Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

- Population: 15,402
- Median home value: $275,400
- Median rental price: $1,042

- Top schools nearby: Waukee Senior High School (grade A), Walnut Hills Elementary School (grade A), Henry A. Wallace Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A−), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)

- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B−

#8. Grimes, Iowa

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- Population: 7,617
- Median home value: $274,800
- Median rental price: $1,084

- Top schools nearby: Heritage Elementary School (grade A−), Spring Creek Sixth Grade Center (grade A−), Altoona Elementary School (grade A−)
- Top private schools nearby: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A−), Ankeny Christian Academy (grade B+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: B+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B−

#7. Bondurant, Iowa

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- Population: 5,200
- Median home value: $234,700
- Median rental price: $1,207

- Top schools nearby: Valley High School (grade A), Van Meter Middle School (grade A), Heritage Elementary (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A−), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B−

#6. Windsor Heights, Iowa

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- Population: 23,856
- Median home value: $332,000
- Median rental price: $1,225

- Top schools nearby: Prairie Trail Elementary School (grade A), Crocker Elementary School (grade A), Southview Middle School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A−), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B−

#5. Johnston, Iowa

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- Population: 68,392
- Median home value: $281,700
- Median rental price: $1,289

- Top schools nearby: Prairie Trail Elementary School (grade A), Northeast Elementary School (grade A), Rock Creek Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A−), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B

#4. Ankeny, Iowa

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- Population: 45,591
- Median home value: $298,500
- Median rental price: $1,108

- Top schools nearby: Waukee Senior High School (grade A), Valley High School (grade A), Walnut Hills Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A−), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B−

#3. Urbandale, Iowa

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- Population: 18,576
- Median home value: $359,300
- Median rental price: $1,089

- Top schools nearby: Waukee Senior High School (grade A), Valley High School (grade A), Walnut Hills Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A−), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B

#2. Clive, Iowa

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- Population: 25,045
- Median home value: $305,300
- Median rental price: $1,209

- Top schools nearby: Waukee Senior High School (grade A), Valley High School (grade A), Walnut Hills Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Dowling Catholic High School (grade A), Grand View Christian School (grade A−), Des Moines Christian School (grade B+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: B−
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: B

This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.

#1. Waukee, Iowa