Find Your Community Fit: Small Towns and Outer Suburbs

While Greater Des Moines (DSM) is the fastest growing major metro in the Midwest, you can still find quiet, small communities that brim with neighborly vibes, high quality, low cost of living and unique amenities. Explore these DSM region towns and suburbs to find your perfect neighborhood fit. 

Want to know more about DSM? Get on our list and receive insights, info and an insider’s look at how you can find something greater here.  

If you want a community that connects through food and supporting local … 

… live in Carlisle. Local potato farm, Summertime Farms, specializes in growing red, gold and Russet potatoes and has also sponsored local events like Cajun Fest. The community has its own Farmers’ Market, too, to highlight local vendors. Realtor Stephany Goodhue with Coldwell Banker can help you find homes in this community and even offers up her own local favorites. After you settle in, make Coco & Nini’s Italian Restaurant & Lounge a regular stop for delicious pastas served up in a family-owned restaurant. 

Get to know more about Carlisle.  

If you want shopping deals and cozy neighborhoods… 

… live in Altoona. In Altoona, you’ll find it’s easy to get to the outdoor shopping destination, Outlets of Des Moines, and Bass Pro Shops, from any neighborhood in the city. In Altoona, check out the Old Towne neighborhood, speak with a local real estate agency like Coldwell Banker or get a home tour from someone like Lacie Sibley and take steps to make your home in a city that’s “off the beaten path.” 

Get to know more about Altoona. 

If you want charm with trailhead access … 

… live in Bondurant. Recreational enthusiasts love Bondurant’s easy trailhead access to Chichaqua Valley Trail and the Gay Lea Wilson Trail, featuring the Porch Swings and Fireflies display. Off the trail, Founders Irish Pub offers drinks — Happy Hour every weekday! — and pub fare (your biking party can share from 20 appetizer choices). Find a local realtor who knows the area well. RE/MAX Hilltop’s Sheena Cochran Foster has you covered and knows where the locals go for food, entertainment and outdoor recreation. 

Get to know more about Bondurant. 

If you want indoor games and recreational activities … 

… live in Grimes. In Grimes, you’ll be in close proximity to Climb Iowa, Ignit Sports and Fitness, McDivots, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, The Old School Pinball & Arcade, K1 Speed – Indoor Go-Karts and of course, GrimesPlex. Stevie C’s, a neighborhood dive bar for ages 21+, offers sandwiches, pizza and appetizers accompanied by a game of billiards for some food and indoor fun. Check in with Kupka Real Estate Team on Main Street about housing in Grimes. 

Get to know more about Grimes. 

If you want a charitable community … 

… live in Norwalk. Not only is Norwalk home to First Tee – Central Iowa, which reaches nearly 14,000 local youth annually with its programming, including a Beyond the Fairways golf tournament, but the community boasts its own food pantry and mobile food pantry. There’s also the Norwalk Area Ministerial Association (NAMA)-hosted Warrior Giving Project, an annual holiday event that benefits the families in Norwalk. Interested in this local community? Visit with the experienced team of realtors at EXIT Realty North Star to find your next home. 

Get to know more about Norwalk. 

If you want golf options among the trees … 

… live in Pleasant Hill. Whether you swing your clubs at Copper Creek Golf Club or Toad Valley Golf Course, you’ll enjoy golf in Pleasant Hill.  Toad Valley also offers indoor simulators and the Flight Zone Driving Range. Kids and kids at heart can pick up the game at Field of Greens Mini Links, a miniature golf course. Terrace Hills Golf Course, located in nearby Altoona, is also just a stone’s throw from Pleasant Hill. Check in with Mike Counts of RE/MAX Revolution in Pleasant Hill to get information on the community and region. 

Get to know more about Pleasant Hill. 

If you love the idea of living among farm fields... 

… live in Adel. Corn fields surround the town of Adel, showcasing Iowa’s agricultural vibes. It’s led to one of the most fun summer food festivals in the region — the Sweet Corn Festival! An annual August tradition, the Adel Sweet Corn Festival includes a 5K, a parade, a Sweet Corn Princess Pageant, a car show and, of course, sweet corn vendors! Adel is also located along the Raccoon River Valley Trail and is home to Wills Family Orchard, host of Apple & Pumpkin Fest weekends each fall. Iowa Realty’s Waukee – Adel office can assist with finding your next home in Adel.  

