

Minburn is a quiet town of around 325 people in Dallas County, set along Highway 169 northwest of Des Moines. Living here gives you wide-open prairie views and a peaceful small-town rhythm, while keeping West Des Moines and the rest of the metro within an easy 30-minute drive. One of the biggest perks for outdoor lovers is the Raccoon River Valley Trail, which runs straight through town and connects cyclists to dozens of nearby communities. If you prefer hiking or watching wildlife, the 700-acre Voas Nature Area is just a few minutes down the road.

ATTRBrandonrush / CC BY-SA 4.0

Despite its small footprint, Minburn has plenty of practical convenience and a close-knit feel. The town features a public library, local spots to grab a bite, and a hometown provider offering high-speed fiber internet. Families are served by the Adel-DeSoto-Minburn (ADM) School District, one of the more sought-after public school systems in the region. For anyone searching for quiet country living with good schools and a straightforward commute, Minburn hits a comfortable sweet spot.