Ankeny IA

Ankeny, IA – One of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, Ankeny combines small-town charm with big-city convenience. Just minutes from Des Moines, it offers friendly neighborhoods, award-winning schools, and plenty of green space. Whether you're biking the High Trestle Trail, enjoying community events, or grabbing a coffee downtown, Ankeny is a welcoming place to call home.

• Population: ~76,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons (20-85°F); cold winters with snow, warm and sunny summers.
• Places To Visit: High Trestle Trail, Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center, District at Prairie Trail, Otter Creek Golf Course, Ankeny Art Center.
• Top Activities: Biking or walking scenic trails, catching live music and food trucks in The District, golfing, visiting local breweries, attending farmers markets.
• Famous Food: BBQ from Smokey D’s, fried chicken from Jethro’s BBQ n’ Pork Chop Grill, and comfort food at Main Street Café.

Ankeny, Iowa is a fast-growing city with a strong economy supported by industries such as education, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. The city offers a variety of opportunities for professionals looking to live and work in a community-oriented environment. Below are some of the top careers currently in demand in Ankeny.

Top 5 Jobs in Ankeny, Iowa

Ankeny, Iowa, might seem quiet to outsiders, but for students living in the area, it's full of cool places to relax, hang out, and have fun. Whether you prefer cozy cafés, exciting outdoor spots, or lively events, Ankeny has plenty to offer.

Firetrucker Brewery – Great drinks, friendly atmosphere, and fun events make Firetrucker a popular hangout spot. They often host live music, trivia nights, art shows and food trucks, so you're sure to have a good time with friends.

Prairie Trail District – A trendy spot for shoppers, food-lovers, and entertainment seekers. You can grab ice cream or coffee, explore local boutiques, or just kick back to chat outdoors. Don't miss out on the popular outdoor movie nights and festivals.

Ankeny Market & Pavilion (AMP) – AMP is the go-to place during warmer months. Enjoy the farmers market, delicious food from local vendors, live music performances, and seasonal events. It's the perfect spot to unwind with classmates or meet new people.

The District at Prairie Trail Movie Theater – Need a casual movie night? This theater features comfortable reclining seats, delicious snacks, and often has student-friendly pricing. Great for catching the newest blockbusters or a chill movie night with friends.

Saylorville Lake and Trail System – If you're into outdoor adventures, visit Saylorville Lake for biking, hiking, picnics, or just relaxing at the beach. It's a fantastic location for students to take a break, enjoy nature, and have fun outdoors.

Smokey Row Coffee Co. – A cozy coffee shop perfect for relaxing, socializing, or studying with friends. Enjoy tasty drinks, baked goods, and a warm atmosphere that welcomes students looking for some downtime between classes or after studying.

Ankeny, Iowa, is a growing city renowned for its strong educational community and access to quality higher learning institutions. Located within the Des Moines metropolitan area, students in Ankeny benefit from both local and nearby institutions that offer a range of academic and technical programs, all preparing them for successful careers in today’s workforce.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Ankeny

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) – Located in the heart of Ankeny, DMACC is the largest and most comprehensive community college in Iowa. It offers two-year degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in areas such as health sciences, business, IT, and liberal arts. With modern facilities and strong ties to local businesses, DMACC is known for career readiness and affordable education.

Iowa State University (Located Nearby in Ames) – Just 30 minutes from Ankeny, ISU is a top-tier public research university. It is particularly known for its engineering, agriculture, and veterinary programs. Many Ankeny residents attend ISU due to its proximity and outstanding academic reputation.

University of Iowa (Located Nearby in Iowa City) – About two hours from Ankeny, the University of Iowa is one of the state's flagship public universities. It’s especially recognized for its programs in writing, healthcare, and law. Many students from the Ankeny area pursue higher degrees at this prestigious institution.

University of Northern Iowa (Located in Cedar Falls) – Known for its strong teaching and business programs, UNI is a popular choice among Ankeny high school graduates. The university offers a supportive campus environment and a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs within reach for central Iowa families.

Indian Hills Community College (Located in Ottumwa and Centerville) – While not in Ankeny, Indian Hills CC serves many central Iowa students, offering affordable pathways to various health, technical, and academic careers. It’s well-regarded for its nursing and advanced manufacturing programs.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Ankeny

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary – Located in Ankeny, Faith Baptist is a private Christian institution focusing on theological education and ministry training. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs emphasizing biblical studies and Christian service, making it an important academic and spiritual hub in the Ankeny community.

Grand View University (Located in Des Moines) – Just a short drive from Ankeny, Grand View is a private liberal arts university known for strong programs in nursing, education, business, and graphic design. It offers small class sizes and a student-centered environment that appeals to many Ankeny residents.

Drake University (Located in Des Moines) – One of the top private universities in the Midwest, Drake is known for its law, pharmacy, journalism, and business programs. It has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and attracts students from all over Iowa, including Ankeny.

Mercy College of Health Sciences (Located in Des Moines) – Specializing in health-related programs, Mercy College draws students looking to enter the nursing, healthcare administration, and allied health professions. Its close proximity to Ankeny offers a convenient option for students pursuing healthcare careers.

AIB College of Business (formerly in Des Moines) – Although AIB College of Business closed in 2016, it played a significant role in Iowa’s private business education landscape. Many Ankeny families benefited from its practical, career-focused programs over the years.

