Smart Move Des Moines | Navigation
📞 (563) 513-8771 | ✉️ [email protected] | 📲 Download app
Norwalk Iowa Neighborhood Guide | Homes for Sale | South Side Growth Star | Smart Move DSM
Home › Neighborhoods › Norwalk
📈 South Side Growth Star

Norwalk, Iowa

Excellent Schools • New Construction • Small-Town Charm • 12 Min to DSM

12K+Population
$290KMedian Price
8-9/10School Rating
+100%Growth Since 2010

Welcome to Norwalk

The south side's answer to Waukee — growth meets excellence

Where Small-Town Meets Big Opportunity

Norwalk is the Des Moines metro's southern growth phenomenon — a small-town community that's doubled in size since 2010 while maintaining its character and charm. With excellent schools (8-9/10 ratings), abundant new construction, and easy access to both Des Moines and West Des Moines, Norwalk offers a compelling alternative to pricier northwest suburbs.

What sets Norwalk apart is the combination of explosive growth with small-town authenticity. Schools have improved dramatically to 8-9/10, rivaling Waukee and Ankeny. New construction dominates — modern homes with warranties at prices $50K-$70K below comparable northwest suburbs.

Norwalk attracts young families seeking excellent schools without premium pricing, first-time buyers wanting new construction affordability, and professionals preferring the south side commute.

Quick Facts

  • County: Warren County
  • ZIP Code: 50211
  • School District: Norwalk CSD
  • Founded: 1880
  • Population: 12,000+ (doubled!)
  • Median Income: $88,000
  • Crime Rate: Very low
  • Character: Growing, family-friendly
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦12,000+Residents (Doubled!)
🏠$290KMedian Home Price
📚8-9/10School Rating (Rising!)
⏱️12 minTo Downtown DSM

📈 Norwalk's Remarkable Growth Story

Norwalk's transformation mirrors Waukee's trajectory — but on the south side. Population doubled from 6,000 to 12,000+ in just 15 years. Schools improved from 6-7/10 to 8-9/10.

School Improvement

Schools jumped from 6-7/10 to 8-9/10, now competing with metro's best.

Affordable Land

Builders offer new construction $50K-$70K below comparable northwest suburbs.

South Side Location

Appeals to West Des Moines workers avoiding northern traffic.

Small-Town Character

Maintained community identity even while growing.

Smart Growth

City welcomed development while preserving community.

Value Proposition

Waukee-quality schools at $70K less.

Norwalk Community Schools

Rapidly improving district now competing with metro's best

Elementary
Multiple Elementaries
8-9/10
Strong & improving
Middle School
Norwalk MS
8-9/10
Quality programs
High School
Norwalk High School
8-9/10
Go Warriors!

🎓 Academic Excellence

  • Consistent 8-9/10 ratings — major improvement!
  • 93%+ graduation rate
  • Expanding AP and honors programs
  • Strong STEM focus

🏆 Norwalk Warriors

  • Competitive athletic programs
  • Strong band and music
  • Active extracurriculars
  • Community-supported programs

📚 The Norwalk Schools Value Proposition

Norwalk schools have transformed from adequate (6-7/10 a decade ago) to excellent (8-9/10 today). This improvement, combined with prices $50K-$70K below Waukee/Ankeny, creates exceptional value.

Norwalk Lifestyle & Amenities

Small-town charm with growing suburban amenities

🎉 Community Events

  • Norwalk Heritage Days (annual festival)
  • Hometown parade and celebrations
  • Active youth sports programs
  • Genuine neighborly connections

🏞️ Parks & Recreation

  • Sunset Ridge Sports Complex
  • Multiple neighborhood parks
  • Trails connecting community
  • Youth sports fields and courts

🛍️ Shopping & Services

  • Local shops on main street
  • Hy-Vee and essentials locally
  • Jordan Creek: 15 minutes
  • West Des Moines dining: 12 min

🚗 Convenient Location

  • Highway 28 to I-35/I-80
  • Downtown Des Moines: 12 min
  • West Des Moines: 12 min
  • Less traffic than north side

Norwalk Real Estate Market

December 2025 — Growing market with strong value proposition

$290KMedian Home Price
↗️ Up 5.2% YoY
25Days on Market
⚡ Steady Movement
98%Sale to List Price
💪 Strong Demand

💡 Sarah's Market Insights

Norwalk represents exceptional value — $290K median is $70K less than Waukee, $85K less than Ankeny, yet schools now rate 8-9/10. New construction dominates with 75%+ of housing stock built after 2005. Best opportunities: new construction with builder incentives, or slightly older homes (2005-2015) needing cosmetic updates.

⚠️ Insurance Considerations for Norwalk

As a property insurance expert with 10+ years of experience, I help buyers identify potential insurability issues BEFORE making an offer.

✅ Excellent Insurability

Norwalk's predominantly new construction (post-2005) means exceptional insurability. Modern building codes and builder warranties make carriers happy.

🏗️ New Construction Benefits

Builder warranties (1-year workmanship, 10-year structural) PLUS insurance rates 20-30% below older homes.

🌪️ Iowa Storm Risk

Like all of Iowa, Norwalk experiences severe weather. For new construction, roofs are in great shape.

💰 Competitive Rates

Expect $950-$1,400/year for typical Norwalk home ($290K value). One of the lowest insurance cost ranges in the metro!

🎯 Bottom Line for Norwalk Buyers

Norwalk homes are among the easiest and cheapest to insure in the Des Moines metro. Budget $950-$1,400/year — some of the lowest insurance costs you'll find.

Norwalk Homes for Sale

Current listings in the south side's growth star

🏠 Find Your Norwalk Home

Browse current Norwalk listings or get personalized recommendations.

Search Norwalk Homes

Ready for Norwalk's Growth & Value?

Let Sarah help you find your place in the south side's fastest-growing community

Schedule a Consultation 📞 Call 563-513-8771
Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® - Norwalk Real Estate Expert

Sarah Ingles

REALTOR® SRES® | 10+ Years Insurance Expertise

Your Norwalk expert. I help buyers find excellent value in this growing community with my property insurance background to ensure you're protected from day one.

📞 563-513-8771
✉️ [email protected]