Your guide to buying a home in the Des Moines metro.
Neighborhood guides, cost-of-living, schools, and current housing-market data for Des Moines, West Des Moines, Waukee, Urbandale, and Clive — plus a free buy-vs-rent calculator.
Des Moines metro housing market
Median listing price
$349,900
▲ 1.4% vs prior
Active listings
3,134
▲ 3.4% vs prior
Median days on market
53 days
▼ 7.0% vs prior
Source: Realtor.com via FRED (metro); Zillow Research (value/rent); U.S. Census ACS (demographics) · Des Moines–West Des Moines, IA · updated 2026-06.
Explore neighborhoods
West Des Moines
The metro's retail and dining hub, with established and brand-new neighborhoods.
Waukee
One of Iowa's fastest-growing cities — lots of new construction and young families.
Urbandale
Established, central, and well-connected — mature neighborhoods at a range of prices.
Clive
A quiet, well-kept residential community wrapped around the Greenbelt Trail.
Plan your move
Buy vs Rent calculator → · Full market data → · Renting in the metro →