Polk City, IA

Set along the western shore of Saylorville Lake right next to Big Creek State Park, Polk City offers a relaxed lakeside lifestyle about 20 miles north of Des Moines. Home to roughly 5,500 residents, the town is centered around a historic square filled with local businesses and community green space. It delivers a quiet, small-town atmosphere while keeping the rest of the metro within an easy drive.

ATTRPopePompus / CC BY-SA 4.0

Outdoor recreation is front and center here. On warm weekends, you will find neighbors out boating on the reservoir, biking the paved regional trails, or spending the afternoon at Big Creek beach. Most local students attend the well-regarded North Polk schools, and the mix of scenic water views, quiet neighborhoods, and welcoming local spots makes it an easy place to settle into.