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.
Located in the state of Iowa, Ankeny is a medium-sized city with a population of 64,744 inhabitants. At 93%, the majority of the Ankeny population is White; this is followed by 2% Asian and 1% Black. With an average age of 33 years old, Ankeny could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Ankeny is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, health & safety, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Ankeny and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Ankeny to Iowa and the national average.
The livability score in Ankeny is 92/100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Ankeny would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that Ankeny also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Ankeny scores well for amenities (A+), crime (A+), cost of living (A), employment (A+) and housing (A+)
Ankeny has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Ankeny has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.
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 196 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Ankeny has an unemployment rate of 2.01% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Ankeny schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 83%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Ankeny an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Ankeny has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Ankeny real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Ankeny. The median home price for Ankeny homes is $239,300, which is 80.2% 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 2.7, which is 12.5% 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% |
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