it is pretty sad when 1/4 to 1/2 acre lots are going for 70-80k themselves anymore around Ankeny.
You found lots in Ankeny between 1/4 and 1/2 acre for 70/80k?! That is really low for Ankeny, when I was looking for lots that size last winter that would have been some of the lowest price l would have found. I would say they were closer to 100k on average than 70k. We ended up buying a 4 year old house that fits our needs perfectly.