Ankeny, IA is known for excellent schools, offering quality education and strong community support. Its public and private high schools help students thrive academically and prepare for future success.

Top Public High Schools In Ankeny, IA

• Ankeny High School – This large public school is known for academic rigor, advanced placement classes, and competitive athletic teams. It boasts high graduation rates and strong college prep programs.
• Ankeny Centennial High School – A top-rated school offering a wide range of AP courses, arts programs, and extracurricular activities. Its supportive environment helps students excel.
• North Polk High School, Alleman – Just north of Ankeny, this smaller high school is praised for strong academics and a tight-knit community. It offers high ACT scores and solid college readiness.
• Saydel High School, Des Moines – Serving some Ankeny families, Saydel High provides focused instruction, career pathway programs, and a personalized approach to learning.
• Bondurant-Farrar High School, Bondurant – Located near Ankeny, this school is known for academic performance and expanding programs in STEM and the arts. It consistently earns high marks in statewide rankings.

Top Private High Schools In Ankeny, IA

• Ankeny Christian Academy – A private Christian high school offering a faith-based curriculum, strong academics, and individual attention. Students here often succeed in college and beyond.
• Des Moines Christian School, Urbandale – Just minutes from Ankeny, this private school serves grades K-12. It’s known for excellent academics, spiritual development, and competitive sports programs.
• Dowling Catholic High School, West Des Moines – A top-ranking Catholic high school known for rigorous education, a wide range of courses, and strong community values. Many Ankeny families choose this school.
• Grand View Christian School, Des Moines – Offers a Christ-centered education with small class sizes and personalized learning. This school is popular among families seeking moral and academic excellence.
• Faith Christian Academy, West Des Moines – A smaller private school focused on character development, individualized instruction, and strong preparation for college and careers.

Ankeny, Iowa is a rapidly growing city known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and thriving local economy. While it does not host any major professional sports teams of its own, its residents are passionate sports fans who follow teams from nearby cities and states. In addition, Ankeny supports local athletics and minor league sports in the surrounding Des Moines metropolitan area.

⚾ Baseball – Iowa Cubs (MiLB - Triple-A)

• Iowa Cubs – Located in nearby Des Moines, the Iowa Cubs are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. They play at Principal Park and have been a top-level minor league team since 1981. The team is known for developing future MLB stars and drawing loyal fan support from Ankeny and surrounding communities.

🏀 Basketball – Iowa Wolves (NBA G League)

• Iowa Wolves – Based in Des Moines, the Iowa Wolves are the official G League affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves. They play their home games at Wells Fargo Arena. The team offers an exciting basketball experience and the chance to see future NBA talent up close.

🏈 Football – Iowa Barnstormers (IFL)

• Iowa Barnstormers – A professional indoor football team playing in the Indoor Football League, the Barnstormers have a loyal fan following. Known for former quarterback Kurt Warner, who went on to become an NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion, the team now plays at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

⚽ Soccer – Des Moines Menace (USL League Two)

• Des Moines Menace – The Menace is a successful soccer club competing in USL League Two, a pre-professional league. They play at Valley Stadium and regularly make playoff appearances. The team has a strong community presence and provides a fun soccer atmosphere for families and fans in the Ankeny area.

🏒 Hockey – Iowa Wild (AHL)

• Iowa Wild – The Iowa Wild is the American Hockey League affiliate of the Minnesota Wild. They play in Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena. The team features future NHL players and offers fast-paced action that hockey fans in Ankeny and beyond greatly enjoy.

Although Ankeny does not have major league teams within its city limits, it offers access to high-level sports through its close proximity to Des Moines. With a variety of professional and semi-professional teams across different sports, fans in Ankeny have no shortage of thrilling games and emerging stars to cheer for.

Ankeny, Iowa may be a growing suburb of Des Moines, but it has its own charm, history, and surprising bits that locals love to share. From rapid growth to surprising landmarks, here are 10 fun facts about Ankeny:

1. One of the Fastest-Growing Cities – Ankeny has consistently ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing cities in the U.S. over the past decade.
2. It Started as a Coal Town – Ankeny was originally founded in 1875 as a small farming and coal mining community.
3. DMACC’s Main Campus – The Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) has its largest and oldest campus in Ankeny.
4. Home of the High Trestle Trail – The famous High Trestle Trail, a scenic 25-mile biking trail with a glowing bridge at night, starts near Ankeny.
5. Birthplace of OtterBox – The popular phone case company OtterBox began when its founder, Curt Richardson, lived in Ankeny and started crafting waterproof boxes.
6. Diverse Food Scene – From BBQ to sushi, Ankeny has an unexpected mix of restaurants, including local burger joints and global cuisine.
7. Ankeny SummerFest – Every July, the city hosts SummerFest, a multi-day festival with rides, live music, and parades that brings the whole town together.
8. Top-Rated Schools – Ankeny’s public schools are known for their academics, athletics, and arts programs, making the town popular with young families.
9. Near the Center of Iowa – Its central location allows easy access to Des Moines and other Iowa landmarks, including the state capitol just 10 miles away.
10. Cyclist’s Dream – With over 100 miles of bike paths and trails, Ankeny is considered one of the most bike-friendly cities in the Midwest.