New Construction
New construction is most active in Waukee, Ankeny, and Johnston, with homes from $280,000 to $430,000 and strong school-district access in rapidly expanding communities.
Des Moines, Iowa · New Homes
New homes in Des Moines.
Des Moines has emerged as one of the most surprisingly sophisticated mid-sized metros in the Midwest, with Principal Financial Group and multiple insurance and financial-services firms creating a concentration of high-income professional employment in a market where the median home price remains well below the national average, and quality of life consistently exceeds expectations for first-time visitors.
New construction is most active in Waukee, Ankeny, and Johnston, with homes from $280,000 to $430,000 and strong school-district access in rapidly expanding communities.
At a glance
Des Moines market snapshot
Median Home Price
$225,000
Median Rent
$1,000
Market Trend
Stable
Cost of Living Index
88
Why Des Moines
What makes Des Moines different
Why People Move Here
Extreme affordability and Principal Financial and financial services employment and Iowa State University economy and low cost of living and safe communities
Schools
Waukee Community School District and Johnston Community School District consistently rank among Iowa top-performing districts, driving significant premium values in rapidly growing western and northern suburbs.
Top Neighborhoods
West Des Moines, Ankeny, Waukee, Urbandale, Johnston, Altoona, Clive, and Pleasant Hill
Major Employers
Principal Financial Group global headquarters and John Deere financial services campus and Wellmark Blue Cross, Blue Shield, and Iowa State University research enterprise and Amazon fulfillment hub and Wells Fargo home mortgage operations
Who's building
Top builders active in Des Moines
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Common questions
Des Moines FAQ
Is Des Moines a good place to buy a home?
Des Moines offers exceptional affordability and Principal Financial Group employment and strong suburban school districts and one of lowest unemployment rates.
What is the median home price in Des Moines?
The median home price in Des Moines is approximately $225,000 making it one of the most affordable metros with new construction from high $200,000s.
Which Des Moines suburbs have the most new construction?
Waukee, Ankeny, and Johnston lead Des Moines in new home activity with Hubbell Homes and D.R. Horton running multiple pipelines.
Is Des Moines good for real estate investors?
Des Moines offers accessible entry prices and strong rental demand from insurance and finance workers and Drake and Iowa State students and consistently low vacancy.
What is driving Des Moines housing demand?
Principal Financial and financial services and John Deere and Iowa State University and agricultural technology and Des Moines affordability and low unemployment drive demand.
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