I have a question for all you central Iowa folks. My wife and I are relocating from the CR area and are looking at houses in the Bondurant, Ankeny, and Polk City areas. We are hoping to be in a house by the end of August. We are somewhat familiar with central Iowa having grown up in the area, but all of these towns have changed significantly since we were younger. I was hoping people could provide insight into these communities and the school districts as we have a kid on the way. So far our thoughts on these towns are as follows:
Bondurant:
I appreciate any insight you have about these areas and thanks in advance!
Bondurant:
- Seems like it would be the most convenient location for our work commutes. I will be working in downtown DSM and my wife's office will be in Nevada, although she will only probably go to her office about 3 days a week. Smaller community feel, most similar to what both of us grew up in. Seems like a better bang for buck with housing. Our concerns would be slightly longer distance to amenities (restaurants, HyVee/Fareway, etc.)
- I'll admit we don't know much about Ankeny. Our impression is more traffic, larger schools, more housing inventory, pretty much have everything you'd need in close proximity.
- We like the area around Polk City, being close Saylorville and other outdoor activities. Seems like less housing inventory (although a lot are starting to be built). It would be stretching our budget a little. We are unsure of the in-town commute to downtown rather than I-80 from Bondurant. We don't know much about the school district or future plans for expansion. It seems like it is closer to nice golf courses.
I appreciate any insight you have about these areas and thanks in advance!