Grimes is the Central Iowa growth story most outsiders haven't caught onto yet. Sitting in Dallas County between Johnston and Dallas Center, Grimes has tripled in population over the last 20 years and the trajectory continues — new subdivisions, new schools, new commercial activity. The combination of Dallas Center-Grimes school district, sub-20-minute commutes to West Des Moines + downtown, and meaningful new-construction inventory has made Grimes one of the metro's most active markets.
Why Grimes is one of the metro's hottest markets
- The Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District (DCG) is consistently among the strongest in Central Iowa — strong test scores, well-funded programs, and the kind of community engagement that drives families to relocate specifically for the schools.
- 15 minutes to West Des Moines via Hwy 141. 25 minutes to downtown Des Moines. 10 minutes to the Hy-Vee corporate / Wellmark / Casey's HQ corridor.
- New construction inventory is at a metro-leading pace — multiple master-planned communities active, with builders competing on incentives.
- Dallas County positioning — Grimes residents get the schools + amenities of one of Iowa's wealthiest counties without the West Des Moines premium pricing.
- Family-heavy demographics — most homes are 3-bedroom+, with strong neighborhood community feel + active youth sports.
Grimes neighborhoods — knowing where to focus
The Reserve at Brook Run + new subdivisions north of Hwy 141 — Newest construction, master-planned with HOAs, trails, parks. Larger lot options in some sections. Price range: $400K-$700K. Best for: families wanting the newest finishes + amenity-rich community.
Established Grimes (south of Hwy 141, near the historic downtown) — 1990s-2000s housing stock, mature trees, walkable to the original downtown core. Price range: $300K-$475K. Best for: families wanting an established neighborhood feel at lower entry prices.
North Grimes + Dallas Center border — Mix of newer construction + agricultural-edge properties. Larger lots, more space. Price range: $375K-$650K. Best for: buyers wanting space without leaving the metro.
East Grimes (toward Johnston border) — Newer subdivisions, easy commute to downtown Des Moines, often slightly more affordable than the Johnston side of the same neighborhoods. Price range: $350K-$525K.
Premium executive enclaves — Grimes has several pockets of higher-end inventory (custom homes, larger lots, golf-adjacent). Price range: $650K-$1.1M+.
What the Grimes market looks like right now
- New construction supply is the deepest in the metro. Multiple builders are active. Negotiation room + incentives are real, especially on inventory homes (vs. spec or to-be-built).
- Resale moves fast in the family-home sweet spot. 3-4 bedroom homes between $375K-$525K typically go contingent in 7-21 days.
- Top school zones command a premium. Confirm the elementary feeder before falling in love with a specific address.
- The $550K-$750K range has more negotiation room than the entry-level price points.
- Days on market: 10-25 days for properly-priced single-family; new construction is build-time-dependent.
I send a free Central Iowa market report monthly with the actual numbers. Get on the list at Jackson's Hub →
Schools in Grimes
The Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District (DCG) is one of the strongest in Iowa:
- Dallas Center-Grimes High School — Strong academic profile, well-known for athletic programs, AP curriculum.
- DCG Meadows + DCG Heritage Middle Schools — Two middle schools serve the district.
- 4 elementary schools — DCG Heritage, DCG North, DCG South, Dallas Center Elementary. Attendance zones map specifically by neighborhood.
- Growth-related boundary adjustments happen periodically — verify the current attendance zone for any specific address.
The DCG district is widely considered among the best in Central Iowa, alongside Waukee, Johnston, and Ankeny.
Things to do in Grimes
- Brookview Park — Grimes' signature public park with athletic fields, trails, splash pad.
- Beaver Creek Wildlife Refuge — natural area adjacent to Grimes, popular for hiking.
- The Grimes Family Aquatic Center — community pool, summer destination.
- Downtown Grimes — historic core with local restaurants, breweries, and the iconic Iowa Distilling Company.
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden — 15 minutes east.
- Iowa Arboretum — 25 minutes south, 350 acres of trails.
- West Des Moines Jordan Creek Town Center — major shopping + dining destination 15 minutes south.
Major Grimes-area employers + commute
- West Des Moines — Hy-Vee corporate, Wellmark, FBL Financial, Casey's HQ. 15-minute commute.
- Downtown Des Moines — Principal, Wells Fargo, Nationwide, EMC. 25 minutes.
- Pioneer / Corteva Agriscience — major employer in Johnston, easy commute.
- Easy I-35 + I-80 access for cross-metro professionals.
Investor + house hacking in Grimes
Grimes is more of an owner-occupant market than an investor market — but there are pockets where the numbers work:
- Walk-out ranches in established Grimes work well as house hacks. Live upstairs, rent the basement.
- 4-5 bedroom new construction in newer subdivisions can accommodate roommate-style house hacks.
- Rental demand is steady but not aggressive — most Grimes homes are owned, not rented. Plan your numbers conservatively if investor-buying.
Full house hacking playbook here →
What clients say about working with me
"I would highly recommend working with Jackson for anyone who is new to the home buying process. He made things simple, straightforward and worked with me through obstacles. I plan on working with Jackson again."
— Jacob K., Central Iowa buyer (Verified Zillow review)
Ready to make a move in Grimes?
Grimes rewards buyers who understand the school zoning, the new construction landscape, and the difference between the four major sub-markets. I work this market and the surrounding west-side corridor regularly. Free 15-minute conversation, no obligation:
Nearby Central Iowa communities
Considering options outside Grimes? Johnston sits directly east with similar top-rated schools at slightly higher price points. Dallas Center is just north — quieter, smaller, with shared DCG schools. Urbandale is southeast with established Urbandale CSD schools and more mature neighborhoods.
Jackson Krile is a REALTOR® on the Flanders Team at RE/MAX Real Estate Center. Licensed in Iowa #S66867000. DMAAR + CIBR member.