The City of Norwalk

**AirWalke** · 04-02-2012, 09:26 AM

Norwalk is a great little community... with my wife being an educator, she got a great impression from the school district there. I think Norwalk was poised to be the next Waukee before the housing crash... but it continues to be a nice place to live. Not a lot of businesses there, but hopefully there's some more commercial development across from Holmes now that the land has been sold. I can vouch for some of the cranky local owners... Probably the primary reason I do most of my shopping in WDM.

**soccercy** · 04-02-2012, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by AirWalke

Norwalk is a great little community... with my wife being an educator, she got a great impression from the school district there. I think Norwalk was poised to be the next Waukee before the housing crash... but it continues to be a nice place to live. Not a lot of businesses there, but hopefully there's some more commercial development across from Holmes now that the land has been sold. I can vouch for some of the cranky local owners... Probably the primary reason I do most of my shopping in WDM.

I coach in the school district, went to Norwalk myself for school, and moved back with my family two years ago before my daughter started school. I think it has grown nicely and property taxes have been getting better since there are more businesses now, but definitely still on the higher end. I work in WDM and have a 15 minute commute to work in the morning, work out by Jordan Creek. I can also get to downtown or to South side, Southridge, etc in 15 minutes or less, so great access to most of Des Moines. We love our neighborhood and love the schools, etc.

**Doc** · 04-02-2012, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by ISUguy

I have a possible job opportunity that will lead my family and I to live in Norwalk. I have not lived in Iowa for around 20 years and have not been in that area for even longer. You learn alot from a Google search, but I was hoping for some personal feedback.

Can anyone give me their impression of the area? Is this high income, low income, or somewhere in the middle? Also wondering what the schools are like.

Thanks in advance!

Norwalk...it's the best thing next to Cumming.

**bellzisu** · 04-02-2012, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by DRCHIRO

We moved here three years ago and I must be one of those cranky business owners.

For the most part, Norwalk has everything that you need but some options may be limited. You're about 15 minutes away from a lot of options though. My wife and I love it here. We live in a nice neighborhood with a lot of other young families with kids so it works for us. Our oldest doesn't start kindergarten until next year but Norwalk has very nice schools and it's the largest 3A school in the state.

The property taxes suck but you should have no issues finding a home. PM me with any more questions.

I am in Norwalk also.. A few blocks away from Drchiro. Norwalk is a small town for the most part. Or it has that feeling at least. Very good people for the most part. I have lived there since 2008 and it's probably the only place I can see myself living in the Dsm Metro area.

With that said... You do have limited options. Food options are ok. Shopping options are next to nothing, except the hardware store. And the some of the local Chiropractors are the best you can find in the area.............

But you live 15 min away from Jordan Creek area and Indianola. Both good places to go. I know the schools are all very nice, new football field, new auditorium, and a lot of renevations going on all the time. I know a few of the teachers and they are all great people.

Property taxes are on the high end of things, but for the most part it seems like they do use that money to start growing the town and adding more options. Plus, most there are a bunch of nicer new homes that have gone up in the last 10 years.

Hope this helps out.

**19210** · 04-02-2012, 10:51 AM

I've been here 11 years. I grew up in a town of about 300 people and it's great to have that small town atmosphere, but have all the perks of Des Moines (15 minutes) so close to you.

As others have said the negative would be the property tax. But the school systems are above and beyond. I have 4 in the district now and couldn't be happier.

I'm not sure if there is still the tax abatement going on, but it might be something you want to look into. Wish it was there one I bought my house.

**caleb** · 04-02-2012, 11:23 AM

No diversity. Good schools. Close to Des Moines.

It wasn't for me, but I wouldn't say it's a bad place to live. I grew up there and graduated from NHS. Wendy's Ice Cream Shoppe is the best though!

**bellzisu** · 04-02-2012, 11:38 AM

I also wanna throw out that Norwalk is a younger community overall. I think the average ages is 32 or something like that. A lot of young families.

**djcubby** · 04-02-2012, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by Knownothing

Property taxes being high also keeps bad people out.

Yes, because we all know that only good people have money.

**CYlent Bob** · 04-02-2012, 12:50 PM

I grew up in Winterset (WHS Class of '86), and Norwalk's always been a conference rival of ours. They used to be a seedy bedroom community to Des Moines, but they've actually grown quite a bit in the last 20 years. As one of the previous comments said, if you like to golf, Norwalk is a great place. Plus, I think they even have a skate park structure in one of the City Parks.

Back in the 90's, we used to joke that Norwalk was a great place, "if you like meth and murder"; however, that's probably just the old rivalry talking.

**ISUguy** · 04-02-2012, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by bellzisu

I also wanna throw out that Norwalk is a younger community overall. I think the average ages is 32 or something like that. A lot of young families.

Thanks again everyone. We appreciate the info! The picture of the football stadium looked very cool. Looks like the school and the facilities are pretty nice.