Urbandale, IA

Urbandale grew outward from Des Moines over the last century, and you can still see that progression when driving west along Douglas Avenue. The eastern side of town holds established, tree-lined neighborhoods filled with classic mid-century homes and historic spots like the 1904 Olmsted-Urban House. Heading west toward 86th Street and into Dallas County, the scenery opens up into contemporary subdivisions, master-planned developments, and expanding commercial corridors. Today, more than 45,000 residents enjoy this comfortable mix of quiet residential pockets and easy suburban convenience.

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Commuting is remarkably simple here, largely thanks to the bend of Interstates 35 and 80 wrapping around the city. Known locally as the Urban Loop, this highway corridor hosts a thriving mix of corporate offices, medical centers, logistics hubs, and retail plazas. Most workers enjoy an average drive of under twenty minutes to downtown Des Moines or neighboring suburbs like West Des Moines, Clive, and Johnston. Local bus lines serve major corridors along Douglas Avenue and 86th Street, though most residents prefer a car for daily errands around the metro.

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Homebuyers will find a wide variety of housing styles across different eras of development. Older neighborhoods near the eastern border feature cozy bungalows and single-story ranches with mature yards, while western subdivisions offer newer two-story builds, townhomes, and spacious lots. When shopping for an older home, it is wise to budget for standard updates to plumbing, electrical, and foundation systems. In newer subdivisions, make sure to review homeowner association rules and property taxes. Because the city spans two counties, you will also want to check your exact address to see which school district serves your prospective home, as six different districts cover parts of the city.

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For recreation and weekend fun, Urbandale provides plenty of great parks, trails, and local attractions. The city is famous for Living History Farms, an interactive 500-acre open-air museum where visitors can wander through historic homesteads, a preserved 1870s prairie town, and seasonal farm demonstrations. Over 60 miles of paved trails wind through the city, linking quiet neighborhood playgrounds to larger destinations like Walker Johnston Park. Near the center of town, the Urbandale Public Library and the Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park serve as popular gathering spots for outdoor summer concerts, community festivals, and family activities.