100% Human, No A.I. Since 2006
Ankeny, Iowa
A Friendly Town in Pastoral Central Iowa, Ankeny Has Safe, Tidy Neighborhoods, a Nice Downtown and Nearby Lake Recreation
Ankeny is a tidy, appealing town about 10 miles north of Des Moines (population 200,000) and six miles east of popular 6,000-acre Saylorville Lake in pastoral central Iowa. It has been growing quickly, changing from a small town atmosphere to a small city atmosphere within the last 10 or 20 years, and it has landed on several "best places to live" lists.
This is a wholesome, family-oriented place, and residents seem to love living here. Ankeny is home to biotech companies and manufacturing companies, including John Deere (the town's largest employer). Good schools and an extended parks system, in which nearly every home is within walking distance of a grassy green space, are particular highlights. The attractive downtown is known as Uptown and dotted with awning-draped retailers. Saylorville Lake and its two adjacent state parks attract people from around central Iowa for boating, fishing, camping and more. Des Moines Area Community College has classes for all ages, and the Ankeny Art Center, the Ankeny Community Chorus and the Ankeny Community Theatre add a bit of culture.
Neighborhoods are prim, and homes are primarily wood frame and brick ranch ramblers. New gated communities are here, too. Shopping choices include national retailers, locally owned shops and a farmers' market.
Population: 73,000 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 30%
Cost of Living: 14% below the national average
Median Home Price: $350,000
Climate: This area has a humid continental climate, meaning hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, and winter temperatures range from below zero to the 20s. On average, Ankeny receives 25 inches of snow and 30 inches of rain each year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but Des Moines has several hospitals that accept Medicare patients.
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but Des Moines has several hospitals that are accredited.
Public Transit: Yes, provided by Ankeny Express, but it only makes a few stops in town and then heads to Des Moines.
Crime Rate: Well below the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Liberal
College Educated: 45%
Is Iowa Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? No
Cons: The tornado risk is 215% greater than the national average.
Notes: Ankeny's population has boomed 30% during the last decade, and home prices have increased 2% since a year ago.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes
Iowa:
Iowa is known for its state fairs, down to earth people and often severe weather (it averages 37 tornados and 50 days of severe thunderstorms each year). As if to compensate for the sometimes wild weather, Iowa is one of the safest states in which to live. Its nickname is the Hawkeye State.
Bordered on three sides by rivers, the Mississippi to the east, the Missouri to the west and the Des Moines on the south, Iowa boasts a sweeping landscape of tallgrass prairie and cornstalk fields. Not surprsingly, its economy has been based in agriculture for much of its history. In recent years, though, the state has diversified into financial services, green energy production and manufacturing.
Iowa was a part of French Louisiana and Spanish Louisiana during the Colonial period, and its state flag is based on France's flag. The first American settlers arrived in the area in 1833. Iowa joined the Union in 1846 and supported the North during the Civil War.
Interesting sites include the Iowa River Valley, Snake Alley (nothing to do with snakes) and Pikes Peak State Park (nothing to do with the Colorado mountain).
Webwerxx, Inc. Copyright (c) 2006-2024. All rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be reproduced in any way without the express written consent of Webwerxx, Inc. Reproducing any original part of this publication without written permission from Webwerxx, Inc. is plagiarism. Numerous attempts were made to verify the accuracy of the information contained in this website, but some information may have changed since each article and/or report went online, and Webwerxx, Inc. is not liable for inaccurate information contained in its articles and/or reports.