Ankeny Iowa Emerges as Top Retirement Destination for Retirees

Ankeny, Iowa has landed on a national best places to retire list, and the numbers back up the pitch: a typical home there runs $338,168 versus $366,019 nationally, while overall living costs sit 11% below the U.S. average.

What Makes Ankeny Different From Other Retirement Towns

Ankeny sits just over 10 miles from downtown Des Moines, which means retirees get small town quiet without losing access to a bigger city's restaurants, healthcare specialists and cultural calendar. The town has grown quickly in recent years, but it has kept a planned, tidy feel with residential neighborhoods that skew calm rather than crowded.

That combination, proximity to a metro area plus a lower cost structure, is part of why national rankings have singled it out. Retirees moving from higher cost states may notice the difference most in housing and energy bills rather than in any single flashy amenity.

Housing Costs and Everyday Expenses

As of March 2026, the average home value in Ankeny was $338,168, compared with $366,019 across the country. That is a gap of roughly $27,850, and it puts Ankeny below some of the pricier Des Moines area suburbs as well. Housing stock includes single family homes, townhomes, condos and dedicated retirement communities, giving retirees several ways to scale their living arrangement to their budget.

Beyond the mortgage or purchase price, day to day costs stay favorable. The broader cost of living in Ankeny runs about 11% under the national average, and utility bills are especially cheap, averaging 21% lower than the U.S. overall. For anyone living on a fixed income, that kind of margin on monthly bills can matter as much as the sticker price of a home.

Healthcare Spending

Medical costs follow the same pattern. Doctor visits and prescriptions in Ankeny run about 17% below the national average, according to local cost of living data. The city has its own clinics and medical centers, and residents can reach hospitals and specialists in Des Moines quickly if needed. Veterans have an additional option at the Des Moines VA Medical Center, which offers primary care along with specialty services covering diabetes, cancer treatment and mental health.

Recreation, Community Life and Staying Active

Ankeny has more than 100 miles of trails and roughly 600 acres of parkland, and the flat terrain makes walking, biking and jogging manageable for older residents. The Albaugh Family Senior Community Center offers pickleball, table tennis, fitness classes, bocce, shuffleboard and even a golf simulator, giving retirees a steady menu of low impact ways to stay active.

The calendar fills up with community events too. The Ankeny Chamber Summerfest and the Ankeny Art Center's outdoor Arts Festival draw crowds annually, while weekly happenings, outdoor movies, yoga in the park and a Saturday farmers market running May through September, keep things lively without turning into big city chaos. The public library adds free monthly programming, including author talks, book clubs and craft sessions. Dog owners have a 7.5 acre dog park to socialize in, and golfers can head to Otter Creek Golf Course, considered one of the state's better facilities.

Getting Around Without a Car

Ankeny's small footprint puts shopping, groceries and restaurants close to most residential areas, so errands rarely require a long drive. For trips into Des Moines, the DART bus system covers the distance in about 20 minutes and offers reduced fares for riders 65 and older and for people with disabilities. ADA compliant paratransit service is also available for door to door rides for residents who cannot use the regular bus routes. Des Moines International Airport is nearby too, a convenience for retirees who still want to travel.