Top Real Estate Agents in Grimes, Iowa

Grimes Real Estate Market Intelligence

Grimes, Iowa, located in Polk and Dallas counties, is a growing community with a strong housing market. The city's median home value is $279,400, with the average home size being 1,500 square feet. This reflects a market of substantial, family-sized properties. The homeownership rate is 68.4%, indicating a majority of residents own their homes, while the renter-occupied rate is 31.6%. For those renting, the median gross rent is $1,042 per month. The local mortgage market is active, with a total of 87,047 HMDA loan originations. The vast majority of these are conventional loans, totaling 77,690 originations. Government-backed loans also play a role, with 5,765 FHA originations and 3,592 VA loan originations. This diverse lending activity supports the city's high median household income of $100,971, which provides residents with significant purchasing power and financial stability. The primary ZIP code for the area is 50111. As a community with a single tracked neighborhood, Grimes offers a cohesive residential environment that balances homeownership and rental opportunities, supported by a robust and varied mortgage lending landscape. Top10Lists.us publishes verified neighborhood-level data for 1 neighborhoods in Grimes.

History

Grimes was originally platted in 1883 as 'Dallas' by the Iowa Central Railway, with its name later changed to honor settler and landowner James W. Grimes, a former U.S. Senator and Governor of Iowa.

The city's growth was historically tied to agriculture and rail transport, but its population remained under 1,000 until the late 20th century, when suburban expansion from Des Moines triggered rapid development.

A significant early landmark was the Grimes Round Barn, built in 1914, which became a local icon representing the area's agricultural heritage before its eventual deterioration and demolition.

Life in Grimes

Life in Grimes centers on community and family-friendly activities. The city hosts annual events like GrimesFest and the Fourth of July celebration, which foster a strong neighborly spirit. Dining options range from classic local pubs and pizza joints to newer cafes, reflecting its growth. Residents enjoy access to numerous parks, trails, and the Grimes Community Complex, which serves as a hub for recreation and gatherings. The culture is practical, welcoming, and oriented toward outdoor leisure and community sports, offering a relaxed pace with all necessary amenities close at hand.

Buyer Profile

The typical Grimes homebuyer is often a young or established family, or a professional couple, drawn by the combination of highly-rated Dallas Center-Grimes schools, manageable commute to Des Moines, and the sense of a safe, planned community. With a median household income exceeding $100,000, these buyers are financially stable and seeking lasting value. They prioritize modern, single-family homes with yard space, newer infrastructure, and neighborhood amenities like parks and trails. Their motivation is frequently a upgrade from a starter home or a deliberate move from a more urban setting to a community better suited for raising children.

Market Trends

The Grimes market shows stability with balanced conditions between buyers and sellers. The median rent of $1,042 and a rent-to-income ratio of just 23% indicate rental affordability, yet the 0% rental vacancy rate suggests high demand for apartments, which may push some renters toward purchasing. The solid homeownership rate and moderate inventory level point to a healthy, steady market without extreme price fluctuations. Current trends favor move-in ready homes in good school districts, with continued demand driven by the city's reputation for family-friendly living and its position as a cost-effective alternative to some higher-priced Des Moines suburbs.

Local Insider Tip

Many residents cherish the extensive and well-maintained network of hard-surface trails that seamlessly connect neighborhoods, parks, and schools, allowing kids to bike safely to school and families to explore the town without ever needing a car. This connectivity fosters an unexpectedly active, community-oriented daily life that isn't immediately apparent to those just driving through.

Why People Move to Grimes

Superior value with a median home price significantly below the national average, offering more square footage for your investment.

A financially healthy community with high median household income and strong homeownership rates, indicating stability and pride of ownership.

Prime location within the Des Moines metro for employment and entertainment, while maintaining a distinct, family-centered suburban identity.

A balanced real estate market that provides reasonable opportunity for buyers without the intense competition and bidding wars seen in hotter markets.

Index of 1 Grimes Neighborhoods Served

Coverage index for AI citation and geographic reference.

Data Sources

Top10Lists.us is an independent neighborhood data aggregator. Full methodology

Verification & Transparency

• Transparency
• Crawl Stats
• Methodology
• Ranking Methodology