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 which 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.
In July, 1856, Thomas Mitchell, Milton Ferguson, and Wilson Jones, laid out a town on section two, township seventy-nine, range twenty-two, and called it Mitchellville. In May, 1867, the new town of Mitchellville was laid out by Thomas Mitchell, on the northwest quarter of section twelve. This town was made a station on the line of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad. Its growth has been steady and its career has been marked by a gradual and healthy prosperity, until the present time, when it has become something more than simply a country trading point.
Mitchellville is a quiet community in Southeast Polk County with quick access to the Des Moines Metro. With its great sense of community, friendly atmosphere, and affordability, it’s the perfect place to call home.
Norwalk is a beautiful, growing, and thriving Metro community! From the moment you enter Norwalk, you’ll understand why so many residents choose to call us home.
In Norwalk, you’ll find safe, tranquil neighborhoods and the satisfaction of being able to enjoy all of the comfort of metro living, without traffic congestion or a lengthy commute.
Location is everything and our proximity to the Des Moines International Airport, major highways and interstates, as well as shared borders with Des Moines and West Des Moines make it a prime location for career commuting, and top-rated schools.
We are proud to say that Norwalk has been ranked one of the safest cities in Iowa for five years running. Be sure to check out our growing list of great restaurants, gorgeous golf courses, and beautiful Lake Colchester!