Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Nothing Found
No cons were found for this area, as there were no categories that scored well below average.
Ankeny is a mid-sized city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 66,592 people. According to the most recent Census, 93% of Ankeny residents are White, 2% Asian and 1% Black. Ankeny tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 33 is far below the national average.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Ankeny, 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 amenities, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Ankeny and in the areas around Ankeny is a much easier task.
The livability score in Ankeny is 92/100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. This is a fantastic score, as Ankeny ranks well in multiple categories! Ankeny has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Ankeny has higher than average scores for the following: amenities (A+), crime (A-), cost of living (A-) and employment (A+).
If you're living in Ankeny, 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 Ankeny 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. Ankeny gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 166 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Ankeny, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.1% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Ankeny have an average test score of 83%, which is well above the US average.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Ankeny excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Ankeny is real estate affordability. The median home price for Ankeny homes is $433,633, which is 80.7% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Ankeny, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 6.7% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Ankeny | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 85.1% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.2% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.2% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.0% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Iowa
Safest Cities In The US
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Iowa
These are the largest cities in Iowa