Above: Kimberley Development
Housing options abound all around town
Midcentury ranches, condos, family-friendly new homes and luxury estates are all options when it comes to Ankeny housing. And the city continues to develop in all directions, including to the east of Interstate 35.
“As far as pure numbers, nobody has grown more than Ankeny,” says Bill Kimberley of Kimberley Development. “It’s growing on all sides of town, with all kinds of housing offerings.”
Prices run the gamut and are comparable to other Central Iowa markets, according to the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors, starting in the low to mid-$100,000s for a townhouse, $200,000s for a home built in the 1990s, and up to a million for a home with all the bells and whistles. In the first half of 2021, the sweet spot for sales (at 165 units) has been between $300,000 and $349,999. More than 300 homes were sold between $120,000 and $239,999. The current median price for sales is $282,283.
The city has added schools, parks, trails and other amenities to enhance the quality of life.
Where Live, Work, Play Comes Full Circle
One subdivision, Prairie Trail on the city’s south side, was built on the premise of a walkable neighborhood harking back to earlier years.
“The idea of ‘Live, Work, Play’ was developed by architects in the 1990s with the idea that human-scaled, walkable communities offer a far better quality of life than traditional suburban sprawl development,” says architect Karl Chambers, who worked on both commercial and residential designs through his firm, Imprint Architects. “This New Urban concept contains a variety of housing options, businesses and companies that provide jobs, along with recreational opportunities.”
In both housing and commercial areas, parking is placed behind the buildings to enhance the walkable nature. It’s easy to stroll to dinner and shopping in the District, and multiple businesses are also located here to make for a care-free commute.
“The No. 1 thing people like is the connectivity,” Chambers says. “Restaurants, grocery stores, banks, day care, medical clinics, parks, schools and other essential services are all provided and connected with an extensive network of walkable paths.”
Interior Styles
With both new and more established homes, farmhouse, transitional, traditional and midcentury looks continue to be popular in the city.
“The urban farmhouse—shiplap, barn board and rustic look—has been a popular trend in the area,” says Ryan Schulte, lead designer at the Elements in Prairie Trail. “It borrows some of the transitional elements but overcommits with shiplap and the farmhouse light fixtures.”
Wood finishes such as ash and white oak add warmth and character, says Erica Lea with The Kitchen and Bath Company. White walls and neutral furnishings allow for flexibility and are easy to update with accents.
Quick Stats
634 Units sold within 30 days from January to June 2021
920 Total units for sale from January to the end of June
