Ankeny 55+ Retirement Communities

Ankeny is a suburb of Des Moines in Central Iowa. It is popular among active adults for its nearby outdoor recreation and golf courses. Besides this, retirees enjoy the events and shopping of Uptown Ankeny, a weekly farmers market, and a vibrant art center.

Climate & Geography

Ankeny has a humid continental climate. Without nearby water to help moderate temperatures, summers are hot and humid while winters are snow and sometimes bitterly cold. Residents can expect 36 inches of rain, 34 inches of snow, and 204 sunny days per year.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Active adults seeking outdoor recreation enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking at Saylorville Lake. Big Creek State Park is also nearby with additional water recreation. For biking and jogging, residents head to High Trestle Trail.

Uptown Ankeny is the city's cultural and entertainment hub with local boutiques, eateries, and holiday events. The Ankeny Art Center features exhibits from local artists, and the Ankeny Area Historical Society is a popular museum. Additional amenities include a brewery, several nearby golf courses, and a farmers market.

Even more art, culture, and entertainment can be found in Downtown Des Moines, only 20 minutes away.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Ankeny's cost of living is slightly below the national average and above the state average. Transportation costs are low, but health care costs are above average.

Iowa does not tax Social Security benefits. All other forms of retirement income are taxed, but they are also eligible for a deduction of up to $6,000. In addition, the state offers a homestead credit to help with property taxes.

Health Care

The Des Moines metro area scores well on Gallup's Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 30 communities across the country.

Though there are no hospitals in Ankeny, there are several hospitals in nearby Des Moines that are rated high performing by U.S. News. These include UnityPoint Health-Iowa Lutheran Hospital, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, and UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center.