Trying to choose between West Des Moines and Waukee? You are not alone. Both cities are popular in the Des Moines metro, but they offer different day-to-day experiences, housing options, and growth patterns. If you are weighing commute, home style, budget, and lifestyle fit, this guide will help you compare the two with more clarity. Let’s dive in.
West Des Moines vs. Waukee at a Glance
West Des Moines is the larger and more established city. The estimated 2024 population is 73,664, compared with 34,420 in Waukee. West Des Moines also has more housing units overall, with 36,235 compared with Waukee’s 12,216.
Waukee, however, has been growing much faster. From 2020 to July 1, 2024, Waukee grew by 43.7%, while West Des Moines grew by 7.2%. If you are looking for a city that feels like it is actively expanding, Waukee stands out.
Housing Style and Neighborhood Feel
West Des Moines housing variety
West Des Moines offers a broader mix of housing types. The city highlights apartments, townhomes, condos, and single-family homes, along with investment in both new construction and existing or infill housing. That gives you more variety if you want to compare different home styles, ages, and price points.
West Des Moines also has a more layered feel. Its historic core, Valley Junction, began as a railroad hub, and the Valley Junction commercial district is a National Historic District with 53 contributing historic properties as of 2025. If you enjoy a city with a mix of old and new, West Des Moines may feel more established and varied.
Waukee newer growth patterns
Waukee is more closely tied to newer development. One of the biggest examples is Kettlestone, a 1,500-acre mixed-use development that began in 2013. The city says it includes shopping, dining, personal services, parks, ponds, and trails, and it is expected to support up to 7,000 new housing units over the next 20 years.
Waukee’s current development pipeline also includes multiple single-family, townhome, and multi-family projects. For you, that can translate to more opportunities to consider newer homes, planned neighborhoods, and areas that continue to take shape.
Which housing feel fits you?
If you want historic character, more housing-age variety, and a city with a longer development story, West Des Moines may be the better fit. If you are drawn to newer construction, planned growth, and a more uniform suburban feel, Waukee may match your goals more closely.
Home Costs and Budget Considerations
Budget often plays a major role in this decision. Based on citywide Census data, Waukee’s median value of owner-occupied homes is $350,500, while West Des Moines comes in at $309,000. Median gross rent is also higher in Waukee at $1,383, compared with $1,237 in West Des Moines.
That does not mean every home in Waukee costs more than every home in West Des Moines. It does mean that on average, Waukee trends higher in both home values and rent. If price sensitivity is part of your search, West Des Moines may offer a bit more flexibility at the citywide level.
Commute and Transportation
West Des Moines access points
West Des Moines positions itself at the crossroads of Interstate 35 and Interstate 80. The city also notes that Interstate 235 provides a direct link to downtown Des Moines. If your routine involves downtown access or frequent airport trips, that may be a practical advantage.
The city reports an average commute of 18.3 minutes. West Des Moines also highlights DART service and says airport access is only minutes away.
Waukee route patterns
Waukee’s transportation picture leans west. The city says Kettlestone is connected by Grand Prairie Parkway and University Avenue and is just minutes from Interstate 80. Waukee also notes it has a direct connection to I-80 and is about 20 miles from Des Moines International Airport.
Waukee’s mean travel time to work is 19.8 minutes. Public transit options include HIRTA door-to-door service and DART Express Route 92 for downtown commuters from the Clive/Waukee edge.
What the commute difference really means
The commute times are fairly close, so your route preference may matter more than the numbers alone. West Des Moines may suit you better if you want direct downtown access, easy airport convenience, and strong interstate connectivity. Waukee may feel like a better match if your travel patterns center more on the western suburbs and I-80 access.
Shopping, Dining, and Everyday Convenience
West Des Moines amenities
West Des Moines has a deeper and more established retail network. The city identifies Jordan Creek Town Center, Valley West Mall, West Glen Town Center, and Historic Valley Junction as major shopping and dining destinations. It also describes itself as a regional hub for jobs and shopping.
Valley Junction adds a distinct local feel. The city describes it as a walkable historic business district with more than 150 unique specialty shops, art galleries, and restaurants. If you want multiple established retail areas with different personalities, West Des Moines offers that range.
Waukee amenities
Waukee’s retail and dining identity is newer and more concentrated. The city points to Kettlestone as a mixed-use area with shopping, dining, personal services, scenic trails, and hotels. It also describes KeeTown Loop as the city’s premier entertainment district with restaurants, retail, and hospitality.
If you like the idea of a newer live-work-play area with room to grow, Waukee may appeal to you. Its commercial areas are less about historic character and more about modern, planned development.
Lifestyle Differences to Think About
Census age data offers a helpful clue about overall feel. In Waukee, 27.2% of residents are under 18, compared with 21.0% in West Des Moines. West Des Moines has a larger 65+ share at 15.1%, compared with 11.1% in Waukee.
In simple terms, Waukee trends a bit younger, while West Des Moines is slightly more age-diverse. That can shape how each city feels, from the pace of development to the kinds of neighborhoods and amenities you notice day to day.
When West Des Moines May Be the Better Fit
West Des Moines may be a stronger match for you if these priorities are high on your list:
- You want a broader mix of homes, from condos and townhomes to single-family properties
- You like a city with more established shopping and dining areas
- You value historic character, especially around Valley Junction
- You want direct access to downtown Des Moines via I-235
- You want citywide home values and rents that are lower on average than Waukee
When Waukee May Be the Better Fit
Waukee may be the better choice if your priorities look more like this:
- You prefer newer construction and master-planned growth
- You want to explore neighborhoods in a city that is expanding quickly
- You like the feel of newer mixed-use districts such as Kettlestone
- You expect to spend more time commuting on the west side or using I-80
- You want a city that trends younger based on current Census data
The Right Choice Depends on Your Daily Life
There is no one-size-fits-all winner in the West Des Moines versus Waukee conversation. West Des Moines tends to offer more history, more housing variety, and more established retail destinations. Waukee tends to offer newer homes, faster growth, and a more planned development pattern.
The best choice comes down to how you want your everyday life to feel. If you want help narrowing that down based on your commute, budget, home style, or move timeline, Megan Mitchum + CO - 515 Realtor can help you compare options across the Des Moines metro with local insight and a clear plan.
FAQs
What is the main lifestyle difference between West Des Moines and Waukee?
- West Des Moines generally offers a more established, varied feel with historic character and multiple shopping areas, while Waukee is more closely associated with newer development and faster growth.
Which city has newer homes, West Des Moines or Waukee?
- Waukee is more strongly associated with newer construction and planned growth, especially with large-scale development such as the 1,500-acre Kettlestone area.
Which city is more affordable on average, West Des Moines or Waukee?
- Based on citywide Census data, West Des Moines has lower median home values and lower median gross rent than Waukee.
Which city has the shorter commute, West Des Moines or Waukee?
- West Des Moines reports an average commute of 18.3 minutes, while Waukee reports a mean travel time to work of 19.8 minutes, so the difference is modest.
Which city has more shopping and dining options, West Des Moines or Waukee?
- West Des Moines has a more established retail and dining network, including Jordan Creek Town Center, Valley West Mall, West Glen Town Center, and Historic Valley Junction.
Is Waukee or West Des Moines better for relocation in the Des Moines metro?
- The better fit depends on your priorities. West Des Moines may work better if you want established amenities and downtown access, while Waukee may be a better match if you want newer neighborhoods and a fast-growing suburban setting.
