Ankeny is the fastest-growing city in Iowa — and after watching the market here closely since 2020, I can tell you it's earned that title. New neighborhoods every year. A school district that consistently ranks among Iowa's best. A 15-minute commute to downtown Des Moines, and another 35 minutes north and you're in Ames. If you're looking at Central Iowa real estate seriously, Ankeny is almost always on the short list — and the reasons aren't subtle.
Ankeny's growth isn't accidental. Three forces pull people here:
Ankeny isn't one market. It's at least five distinct sub-markets, each with its own character. Knowing the difference saves you weeks of looking at the wrong homes.
Prairie Trail — Master-planned neighborhood centered on The District. Newer construction (mostly 2010+), strong HOA, walkable to dining and trails. Price range: roughly $375K–$700K depending on lot size and finish level. Best for: buyers who want walkability + new construction.
Briarwood + Northgate — Established neighborhoods west of I-35. Mid-century ranch and split-levels mixed with newer infill. More mature trees, larger lots, established schools. Price range: $250K–$450K. Best for: first-time buyers + young families looking for value + character.
Centennial Park area — Central Ankeny, near the original downtown and Centennial High School. Mix of 1990s/2000s subdivisions with newer infill. Price range: $300K–$550K. Best for: families prioritizing the Centennial High feeder schools.
Uptown Ankeny — The original downtown. Historic homes, walk-to-shops, real character. Inventory is thin (these don't turn over often). Price range: $225K–$425K for the original housing stock. Best for: buyers who value historic character over new finishes.
Newer east-side subdivisions (Otter Creek, North Ankeny) — Where most of the new construction is happening right now. Larger lots in some areas, smaller lots + density in others. Price range: $350K–$650K+. Best for: buyers willing to wait for new construction or buy resale from a recent build.
The Ankeny market has cooled from the 2021-22 frenzy but remains undersupplied at most price points. A few patterns I'm watching:
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This is one of my specialties, and Ankeny is honestly one of the better house-hack markets in the Midwest. Three reasons:
If you're investor-minded and you're under 28, this is your move. Full house hacking playbook here →
"Jackson was absolutely amazing to work with! Our home was under contract within 24 hours of listing and unfortunately fell through due to financing — so back on the market it went. And within 24 hours, our home was under contract again!"
— Courtney S., Ankeny seller (Verified Zillow review)
The Ankeny Community School District is the city's biggest single magnet for families. Highlights:
Verify the current attendance zone for any specific address — Ankeny redraws periodically as new schools open.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, a house hacker, or looking to upgrade, Ankeny rewards buyers who know the market and act decisively. I live and work this market every day. Free 15-minute conversation, no obligation:
Considering alternatives? Bondurant sits just east on Hwy 65 with newer inventory and similar schools. Polk City is 12 minutes north on the Saylorville Lake corridor — more rural feel, growing fast. Altoona is 15 minutes southeast with the metro's most active growth-corridor inventory.
Jackson Krile is a REALTOR® on the Flanders Team at RE/MAX Real Estate Center. Licensed in Iowa #S66867000. DMAAR + CIBR member. Serving Ankeny, Ames, Johnston, Urbandale, Altoona, and surrounding Central Iowa communities.
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