Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Urbandale is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 43,879 residents. At 88%, the majority of the Urbandale population is White; this is followed by 5% Asian and 4% Black. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Urbandale is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Urbandale, Iowa. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Urbandale and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, commute, education, housing and other important metrics.
The livability score in Urbandale is 89/100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Urbandale would be considered a very livable city! Urbandale has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Urbandale ranks well for amenities (A+), crime (A+), cost of living (A-), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+)
Living in Urbandale offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Urbandale provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale.
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Urbandale shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 106 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Urbandale schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 77%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Urbandale an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Urbandale can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Urbandale is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Urbandale come in at $242,500, which is 82.6% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Urbandale, the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 4.2% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Urbandale | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.0% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.0% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.5% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.4% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.8% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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