If you’re new to Des Moines, where should you look for a home? Here is a list of the Top 5 suburbs in Des Moines.

1. Waukee

Located on the far west side of Des Moines, Waukee is a booming suburb that has no plans of slowing down. Waukee offers residents a dense suburban feel with a strong community, growing school district and a place where many families and young professionals thrive. Many people own their own home while others are taking advantage of the available lots to build on in developments such as Kettlestone Ridge. New homes in every price range seem to be popping up almost daily.

2. Ankeny

One of the largest growing suburbs in Des Moines, Ankeny is found just north of Des Moines. With all the new housing developments like Centennial Ridge and Northgate being constructed, homes are continuously popping up. Plenty of bike trails, parks, shopping and entertainment districts give residents plenty to see and do. Finding a home is Ankeny is easy with single family homes, townhomes and rowhomes for easy living and plenty of lots to choose from to build your own home.

3. Norwalk

This city may be the best place to live where you can get a small town atmosphere that’s close to big city amenities. Norwalk is just a 15 minute commute to downtown Des Moines. There is something for every home buyer in developments like Orchard Trail and Rolling Green with tons of treed lots and a residential tax abatement. Beautiful golf courses and gorgeous countryside make Norwalk a city most residents are proud to live in.

4. Johnston

New growth in residential real estate is an indicator that people are choosing to move to Johnston and buying brand new construction. Many residents choose to live here because of the short commute, great school system, family-friendly neighborhoods and easy living options such as Adam Ridge Rowhomes. Big name employers such as Dupont Pioneer and other new business developments make the suburb of Johnston an easy choice to consider when purchasing a new home.

5. Altoona

With exceptional amenities, affordable living and great schools, Altoona has quickly become one of the fastest growing suburbs in Des Moines. Just east of Des Moines, neighborhoods in Altoona are quickly filling up with new construction housing. Feel at home in neighborhoods like Ironwood South which is close to parks, walking paths and bike trails. Don’t overlook this friendly town where the real estate market is quickly spreading and offers a residential tax abatement.