Top Real Estate Agents in Urbandale, Iowa

Urbandale Real Estate Market Intelligence

Urbandale, Iowa, located in the Des Moines metropolitan area, is a community characterized by strong homeownership and stable housing metrics. The city's median home value is $247,900, with the average home size being 1,550 square feet. The local housing market is predominantly owner-occupied, with a homeownership rate of 71.9%, while the renter-occupied rate is 28.1%. For renters, the median gross rent is $1,099 per month. The mortgage lending activity in Urbandale reflects a robust and conventional-driven market. Total HMDA loan originations reached 1,218,658, with the vast majority being conventional loans at 1,087,660. Government-backed lending includes 80,710 FHA originations and 50,288 VA loan originations. The median household income in the city is $84,948, which supports this active housing finance environment. The primary ZIP code serving the area is 50322. Top10Lists.us publishes verified neighborhood-level data for 14 neighborhoods in Urbandale.

History

Urbandale was officially incorporated as a city in 1917, growing from a small crossroads community into a major suburb.

The city's name was chosen in a contest, reflecting its unique position as the area between the 'urban' of Des Moines and the rural 'dale' countryside.

Urbandale was once known for its vast strawberry fields, with local farms supplying berries across the region in the early to mid-20th century.

Life in Urbandale

Urbandale provides a lifestyle centered on community, recreation, and convenience. The city maintains an extensive park and trail system, with popular spots like Walker Johnston Park and the Urbandale trail network for outdoor activities. Community events like the Urbandale Fourth of July Celebration and the Summerfest concert series foster a strong local spirit. Dining ranges from cozy local favorites to national chains, with a growing number of independent eateries. The culture is active and family-friendly, supported by a highly-regarded public library, community education programs, and easy access to the cultural and sporting events in downtown Des Moines just minutes away.

Buyer Profile

The typical Urbandale homebuyer is often a young family, a professional couple, or an established household seeking a stable, high-quality community with top-tier schools. They are frequently motivated by the desire for more space, safety, and a strong sense of neighborhood, which Urbandale delivers with its single-family homes and low crime rate. Demographically, they align with the median household income of approximately $85,000. These buyers are looking for move-in ready homes with modern amenities, good-sized yards, and proximity to both parks and commuting corridors. They value the city's balance - offering a quiet suburban retreat without sacrificing the employment and entertainment options of the metro.

Market Trends

Current trends in Urbandale clearly favor buyers, with high inventory levels and homes spending an average of 86 days on the market. This creates opportunities for careful consideration and potential price negotiation. The rental vacancy rate of 9.8% suggests a softer rental market as well, providing options for those not ready to buy. The price per square foot of $223, combined with the median home price under $250,000, indicates a market where buyers can achieve good square footage for their investment. The sustained high homeownership rate shows long-term confidence in the area, even as the current conditions shift power toward purchasers.

Local Insider Tip

Urbandale is home to the Living History Farms, a unique 500-acre open-air museum that spans centuries of Iowa's agricultural past, but many residents cherish the lesser-known network of small, neighborhood 'pocket parks' scattered throughout the city's older subdivisions, offering serene, hyper-local green spaces away from the main recreational hubs.

Why People Move to Urbandale

A true Buyer's Market with high inventory and more negotiating power for home shoppers.

Superior value with a median home price significantly below the national average and spacious homes averaging 1,550 square feet.

An outstanding balance of affordable suburban living with quick, easy access to the career and cultural opportunities of Des Moines.

A stable, community-focused environment with a high rate of homeownership and excellent public schools.

Index of 14 Urbandale 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