Waukee, IA

Thinking of moving to Waukee, IA? Explore our complete guide to living in Waukee, covering local cost of living, top-ranked schools, job growth and the best neighborhood amenities.

Just west of Des Moines, Waukee is one of Iowa’s fastest-growing suburbs, celebrated for its new entertainment developments, great schools and trail connectivity. Life in Waukee can feel like strolling through the walkable entertainment district at Kettlestone, catching a Friday night football game at Northwest High School, or biking down the paved Raccoon River Valley Trail. Located just 15 miles west of downtown Des Moines in Dallas County, Waukee offers unbeatable metro convenience, and this booming city of 32,047 residents has an undeniable draw. Modern master-planned subdivisions, luxury townhomes and spacious single-family builds (median home value: $355,659!) frame scenic prairie greenways and state-of-the-art commercial hubs. Waukee is a great home base for professionals and growing families seeking a tight-knit community with top-tier schools, low crime rates and regional connectivity.

Top Reasons to Move to Waukee, IA:

• Unbeatable Expressway Access: Navigating the Des Moines metro area is exceptionally easy from Waukee! Positioned along the Interstate 80 and Highway 6 (University Avenue) corridors, commuters enjoy lightning-fast highway routes into West Des Moines’ Jordan Creek shopping district, downtown Des Moines’ financial center and Des Moines International Airport (DSM). Plus, wide, modern main roads keep local traffic moving smoothly, even amid booming growth.
• Kettlestone Is the Key to Fun: Life in Waukee revolves around great shopping, dining and nightlife. The multi-use Kettlestone development brings neighbors together around outdoor plazas, corporate campuses and beloved dining spots like Mickey’s Irish Pub and The Breakfast Club. The city also features the Palms Theatre & IMAX, an entertainment complex with fine dining and reclining theater seating. Vibrant Music Hall is also a staple with its state-of-the-art facilities that host national touring artists and live performances.
• A+ Education: Education is a massive magnet for families moving to the area. Served by the highly acclaimed Waukee Community School District, local public campuses – including Waukee High School and the state-of-the-art Waukee Northwest High School – consistently earn top marks in Iowa for academic growth, advanced STEM academies, championship athletics and renowned fine arts programs. The district serves just under 14,000 students and consistently ranks among the Top 10 best districts in Iowa.
• Raccoon River Valley: Outdoor enthusiasts have incredible trails right in their backyard. Waukee serves as a major trailhead for the famous 89-mile paved Raccoon River Valley Trail, bringing cyclists and runners from across the region. Within city limits, residents can explore Triumph Park, featuring a massive inclusive playground, splash pads and fishing piers, alongside the historic Triangle Park downtown. Centennial Park is another community gathering place with open play lawns, covered picnic pavilions, sports fields and a covered stage for summer concerts and the annual Waukee Arts Festival.
• Powerhouse Professional Growth: Waukee offers local professionals incredible economic stability and career opportunities. The city hosts major technology and corporate hubs – including Apple’s multi-billion-dollar cloud-computing data center campus – alongside expanding healthcare centers and corporate campuses, allowing residents to build high-paying careers right in Dallas County.