About Des Moines 

History 

The history of Des Moines can be traced to 1834, when John Dougherty, an Indian Agent at Fort Leavenworth, Ks, recommended that a military post be established at the point where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers merge. Nine years later, May 1843, Captain James Allen and a company of dragoons from Fort Sanford arrived on the site. Captain Allen proposed to name the garrison Fort Raccoon but was directed by the War Department to use the name Fort Des Moines. Settlers began locating almost immediately near the fort, which is now the site of Sec Taylor Stadium. In 1857, Fort Des Moines was shortened to Des Moines and later that year the city was designated the capitol of the State of Iowa. By 1941, Des Moines' populations had grown to 160,000. 

Population 

The is a fast growing city in Iowa. The total population is currently 504,292. Because of the fast growing rate, the population of Des Moines is expected to be approximately 539,239. Although Des Moines is home to many ages, the median age is 35.8. 

Education 

The city of Des Moines offers many different high schools which include East High School, Hoover High School, Lincoln High School, North High School, and Roosevelt High School. The Des Moines Public Schools mission statement says that the Des Moines Puplic Schools equips students for life by challenging each one to achieve rigorous standards in academics, arts, and career preparation. 

Recreation 

Des Moines offers many different recreation activities and entertainment that can be enjoyed by all. Below are some links to the many different sites with information about each of the activities. 

About Ankeny, Iowa  

Location 

The City of Ankeny is located 6 miles north of downtown Des Moines. It is three miles north of the nation's major crossroads, the I-35 / I-80 Interchange. 

History 

The 80-acre tract of land, on which the town of Ankeny was originally developed, was acquired by John Fletcher Ankeny and his wife, Sarah, on July 11, 1847. The following year, on April 19th, the Ankeny's laid out the plan for the city, which bears their name, and recorded the plot three days later on April 22. In 1881, the town of Ankeny consisted of seven houses, a Methodist Church, a depot, a combination story and post office, livery stable, a blacksmith shop, rooming house, machine shop and a school. Ankeny was incorporated as a town of February 28, 1903, and electricity was made available to residents for the first time in 1907. By 1950, Ankeny had grown to a total of 1,229 people, and according to a special census taken in 1965, Ankeny's population had grown to 5,910. The growth of Ankeny has been one of the success stories in Iowa's recent history. Based on the 2000 census, Ankeny's population is at 27,117 and currently covers 22.42 square miles. 

Recreation 

Ankeny has an excellent recreation and park system. There are 18 parks totaling 295 acres that are indicative of Ankeny's commitment toward providing recreation facilities. Some of Ankeny's other recreational facilities include:
-golf courses
-tennis courts
-bike trails
-family aquatic center and splash park
-Prairie Ridge Center Youth Sports complex
-Ankeny Family YMCA 

Transportation 

Highways
US Highways: Highway 69, Highway 65
Interstate 35: Exit 90 Ankeny Industrial Park, Exit 92 Ankeny, Exit 89 Ankeny
Interstate 80: Ankeny city limits border the intersection of I-35 and I-80
Bus Service
Metropolitan Transit Authority provides commuter service with routes to and from Des Moines with Park and Ride locations in Ankeny. 

Education 

The Ankeny Community School District is the 10th largest district in Iowa and enjoys an outstanding reputation in Iowa and the Midwest for exemplary and balanced curricular and co-curricular programs designed to meet the needs of all students. The District's curriculum is research-based, rigorous, and reflective of our changing society. Ankeny has seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The total number of students enrolled in the Ankeny Community School District is 6,444. Ankeny also has a private Christian school which was established in 1993 with students in grades pre-school - 12th grade. The fall enrollment for 2003 was 235. 

Population 

In the 2000 census, the total population of Ankeny was at 27,117. Because of its fast growing rate, Ankeny's population is estimated to be approximately 54,000 in 2020. The median age in Ankeny is 31.9. 

Housing 

Median Value for Owner/Occupied Housing unit: $144,700
Apartment rental rates:
1 Bedroom: $484
2 Bedroom: $619
3 Bedroom: $700 

Employers 

Largest Employers:
-Ankeny Community Schools
-City of Ankeny
-Tone's Spices
-John Deere Des Moines Works
-Des Moines Area Community College
Largest Retail Employers:
-Hy-Vee
-Karl Chevrolet
-Kohls
-Super Target 

Links 

About West Des Moines 

History 

The City of West Des Moines was incorporated on October 9, 1893. It has grown from an 1893 railroad town known as Valley Junction, with a population of 500, to a hub of commerce and premier living. West Des Moines is located at the crossroads of Interstates 35 and 80 in Polk County. In the first few years of incorporation the early leaders were able to install sidewalks, gas and water mains, telephone service, and electricity. On January 1, 1938, the City known as Valley Junction adopted the new name of West Des Moines. As you look around the City of West Des Moines today you can see that some of the visions that the early city leaders had, have become a reality. With each coming year we hope to continue to grow and provide the best services for the citizens of the community. 

Education 

West Des Moines Community Schools has eight elementary schools (K-6), one early childhood center (K-3), two junior highs (7-8), and three high schools with one for freshman, one for grades 10-12, and one alternative high school. Valley High School serves 1,700 students in grades 10-12. Approximately 650 senior students graduate Valley annually. Valley emphasizes the four A's of education: Academics, Activities, Arts, and Athletics. The staff at Valley strives to provide a high quality education with many exciting opportunities and challenges to stretch students' minds and abilities. This combination of the four "A's" gives students a wide range of experiences and knowledge before leaving high school.  

Population 

The population of West Des Moines is currently at 46,403 citizens. Through the 90's West Des Moines's population has grown by about 46%. It is estimated that in recent years West Des Moines's population has been growing at an annual rate of 3.5 percent. The median age in West Des Moines is 33 years. 

Recreation 

The West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department keeps you active with a variety of recreational programs and a wide range of parks and open spaces. The Recreation Division provides many different recreational services including operating a full service Community Center, Holiday Park Pool, Raccoon River Park Softball Complex, and the RRP Nature Lodge. Recreational programs and activities are offered year round and range from swim lessons to performing arts to outdoor recreation. There are many events and music concerts that are scheduled at the Val Air Ballroom. West Des Moines also has many different restaurants to choose from. Below are links to some of these places.
 

About Johnston 

Education 

Johnston Community Schools offers an excellent education for students. Johnston has four elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and one high school. Johnston High School's reading, math and science goal is for students to demonstrate increasingly higher levels of proficiency in reading comprehension in ITED assessments. 

Recreation 

Johnston has many activities for young kids in the area. Johnston has a great club soccer program that wants to provide exciting and developmental soccer opportunities for children 6 and up. Click on the link below to learn more. 

Population 

The population in Johnston is increasing at a very fast rate. In 2002 the population was 8,649 and was expected to increase by 15.5% in only two years. This statistic shows that Johnston will be increasing in the years to come. The median age in Johnston is 36.3. In the year 2000, the median house value was $188,300, and the median household income was $76,094. 

Suburbs  

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