Urbandale is located in the northwest part of the Des Moines Metro Area at the intersections of Interstate 35, Interstate 80, and Iowa Highway 141. This unique geographic location allows Urbandale residents convenient access to a variety of amenities and attractions in the metro area.
Urbandale is less than 15 minutes from downtown Des Moines, the state capital, and the metro's many cultural and entertainment options. Urbandale is also home to a variety of businesses and industries, making it a great place to work and raise a family.
In addition to its convenient location, Urbandale also has a number of other advantages, including strong public school systems, a variety of housing options, a budding downtown area, and a number of parks and recreation areas. From safe neighborhoods to acres of green space, Urbandale is uniquely positioned as an attractive place to raise a family, grow your business, and enjoy life.
The City of Urbandale maintains one of the lowest municipal tax rates in the state, providing excellent services at an exceptional value.
Each year hundreds of new residents make Urbandale their home—joining those who already enjoy our community’s extensive park and trail network, short commutes, great career opportunities, and excellent schools.
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Living in Urbandale
Moving to Urbandale
Housing prices in the area are affordable with a variety of options to accommodate any lifestyle. A typical 3 bed/2 bath home between 1,300 to 2,500 square feet is priced from $200,000 to $400,000. More upscale living is available for $500,000 and up. Urbandale has the most access points to I-35/80 in the Des Moines metropolitan area. The city is characterized by engaged civic leaders and economic growth.
Urbandale takes pride in offering a hometown feel with the amenities of a big city. Residential areas, both new and well-established, are clean, safe, and family-friendly. Urbandale has something for everyone through 57 parks, 50+ miles of paved trails, a senior recreation center, all-inclusive playground and Miracle Field, open green spaces, and a large variety of organized programs for all ages.
Urbandale’s retail and service businesses continue to enhance Urbandale’s quality of living. Locally-owned shops and national chains provide everything professionals need to check off their personal and professional to-do lists. In 2020 and 2021, Urbandale was ranked one of the Top 100 Places to Live by Money magazine.
The Des Moines Metro is known for the high concentration of insurance companies compared to other metros in the United States. An integral part of the Metro, Urbandale has become a hub for insurance and financial services, attracting companies with its modern facilities and top talent.
The tech sector is growing steadily in Urbandale. From new startups to established companies, Urbandale is brimming with opportunities for the tech-savvy and innovative. Urbandale adds value to employees’ experience by offering connections to statewide professional associations and to the quality of life amenities people in this sector value most.
Urbandale is home to six public school districts and two private schools. Generally, educational institutions accessible to residents of Urbandale perform above the State of Iowa's average score in a number of performance standards. Iowa's focus on a top notch educational system contributes to a high quality of life for Urbandale citizens and a solid pipeline of talent for the business community's future workforce.
Urbandale’s central location also provides easy access to nationally recognized institutions like Drake University and Grandview University in Des Moines. Iowa State University is about a 45-minute drive north to Ames; while the University of Iowa is about a two-hour drive east to Iowa City.
Entertainment in Urbandale
Urbandale is a city that knows how to have fun! Our Fourth of July celebration is one of the largest in the area, and it's packed with activities for the whole family. From our time-honored parade to our outdoor carnival and street dances, there's something for everyone. And don't forget the fireworks - they're the highlight of the show!
The City of Urbandale also offers a variety of entertainment options throughout the year. Our biggest event is Party in the Park, which is held twice every summer. Thousands of people from across the metro come for the live music, food trucks, and a variety of activities for families. It's a great way to spend a summer evening and enjoy the outdoors.
Living History Farms is a popular site in Urbandale and is conveniently located right off Interstates 35/80. It is an interactive outdoor museum which educates, entertains, and connects people of all ages to Midwestern rural life experiences. 300 years of agricultural history are represented including a 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, 1850 Pioneer Farm, 1900 Horse-Powered Farm and an 1875 town. Tours are self guided and historic interpreters at each farm site are dressed in clothing from each era to explain what it would have been like to live in that time. The general touring season is May through October. Many special events and historic dinners take place in the off-season.
Urbandale is also home to the Des Moines Buccaneers hockey team! The Buccaneers are a fixture in central Iowa and remain a strong franchise due to the community’s loyal and faithful support to the team. The Buccaneers aren’t only a sports team but an entity that provides entertainment and economic benefits to the metro area.