Iowa
Best affordable suburb: West Des Moines
Nearest major city: Des Moines
Population: 52,138
Median household income: $66,306
Median home price: $173,000
Unemployment rate: 3%
Violent crime index: 21
West Des Moines, the largest suburb of Des Moines, is covered with lakes, parks, and trails. The highly educated population is growing quickly and many of the residents work in the financial industry. About 38% of residents are married with children. The average commute is 16 minutes.
