Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a teacher here and With a population of 70,542, Ankeny is a smaller city. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
22 upvotes
2 Replies
Waylon Hernandez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Miami about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Eliana Thomas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 15 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Road conditions need improvement. Can feel isolated. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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