At The Grantham Group, we are proud to call Ankeny one of our favorite communities. This vibrant and growing suburb offers something for everyone, with ample parks and excellent public schools. We recognize the importance of finding the perfect community to call home, and we use our knowledge of the local area to help you find the right neighborhood and property. Whether you are a young professional seeking a starter home or a growing family looking for more space, The Grantham Group is here to provide expert guidance.
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Things to Do in Ankeny
Ankeny isn't just a place to live—it's a place to experience. Here are some popular attractions and entertainment in the area:
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Ankeny Market & Pavilion: A community hub hosting farmers markets and local events that bring residents together.
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Cascade Falls Aquatic Center: A family-friendly water park perfect for summer fun and creating lasting memories.
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Ankeny Art Center: Showcasing local talent and offering creative classes for all ages.
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Uptown Ankeny: A charming historic district with unique shops and restaurants.
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High Trestle Trail Bridge: A stunning 13-story high bridge offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
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The Operating Room: Unique entertainment venue offering immersive interactive experiences like video games, pinball machines, and more.
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B&B Theaters: Modern movie theater providing the latest film releases and premium cinema experience
Local Restaurants in Ankeny
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Waterfront Seafood Market: Fresh seafood restaurant offering a variety of ocean-inspired dishes and market-fresh catches
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Jethro's BBQ LakeHouse: Popular barbecue destination known for its mouthwatering smoked meats and lakeside atmosphere
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Uptown Food and Beverage Co: Trendy eatery featuring contemporary American cuisine and craft cocktails
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The Ankeny Diner: Classic American diner serving comfort food and traditional breakfast favorites
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Portofino's Italian Restaurant & Pizza: Authentic Italian dining experience with handmade pizzas and traditional pasta dishes
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The Breakfast Club: Local breakfast spot known for creative morning dishes and brunch specialties
Hungry in Ankeny? You're in for a treat. This bustling suburb has really stepped up its food game, serving everything from cozy breakfast spots where locals swap stories over coffee to date-night worthy restaurants that could give downtown Des Moines a run for its money.
Hotels in Ankeny
While Ankeny offers several accommodation options, some notable hotels include:
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Hampton Inn & Suites Ankeny: Modern, comfortable hotel offering complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and convenient business amenities. Ideal for both business travelers and tourists.
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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ankeny: This clean, contemporary hotel has spacious rooms, a free breakfast buffet, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. It provides excellent value for both short and extended stays.
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Comfort Suites Ankeny: This hotel offers spacious suite-style rooms, free hot breakfast, an indoor pool, and a business center. It is perfect for families and travelers seeking extra comfort.
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Is West Des Moines a good place to live?Yes, West Des Moines is considered one of the best places to live in Iowa. Known for its welcoming community, excellent schools, and vibrant local economy, the city offers a high quality of life. Residents enjoy a mix of suburban comforts and urban conveniences, with plenty of parks, dining options, and shopping areas like the Jordan Creek Town Center.
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Is West Des Moines a walkable neighborhood?West Des Moines is somewhat walkable, with a Walk Score of 34 and a Bike Score of 37 according to Walkscore.com, indicating that most errands require a car, but some areas may offer better walkability or biking options. While the city has pockets of well-connected streets and proximity to parks, schools, and shopping centers, many neighborhoods remain car-dependent. For those who enjoy cycling, the city’s dedicated bike paths and trails provide additional options for getting around.
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What are the activities for kids in West Des Moines?West Des Moines offers a variety of fun and enriching activities for kids. Families can spend time at Raccoon River Park, which features a playground, beach area, and nature trails, or visit the Valley Community Center, which hosts engaging classes and events for children. Kids can also participate in local youth sports leagues, enjoy interactive learning at the nearby Science Center of Iowa, or attend one of the many summer camps available in the area, ensuring there’s always something exciting to do.
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What are the transit options in West Des Moines?West Des Moines provides several convenient transit options for residents and visitors alike. The DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit) bus service connects the city to the broader Des Moines metro area, making public transit accessible. The city is also bike-friendly, with dedicated trails and pathways for cycling and walking. Major highways such as I-35 and I-80 offer excellent driving access for commuters, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available, making it easy to travel throughout the region.
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Is Clive, Iowa a Good Place to Live?Clive is consistently ranked as one of the best suburbs in the Des Moines metropolitan area. The community offers excellent quality of life with top-rated schools, low crime rates, well-maintained neighborhoods, and proximity to urban amenities. Residents appreciate the balance of suburban tranquility and convenient access to Des Moines, making it attractive for families, professionals, and individuals seeking a high-quality living environment. The city boasts strong community engagement, beautiful parks, and a reputation for being a safe, family-friendly suburb with robust economic opportunities.
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Is Clive a Walkable Neighborhood?According to WalkScore.com, Clive has a relatively low walkability rating, which is typical of suburban areas. Most errands require a car, with an estimated Walk Score of 36 and a Bike Score of 53. While the Clive Greenbelt Trail and some neighborhood areas offer walking opportunities, the community is primarily designed for car transportation. However, the city does provide good bicycle infrastructure with multiple trails and bike-friendly routes, offering alternative transportation options for residents.
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What are the Activities for Kids in Clive?Clive offers numerous kid-friendly activities and attractions: Clive Aquatic Center: A popular summer destination with water slides and pools Campbell Recreation Area: Playgrounds and open spaces for outdoor play Clive Greenbelt Trail: Safe paths for family bike rides and walks Nearby community programs and sports leagues Close proximity to Des Moines attractions like the Science Center and zoo Multiple parks with playgrounds, including Westview Bend Park and Country Club Glen
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What are the Transit Options in Clive?Transit options in Clive reflect its suburban character, with transportation primarily centered around personal vehicles. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART) provides limited bus services connecting Clive to the broader Des Moines metropolitan area. While comprehensive public transit is not as robust as in more urban settings, residents can access some commuter bus routes that link Clive to downtown Des Moines. Many locals rely on personal vehicles, carpooling, and ridesharing as their primary modes of transportation. The city's well-planned road infrastructure and proximity to major highways make driving convenient, and the growing network of bike trails offers additional transportation alternatives for shorter distances.
Best School Districts for Athletes in Iowa - #2 of 295
Best School Districts in Iowa - #4 of 303
Districts with the Best Teachers in Iowa - #11 of 304
Ankeny Community School District Rankings
Note: Rankings and grades are from Niche.com's recent assessments. For the most current information and specific details about each district, it's recommended to visit their official websites or contact them directly.