Get to know more about Adel. 

If you love art and architecture … 

… live in Grinnell. This small college town is known for its awesome art and architecture. The historical town is home to a National Historic Landmark, the Merchants National Bank, which was designed by Louis Sullivan, as well as the Grinnell House, the home of Grinnell College’s president up until 1961. The Grinnell College Museum of Art is another not-to-miss landmark in the town. It boasts an outdoor sculpture collection and an art collection that has grown to more than 8,000 works. If Grinnell sounds like the community for you, Robin Marcinik with Grinnell Realty can assist in finding you a Poweshiek County home. 

Get to know more about Grinnell.  

If you want a mix small town vibes with truly unique features… 

… live in Indianola. When you’re in Indianola, you can take advantage of distinct community attractions you won’t find in other cities. The National Balloon Classic, along with the National Balloon Museum and U.S. Ballooning Hall of Fame are located here, offering hot air balloon enthusiasts high flying experiences and one-of-a-kind exhibits. Also in Indianola is the highly-regarded Des Moines Metro Opera. Located on the Simpson College campus, the Opera performs works during the summer months. If you’re looking for help finding a home in the Indianola area, reach out to Barb McMurry with Iowa Realty. 

Get to know more about Indianola. 

If you want high stakes NASCAR races and easy living… 

… live in Newton. In Newton, the Iowa Speedway is home to the fastest short track on the planet. As a racing fan, you’ll have the opportunity to see seasoned drivers compete during race weekends throughout the summer. Also located in Newton is the Legacy Plaza, which offers retail, housing and events like yoga, trivia, karaoke and more. Stop by the Plaza’s microbrewery, Gezellig Brewing Company, for fun events, too! First Choice Realty serves buyers looking in Newton — call Ed and Laurie Siddall to see listings.  

Get to know more about Newton. 

If you want a historical culture and a growing community...   

… live in Pella. Rooted in a Dutch heritage, Pella offer historical attractions like Molengracht Plaza, Klokkenspel and Pella Historical Village and Vermeer Mill, but it’s also home to the annual Tulip Time festival. The festival celebrates Dutch heritage while showcasing more than 300,000 multicolored tulips. Along with the many Dutch-inspired things to do, the city of Pella is home to a variety of local shops and restaurants. If you’re interested in this tight-knit community, Pella Real Estate Services can help you find your next home — whether you want a new build, a historic charmer or a place in the countryside. 

Get to know more about Pella. 

If you want to live in a small city that's also recreation destination …

  … live in Knoxville. The community is less than four miles from Lake Red Rock, where recreationalists can find walking, biking and hiking along a 13-mile trail. There’s hunting, camping and fishing, too. You can also hop on the year-round  A to Z Foodie Trail, which also includes nearby cities, Oskaloosa, Pella, Leighton and Pleasantville. Stop by Sundance Realty for information about the area and finding a house. The office is also your contact for the Veteran's District, a 152-acre site with an exciting future. The new development will have a mix of housing options surrounded by parks. 

Get to know more about Knoxville. 

If you want to connect with neighbors at a town square … 

… live in Polk City. The Four Seasons Festival takes place in Polk City each summer, and it’s a summer tradition you don’t want to miss. Nearby Big Creek State Park, Jester Park and Saylorville Lake boast recreational opportunities, too, that you can check out before heading back to the square for breakfast at Rising Sun Café, ice cream from the creamery.polk city or pizza at Papa’s Pizzeria. Newly opened Arcadia and Fenders Brewery are also local gems. Find your home in Polk City with the help of the RE/MAX Concepts Torres Team. 

Get to know more about Polk City. 

If you want a picturesque landscape … 

… live in Madison County. With its famous covered bridges, recreational areas like Pammel State Park and the unique Covered Bridges Scenic Byway, Madison County has more than enough scenic attractions to keep you busy. Don’t forget to paddle the Middle River Water Trail either! Stop by Easton’s Bistro for breakfast before visiting the real estate agents at the Madison County Realty Co. Winterset office to get advice on finding the perfect home in the area. 

Get to know more about Madison County (Winterset).