Ankeny, IA, United States
Data updated Jun 29, 2026
📊 Scores
Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 68)
John Deere's Des Moines Works has anchored Ankeny's economy since 1947, though manufacturing jobs have contracted over decades. Today the real employment base is sprawl: healthcare, retail, light manufacturing, and Des Moines Area Community College payroll. Des Moines itself (15 minutes south) pulls white-collar workers into insurance, finance, and state government. Ankeny functions as a bedroom suburb where people commute out rather than a destination for remote work or entrepreneurship.
Rent for a one-bedroom downtown runs $1,600/month—steep for Iowa, cheap for US suburbs. You'll need a car; public transit is minimal. Healthcare is solid via UnityPoint and Mercy systems. No language barrier. Bureaucracy is standard American: straightforward but slow. Winter is brutal (sub-zero weeks, heavy snow). The nearest international airport is Des Moines International, 20 minutes away. Utilities and groceries are genuinely affordable; housing is the outlier.
Summers are humid and long; winters punish you. Food scene is chain restaurants and casual Midwestern fare—no culinary draw. The expat community is nearly nonexistent; you'll be surrounded by multigenerational Iowans. Weekends mean high school sports, church, or driving to Des Moines for anything interesting. Ankeny suits remote workers who want affordable US suburbs, good schools, and don't mind isolation—not digital nomads or people seeking cultural stimulation.
🏚️ Cost of Living
💰 Budgets and Costs
Grocery Basket
Eating Out
Utilities & Lifestyle
Housing
💰 Real Spend Reports
🛡️ Safety & Crime
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Ankeny is a genuinely safe, quiet suburb with a strong community feel. Walking during day and early evening is comfortable; nighttime walks are generally secure, though typical small-town caution applies. The city's Safety Index of 85 reflects its low crime reality—this is a place where residents leave doors unlocked and neighbors know each other. For expats accustomed to urban centers, Ankeny may feel almost sleepy, but that's precisely the point.
Property crime (vehicle break-ins, package theft) occurs occasionally but remains well below national averages. Violent crime is rare. The main risks are petty theft in parking lots and the standard scams (online fraud, contractor fraud) found anywhere. Solo female travelers and residents face minimal gender-specific safety concerns. Avoid isolated areas late at night as a general precaution, but Ankeny lacks the high-crime neighborhoods typical of larger cities.
Ankeny is politically stable with reliable police and municipal services—standard American Midwest governance. No geopolitical risks, protests, or corruption issues affect daily life. This is an ideal relocation choice for expats seeking a genuinely safe, predictable environment. The trade-off is limited urban amenities and cultural diversity, but safety-wise, you're choosing one of Iowa's most secure communities.
🏥 Healthcare
🌤️ Climate
Best Months
Climate Notes
Ankeny experiences a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers (June-August) and cold, snowy winters (December-February), with mild spring and fall transitions.
💻 Digital Nomad
Community Notes
| Name | Price/mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The District Venue | $250 | Located in the heart of Ankeny, The District Venue offers a modern and professional coworking environment. It's a good option for those seeking a more upscale and community-focused workspace with event space availability. |
| Regus - Ankeny | $200 | Located on Delaware Avenue, Regus provides a reliable and professional coworking option with various membership levels. It's a solid choice for digital nomads who value consistency and a global network. |
| Iowa Business Growth Company | $150 | While primarily focused on business incubation, Iowa Business Growth Company offers coworking spaces suitable for remote workers. It provides a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and those seeking a collaborative atmosphere. |
🧳 Expat Life
Expat Life Notes
Ankeny is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, offering modern amenities and high safety near Des Moines.
Pros
- ✓ New infrastructure
- ✓ Safe and friendly
- ✓ Strong economy
Cons
- ✗ Traffic congestion
- ✗ Lacks mature character
- ✗ Suburban sprawl
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