Van Meter, IA

Set along the Raccoon River just west of West Des Moines, Van Meter offers the quiet pace of small-town Iowa alongside an easy drive into the metro. Interstate 80 sits just to the north, giving commuters a quick route to shopping, dining, and employers across Dallas and Polk counties. It has become a popular landing spot for buyers who want a tight-knit community feel, strong local schools, and plenty of open space.

ATTRMostly Iowa Edits / CC BY-SA 4.0

Daily life here revolves around the outdoors and local traditions. Residents spend warm weekends kayaking and fishing on the river, gathering for Raccoon River Days in June, or visiting the museum inside City Hall dedicated to hometown baseball legend Bob Feller. With the Iowa Veterans Cemetery nestled in the rolling hills nearby, Van Meter delivers a scenic, welcoming setting that stays connected to big-city conveniences.