Local craft beer, scenic hiking trails, stunning golf courses, a low cost of living, brand new homes, and a short commute into the city of Des Moines — Ankeny, IA is a great place for families and young professionals looking to put down roots. It’s the perfect balance of suburban comfort and urban convenience, as there's always something interesting to do, but never too much to feel overwhelmed. Here are the top five things to do in town that help make Ankeny a great place to live:

The craft beer scene is exploding in the metro Des Moines area, and the northern suburb of Ankeny is growing right along with it. Here you have several distinct brewhouses to choose from, each with its own flavorful specialties. Firetrucker Brewery serves award-winning beer and is an ardent supporter of the local arts scene. Mistress Brewing Company is part of the Independent Craft Brewers Association and serves up tasty beer with scandalous names. Uptown Garage Brewing, with 30 rotating beers and ciders on tap, the longest bar in the Des Moines metro area, and plenty of outdoor space to accommodate the whole family, is a must-stop on the Ankeny craft beer tour. 

Part museum, part hands-on learning facility, the Ankeny Art Center is the place to learn about, make, and enjoy art of all kinds. There are two galleries that exhibit local Iowa artists, classes in pottery, painting, and drawing, and summer art camps for kids. Free and open to the public, the Ankeny Arts Center seeks to enrich lives through superior art experiences.

The High Trestle Trail runs through five towns in Iowa, including Ankeny. This 25-mile trail is made up of decommissioned railroad lines, so the terrain is smooth and flat — perfect for walking, biking, and hiking. Firetrucker Brewery (mentioned above) happens to sit right on the Ankeny portion of the trail, serving as a refreshing watering hole and device-charging station. 

Otter Creek Golf Course has something for every golf enthusiast, regardless of age or skill level. It was named the 2016 18-Hole Course of the Year by the Iowa Golf Association and was designed by noted golf course architect, Paul Miller. The Clubhouse includes a golf shop, casual dining restaurant, and a number of meeting and events facilities. Spend a day practicing, putting or playing on the beautiful greens, followed by a great meal to round out your day. 

If you've got young kids, there's plenty to do! The Playground for Kids is an enormous indoor funhouse that can be enjoyed any time of the year. There's a huge treehouse structure, five large inflatables, a Wacky Ball room, and more. It's a great way for the kids to get their energy out in a safe environment while the adults sit back and relax. For older kids (and let's face it, adults, too!), the Autobahn Indoor Speedway offers lots of ways to get an adrenaline rush. The indoor go-karting is fast, the axe-throwing is exhilarating, and the STEM-based field trips teach about the driving and racing experience. Your teens will have such a great time they may even tell you about it. 

If you're interested in living a laid-back Midwestern lifestyle that's just close enough to the city, learn about our new townhomes and ranch homes in Ankeny. You’ll love living here!