Thinking about trading a bigger suburban pace for a little more breathing room? If you work in Des Moines or Ankeny but want a smaller-town setting, Huxley is one of the places that likely lands on your shortlist. The key is knowing what actually changes when you move, from commute time and home prices to school research and newer-home options. Let’s dive in.
Why Huxley draws metro movers
Huxley is a Story County community between Ames and the Ankeny and Des Moines corridor. The Iowa Economic Development Authority describes it as welcoming and small-town in character, while also noting its steady growth and its role as a bedroom community for many residents.
That combination is a big reason people consider a move here. You can stay connected to the metro job market while living in a town with a different day-to-day feel. Huxley also has its own local identity, including the annual Prairie Festival.
Commute from Huxley to Ankeny
If you currently live in Ankeny, Huxley may feel closer than you expect. Route estimates place Huxley about 11.7 miles from Ankeny, with a drive of roughly 17 minutes.
For many buyers, that makes Huxley a practical option if you want to keep an Ankeny-area job or regular routine without staying in a larger suburban core. Of course, your exact drive will depend on where you start and where you need to be.
Commute from Huxley to Des Moines
A move from Des Moines to Huxley usually means a longer drive, but still a manageable one for many commuters. Route estimates vary by destination and route, with one source showing about 23.7 miles and 24 minutes, while another shows about 21.1 miles and 31 minutes.
The safest way to think about it is roughly 25 to 30 minutes to Des Moines, depending on where in the metro you work. If you are seriously considering Huxley, it helps to test the drive during your real commute window instead of using a generic city-to-city estimate.
Home prices: Huxley vs. Ankeny vs. Des Moines
One of the biggest surprises for relocation buyers is that Huxley is not really a bargain version of Ankeny. In March 2026, the median home sale price in Huxley was $340,000. In the same month, Ankeny was $351,045 and Des Moines was $207,500.
That means Huxley was only about $11,000 less than Ankeny, but about $132,500 more than Des Moines. If you are moving from central Des Moines, that price jump matters. If you are moving from Ankeny, Huxley may feel much closer in pricing.
What those numbers mean for buyers
The value in Huxley is less about finding the cheapest home and more about finding the right lifestyle fit. You may be paying for a smaller-town setting, access to newer housing, and a location that still keeps you tied to the metro.
That is an important mindset shift. If your goal is simply the lowest purchase price, Des Moines may offer more options. If your goal is a different setting without moving too far out, Huxley becomes more compelling.
What the housing market feels like
Huxley was classified as a somewhat competitive market, with homes taking about 56 days to sell. That gives you a useful reality check if you are expecting either a frantic bidding environment or a market where homes sit for months.
In practical terms, buyers should still be prepared, but you may have a bit more room to compare options than in a much tighter market. It is still smart to watch new listings closely, especially if you have a narrow wish list.
New construction in Huxley
If newer homes are high on your list, Huxley deserves a closer look. New-build activity is centered in areas such as Westview Heights, where Orton Homes lists 10 floor plans including ranch and two-story options ranging from 1,406 to 2,121 square feet.
That can appeal to buyers who want newer finishes and floor plans without pushing farther out into the metro. At the same time, Huxley’s inventory is still developing, so the selection is not as broad as what you may find in a much larger suburb.
Growth areas to watch
City planning records show that Huxley is still absorbing growth. Those records reference items like Blue Sky Estates paving, development south of the city limits on the west side of U.S. Highway 69, and continued discussion around Westview access.
For you as a buyer, that means Huxley is not standing still. Some areas may feel well established, while others are still taking shape. Touring both resale homes and current new-construction options can give you a more complete picture of what is available now.
Schools in Huxley
Huxley is served by the Ballard Community School District. In the 2024 Iowa School Performance Profiles, district enrollment was 1,805, and the listed schools included Ballard East Elementary, Ballard West Elementary, Ballard Middle School, and Ballard High School.
If schools are part of your move decision, it is important to look at the campus level. In that same 2024 profile, Ballard East Elementary and Ballard West Elementary were rated Commendable, Ballard Middle School was rated Acceptable, and Ballard High School was rated Needs Improvement.
Why campus-level research matters
It is easy to assume one rating tells the whole story for a district, but that is not the case here. The school-level results vary, so it is worth reviewing the profile for the specific campus tied to any home you are considering.
Ballard High School also offers AP courses, PSEO, concurrent enrollment, and DMACC Career Academy options according to its official course guide. That gives families another layer to review as they plan ahead for high school opportunities.
Lifestyle and local feel
A move to Huxley is not only about the house. It is also about what your day-to-day life feels like once you get home.
One local feature worth noting is the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail. Story County says the trail is fully paved in the county and creates a 21-mile concrete corridor connecting Slater, Huxley, Cambridge, Maxwell, and Collins.
That adds a useful recreational option and another way to get a feel for the community’s setting. Combined with Huxley’s small-town identity and ongoing growth, it helps explain why the town appeals to people looking for balance between access and pace.
What to verify before you move
Relocating well usually comes down to asking the right questions early. In Huxley, a few details deserve extra attention before you make an offer.
1. Check your exact commute
Do not rely only on a city-to-city estimate. Test the route to your actual workplace or frequent destination, because drive times can vary depending on where in Des Moines or the metro you need to go.
2. Confirm the school attendance area
If schools matter to your household, confirm the exact Ballard attendance area for the property you like. This is especially important for homes on the edges of newer development.
3. Compare resale and new construction
Because Huxley’s price point is close to Ankeny’s, it helps to compare the product mix closely. A resale home may offer a different lot, layout, or established setting, while a new build may offer a more current floor plan and finishes.
Is Huxley the right move for you?
If you are moving from Ankeny, Huxley may offer a familiar price range with a different pace and setting. If you are moving from Des Moines, the biggest adjustment may be the higher price point, even if the commute still feels manageable.
In other words, Huxley tends to make the most sense when you are looking for a value-and-lifestyle tradeoff rather than a simple budget play. You are choosing location, community feel, and housing style just as much as square footage or sale price.
If you want help comparing Huxley with Ankeny, Des Moines, or other nearby Central Iowa towns, Insun Colerick can help you sort through commute patterns, home options, and next steps with clear, local guidance.
FAQs
How far is Huxley, Iowa, from Ankeny?
- Route estimates place Huxley about 11.7 miles from Ankeny, with a drive of roughly 17 minutes.
How long is the commute from Huxley, Iowa, to Des Moines?
- A practical estimate is about 25 to 30 minutes, though exact drive time depends on where in Des Moines or the metro you are headed.
Are home prices in Huxley, Iowa, lower than Ankeny?
- In March 2026, Huxley’s median home sale price was $340,000 compared with $351,045 in Ankeny, so Huxley was slightly lower but in a similar price range.
What school district serves Huxley, Iowa?
- Huxley is served by the Ballard Community School District, which includes Ballard East Elementary, Ballard West Elementary, Ballard Middle School, and Ballard High School.
Does Huxley, Iowa, have new construction homes?
- Yes. New-build activity includes Westview Heights, where listed floor plans range from 1,406 to 2,121 square feet and include ranch and two-story options.
