If you're shopping the west side of the metro, two names come up again and again — Grimes and Waukee. Both are growing fast, both draw families and first-time buyers, and both keep showing up on "where should we move" lists. So which one fits you?
I grew up in West Des Moines and have helped buyers settle into both towns, so here's the straight comparison — Grimes vs. Waukee — without the fluff. The right answer depends on your budget, your commute, and the kind of day-to-day you want.
Grimes sits just northwest of Urbandale and Johnston, hugging the top of the metro along Highway 141. It still has that smaller-town feel — but it's grown up quickly, with new subdivisions, a revitalized downtown, and easy access to the north and west sides.
Waukee is a little farther south and west, anchored to the booming Highway 6 / Hickman corridor and the Grand Prairie Parkway interchange. It's one of the largest and fastest-expanding suburbs in the entire state — think major retail, new schools, and rooftops going up in every direction.
Both towns lean newer — a lot of construction from the last 15 years, plus active new-build communities today. Waukee generally carries a slightly higher price point on average, driven by its scale and the volume of larger new-construction homes. Grimes can offer a touch more value per square foot, especially as you move toward its established neighborhoods.
That said, prices move month to month, and the gap is narrower than people assume. If budget is your deciding factor, I recommend we pull live numbers for the exact subdivisions you're considering — averages across a whole town can hide the deal that's right for you.
Schools are a major draw in both. Most of Grimes falls within the Dallas Center-Grimes district, which has invested heavily in new buildings as the town has grown. Waukee has its own large, well-resourced district that consistently ranks among the metro's strongest on public measures like GreatSchools ratings and state assessment data — worth reviewing directly since boundaries shift with growth.
On commute: Grimes wins if you work on the north side, in Johnston, or downtown via the 141/Merle Hay routes. Waukee wins if your job is on the west side, in West Des Moines, or near the Jordan Creek / Grand Prairie corridor. Drive both routes at rush hour before you decide — it tells you more than a map ever will.
Waukee gives you scale — big-box shopping, the Triumph Park sports complex, restaurants, and the Raccoon River Valley Trail running right through town. It's the choice if you want amenities a few minutes from your door.
Grimes trades some of that for breathing room. The downtown has come alive with local spots, the parks and trails are excellent, and you're a short hop from both the metro and open country. It's a strong fit if you want a community that still feels like a community.
Choose Waukee if you want scale, west-side commute access, and amenities within arm's reach. Choose Grimes if you want a little more room, north-side access, and a smaller-town feel that's still close to everything.
Both are smart, long-term places to own — and the better question isn't "which town is best," it's "which town fits the life you're building." Send me your budget, your commute, and your must-haves, and I'll map out exactly where you'd land in each. No pressure, just a clear comparison.
Jackson Krile | Flanders Team | RE/MAX Real Estate Center
515.490.8614 · Jackson@FlandersTeam.com
Let's talk through your specific situation — no pressure.