Ankeny, Iowa Emerges as a Top Choice for Retirees

Retiring in Ankeny, Iowa offers lower than national average living costs, extensive outdoor recreation and quick access to Des Moines. The March 2026 average home value was $338,168, compared with $366,019 nationwide, though current inventory and mortgage rate figures are not available here.

Ankeny home values and the cost of retirement

Ankeny has single family homes, townhomes, condos and retirement communities, giving older residents several kinds of housing to consider. Its March 2026 average home value was $27,851 below the national average. The local figure is an average value, not a sale price or a measure of what any particular home will cost. Housing expenses are also described as lower than in some of the more popular suburbs around Des Moines.

Beyond housing, the reported cost of living in Ankeny is 11% below the national average. Utility prices are 21% lower than the U.S. average, while healthcare expenses, including doctor visits and prescriptions, are 17% lower. Those differences can matter for retirees living on a set income, although actual bills depend on a household’s housing, energy use and healthcare needs.

These figures offer a useful starting point for home shoppers, but not a complete view of the market. No current inventory count or mortgage rate is included, so the numbers do not show how many homes are available, how quickly they are selling or what financing would cost. Sellers cannot use the average value alone to predict a sale price. For investors, the home value and cost comparisons do not establish rents, operating expenses or returns.

Community programs make it easier to stay involved

Ankeny is a growing community with a residential feel, local services and organized activities for older residents. Community events include Ankeny Chamber Summerfest and an outdoor arts festival hosted by the Ankeny Art Center. During warmer months, residents can also find outdoor movies, yoga in the park and a Saturday farmers market that runs from May to September.

The Albaugh Family Senior Community Center offers activities such as pickleball, table tennis, fitness classes, bocce, shuffleboard and a golf simulator. The public library holds free events every month, including author talks, book clubs and crafts. That mix gives retirees options for socializing and staying active without having to travel into the larger city.

Trails, transit and the connection to Des Moines

Ankeny has more than 100 miles of trails and 600 acres of parks. The flat terrain and maintained paths support walking, cycling and jogging. Public pools, splash pads and playgrounds offer ways to spend time outdoors with visiting grandchildren, while a 7.5 acre dog park gives pet owners a place to meet. Otter Creek Golf Course adds another recreation option.

For daily errands, shops, restaurants and grocery stores are close to residential areas. Downtown Des Moines is just over 10 miles away, putting cultural events and additional dining within reach. Des Moines International Airport is nearby for travelers. Residents who do not drive can take Des Moines Area Regional Transit buses to downtown in about 20 minutes. Reduced fares are available to people 65 and older and people with disabilities, and ADA compliant paratransit offers door to door rides for people unable to use regular routes.

Healthcare nearby, with a wider choice in Des Moines

Ankeny has medical centers and clinics, with hospitals and specialists available in nearby Des Moines. The Des Moines VA Medical Center provides veterans with primary and specialty care, including services for diabetes, cancer and mental health. The reported 17% healthcare cost difference gives a broad comparison with national expenses, but it does not guarantee an individual’s out of pocket costs or access to a specific provider.

For retirees weighing a move, Ankeny’s appeal rests on a combination of lower reported everyday costs, local recreation and access to the services of a larger city. The figures available describe affordability, but without current home inventory and mortgage rates, they cannot show what buying in Ankeny would cost today.