Des Moines metro, IA relocation guide
Moving to West Des Moines, IA
About West Des Moines
West Des Moines (pop. ~75,500 in 2026 per worldpopulationreview.com; spans Dallas, Polk, and Warren counties) is the metro's premier west-side suburb and a major commercial hub. It's anchored by Jordan Creek Town Center — Iowa's largest shopping mall — and retains railroad-town charm in Historic Valley Junction, its walkable downtown of boutiques, galleries, and antique shops along 5th Street.
Home prices in West Des Moines
The median listing price in West Des Moines is $343,450.
Top places in West Des Moines
- Jordan Creek Town Center
- Historic Valley Junction
- Raccoon River Park
- West Glen Town Center
- Brown's Woods
- Topgolf and Smash Park
- Jordan House
- Raccoon River Valley Trail and Clive Greenbelt Trail
Commuting from West Des Moines
- Drive to downtown Des Moines: ~15–20 minutes via I-235 or I-80/I-35 (approximately 10 miles east).
- Transit: DART bus service connects West Des Moines (including Jordan Creek and Valley Junction corridors) to downtown Des Moines.
- Commute-friendly location for the West Des Moines corporate corridor itself (Wells Fargo, Microsoft campuses), cutting the commute to near zero for many residents.
Schools in West Des Moines
Public schools: West Des Moines Community School District. For enrollment and performance data, see the state report card in Town links below. Confirm school assignment for any address directly with the district.
West Des Moines FAQs
- What is the housing market like in West Des Moines, IA?
The median listing price in West Des Moines is $343,450. Median listing price · Realtor.com · September 25, 2026 - How is the commute from West Des Moines, IA?
Drive to downtown Des Moines: ~15–20 minutes via I-235 or I-80/I-35 (approximately 10 miles east). - Which school district serves West Des Moines, IA?
West Des Moines is served by West Des Moines Community School District. See the state report card in Town links, and confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.
Town links
Schools
Transit
Official town resources. School report cards via the National Center for Education Statistics.