Huxley is a quietly excellent Central Iowa market that gets overlooked because of its size. Tucked between Ames and the Des Moines metro on Hwy 69, Huxley combines the highly-rated Ballard Community School District, easy access to both major employment markets, and the kind of family-focused community feel buyers say they want but can rarely find. If you're a family weighing Ankeny, Ames, or Huxley — Huxley deserves a serious look.
Why Central Iowa families are choosing Huxley
- The Ballard Community School District consistently ranks among Iowa's strong public districts — well-funded programs, strong test scores, and a tight-knit feel that draws families specifically for the school experience.
- 15 minutes to Ames + 30 minutes to downtown Des Moines via I-35. Few Central Iowa cities offer that combo.
- Growth has been measured — Huxley isn't tripling in size like Ankeny did, which means the community character has been preserved.
- Strong family demographics — most homes are 3-4 bedroom, with active youth sports, school engagement, and weekend community events.
- Affordability vs. equivalent Ankeny or Johnston inventory — Huxley homes typically run $40K-$80K less than the same finishes in the bigger cities.
Huxley neighborhoods — where to focus
South Huxley (closer to Slater border) — Established neighborhoods, 1980s-2000s housing stock, mature trees. Price range: $275K-$425K. Best for: first-time buyers, families wanting value + character.
North Huxley (newer subdivisions along Hwy 69) — Recent construction, modern finishes, HOAs. Price range: $375K-$575K. Best for: families wanting newer construction + organized neighborhood amenities.
West Huxley (Skunk River area) — Larger lots, more rural-edge properties, some acreage. Price range: $325K-$650K depending on lot size. Best for: buyers wanting space + privacy.
Central Huxley (around the downtown core) — Walkable to local restaurants + community spaces. Older housing stock, some restored historic properties. Price range: $250K-$400K. Best for: buyers valuing walkability + character.
What the Huxley market looks like right now
- Inventory is tight — Huxley turns over less than the larger metro suburbs because residents tend to stay 10-15+ years.
- Properly-priced single-family moves in 14-28 days. Premium school zones can move faster.
- New construction is steady but limited — fewer active builders than in Ankeny, Bondurant, or Grimes. Means more competition for resale + builders' inventory.
- Days on market: 14-30 days typical.
- The $325K-$475K range is the most competitive — overlap between first-time move-up + relocating professionals.
I send a free Central Iowa market report monthly with the actual numbers. Get on the list at Jackson's Hub →
Schools in Huxley
Huxley is served by the Ballard Community School District — small, focused, consistently strong:
- Ballard High School — Located in Huxley. Strong academic profile, well-known athletics + activities, AP options.
- Ballard Middle School — Single middle school for the district.
- 3 elementary schools — Ballard Central in Huxley, plus elementaries in Slater + Cambridge that feed into the district.
- The district covers Huxley, Slater, Cambridge, and Kelley — small geographic district with tight community feel.
Verify attendance zones for any specific address before committing.
Things to do in Huxley
- Huxley Recreation Trail — Paved multi-use trail connecting Huxley to surrounding communities.
- Huxley Aquatic Center — Community pool, summer destination.
- Skunk River Greenbelt — Natural area with hiking + fishing.
- Annual Huxley Prairie Festival — anchor community event.
- Easy access to Ames athletic + cultural events — Iowa State football, Reiman Gardens, Main Street Ames.
- Saylorville Lake — 30 minutes south, accessible via Hwy 69.
- The growing Huxley restaurant scene — small but expanding.
The commute picture
- Ames + Iowa State University — 15 minutes north. Major draw for ISU faculty + research employees who want a different community feel than Ames itself.
- Downtown Des Moines — 30 minutes south via I-35.
- Ankeny corridor — 15-18 minutes south. Easy access to DMACC, John Deere, broader Des Moines metro.
- I-35 access — direct shot to both Ames + Des Moines markets.
Investor + house hacking in Huxley
Huxley is more owner-occupant than investor, but the math works for certain plays:
- Ames spillover rental demand — ISU faculty + grad students sometimes prefer Huxley to Ames for the small-town feel + lower price. Single-family rentals in Huxley can find tenants from the ISU market.
- Walk-out ranches work as house hacks. Live upstairs, rent the basement.
- 4-bedroom new construction can accommodate roommate-style house hacks.
Full house hacking playbook here →
What clients say about working with me
"Jackson & his team are the best!! He was able to help us find a first home that completely surpassed our expectations, we couldn't be happier! We will continue to use him for any future buying or selling needs."
— Rachel C., Central Iowa first-time buyer (Verified Zillow review)
Ready to make a move in Huxley?
Huxley rewards buyers who understand the Ballard district + know how to spot the smaller-market patterns most agents don't take time to learn. I work this market regularly and would love to walk you through what's available:
Nearby Central Iowa communities
Considering options outside Huxley? Slater sits just south, shares the Ballard district. Ames is 15 minutes north — more urban feel, Iowa State market. Polk City is southeast with Saylorville Lake access.
Jackson Krile is a REALTOR® on the Flanders Team at RE/MAX Real Estate Center. Licensed in Iowa #S66867000. DMAAR + CIBR member.