At RPM Iowa, we provide executive property management for investors building wealth through single-family homes. Part of this involves staying up to date on the Iowa Market so we can provide the best insights on where to invest. Over the last 20 years, the state of Iowa has had over 350+ miles of newly developed land according to the 2021 U.S. Geographical Survey. These developments across the state come largely near urban and suburban neighborhoods such as Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Ankeny. As urban cities grow across the country, people everywhere are looking to find that sweet spot between urban opportunities and that tight-knit community feeling. This might explain why Dallas County has been the fastest-growing county in Iowa since 2010.
Iowa ranks within the Top Ten states in the nation for creating value. Over the last five years, the state has grown upwards of 5% by population, according to the 2020 Census by the U.S. Census Bureau and property value in Iowa has been increasing in many suburban areas across the state. This presents unique opportunities to make investing in executive-level properties beneficial for you. As these neighborhoods and suburbs continue to grow in value, here are Four Hot Suburbs for investors to watch.
West Des Moines
the fastest-growing metro area by percentage in the midwest
A large part of the population within the state of Iowa lives within Polk county, home to the city of Des Moines. The western suburbs of Des Moines; like Grimes, Johnston, and Urbandale are expecting about 6.7% growth based on population statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. West Des Moines has an estimated population of 71,781 people and Polk is the only county in Iowa to exceed a population of over 600 thousand people, which makes it a hotspot for potential commercial or residential development. And perhaps the most convincing statistic of all is the fact that the Des Moines area’s population grew 18.6% from 2010 to 2021, making it the fastest-growing metro area by percentage in the Midwest over that time period, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Ames
You may know Ames as the home of Iowa State University, but the city is growing on its own, even in the off-seasons! Many additions are scheduled to be completed in Ames. These additions include a new public plaza, an indoor aquatic center, hotels, commercial options, and a public high school. Many of these additions invest into the educational, social, or recreational opportunities available within Story County. According to the Iowa Data Center, the city’s estimated population is 66,400 people. The creation of these new developments is also expected to increase populations in the surrounding areas and attract more economic activity.
Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls is home to the University of Northern Iowa and has an estimated population of Cedar Falls is 40,400 according to the Iowa Data Center. The city of Cedar Falls is expecting an economic and urban boom as the city has been approved for new development projects such as intersection and highway expansions. Alongside the infrastructure expansion, they are also expanding in commercial areas like downtown, Main street, and a new public high school. These additions will attract new residents and businesses by revamping infrastructure and implementing city-wide beautification and preservation. The city aims to create more economic and housing opportunities by completing these updates.
Iowa City
Iowa City has an estimated population of 74,600 people and is home to the University of Iowa. As of November 2021, the Iowa City Planning Board has approved the addition of new developments in the South district. The goal for these plans is to create a connected network of easily accessible roads and pathways, safe neighborhoods for pedestrians that encourage walking, and allow for a variety of different home styles. These new developments, coupled with the 10.3% growth rate since 2010, proves that Iowa City is only continuing to grow.
Don’t miss out on the Top Iowa Neighborhoods for Investment Properties 2022! These four suburban cities have shown immense growth over the years and will continue to appreciate in value, as their cities expand and grow. At RPM Iowa, we hope you take advantage of these real estate opportunities now so that you can build wealth for years to come.
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