DES MOINES AREA COMMUNITIES

Ankeny began as a farming community founded by John Fletcher Ankeny and his wife Sarah on April 22, 1875. Mr. Ankeny was an active Des Moines businessman and involved in area politics. He was also a promoter and stockholder of the Minnesota Narrow Gauge Railroad, which was later built through the town of Ankeny.

The 2000 census reported 27,117 residents. A special census taken in 2005, showed Ankeny’s population at 36,161 and land size at 26.45 square miles. Ankeny has grown quickly in the last years of the 20th century and the first decades of the 21st century. The 2010 census counted 45,582 residents with a land area of 29.14 square miles and the 2020 census counted 67,887 residents.

The City of West Des Moines was incorporated on October 9, 1893. From its inception, the City of West Des Moines has endeavored to provide the best possible services to its citizens. The City has been recognized by several national publications and a metro-wide publication as a great place to live and conduct business. It has grown from an 1893 railroad town known as Valley Junction with a population of 500 to a hub of commerce and premier living. West Des Moines is located at the crossroads of Interstates 35 and 80. The City remains one of the fastest-growing communities in Iowa, with a network of amenities to provide its citizens with a high quality of life.

General Lewis Addison (L.A.) Grant and Major William Ragan purchased the land that would become Waukee in 1869. The Des Moines Valley Railroad was built, and many businesses emerged after that. The City of Waukee was incorporated on July 2, 1878. Waukee was primarily a bustling coal mine community until 1949, when Iowa’s largest producer of coal—The Shuler Mine—closed down. Since its humble beginnings, Waukee residents and City leaders have worked hand-in-hand to achieve successful growth.

The City of Waukee is recognized as the fastest-growing (large) city in Iowa and is located in Dallas County—the fourth fastest-growing county in the U.S.

Waukee offers a friendly, community-oriented vibe featuring quality schools, parks, trails, entertainment, and enrichment opportunities. The City is also dedicated to economic development and business opportunities, including the expansion of both the mixed-use development Kettlestone and the highly-traveled Hickman Road corridor.

Des Moines, the vibrant capital of Iowa, offers the perfect balance of urban energy and Midwestern charm. Known for its thriving job market, top-rated schools, and affordable cost of living, it’s a city that has something for everyone. Residents enjoy a diverse dining scene, exciting entertainment options, and abundant outdoor recreation, from scenic trails to beautiful parks. With a strong sense of community, excellent healthcare, and a growing arts and culture scene, Des Moines continues to be one of the best places to live, work, and play in the Midwest.