Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Located in the state of Iowa, Urbandale is a moderately-sized city with a population of 45,000 people. The majority of Urbandale residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Urbandale is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Urbandale, Iowa. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like cost of living, commute, education and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Urbandale and in the areas around Urbandale is a much easier task.
The livability score in Urbandale is 90/100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the national average, Urbandale ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The cherry on top is that Urbandale also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Urbandale has higher than average rankings for the following: amenities (A+), crime (A+), cost of living (A-), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+).
If you're living in Urbandale, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Urbandale an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.
Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Urbandale gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 89 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Urbandale schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 77%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Urbandale an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Urbandale market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Urbandale meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Urbandale. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Urbandale are simply unattainable. The median home price for Urbandale homes is $438,232, which is 82.6% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Urbandale, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 3.3% higher than the Iowa average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Urbandale | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.0% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.0% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.5% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.4% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.8% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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