West Des Moines has many distinct neighborhoods, each with something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to live when you're looking for a West Des Moines apartment for rent:

Jordan Creek District

The Jordan Creek area is West Des Moines’ premier mixed-use corridor, anchored by Jordan Creek Town Center, Iowa’s largest shopping complex, and a growing collection of upscale dining and entertainment venues. This is where you’ll find The Cunningham, a luxury apartment community at 950 Jordan Creek Parkway that sits steps from Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Homegrown restaurant, both located within the building. Residents here enjoy walkable access to retail and fine dining while staying connected to I-80/35 and I-235 for easy commuting.

Historic Valley Junction

Just a short drive from the Jordan Creek corridor, Historic Valley Junction is West Des Moines’ most walkable district, with a charming main-street feel anchored by independently owned boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and local restaurants. The neighborhood hosts a popular weekly farmers market and frequent community events, giving it a distinctive, small-town energy within a large suburban city. For residents who value neighborhood character alongside city convenience, Valley Junction is one of the most beloved addresses in the metro.

West Glen / Westown Corridor

The West Glen and Westown areas offer another vibrant mixed-use environment with a variety of shops, dining concepts, fitness studios, and entertainment options clustered around a walkable central plaza. The corridor draws a professional and young-executive demographic seeking an upscale suburban lifestyle with easy interstate access and a dense array of daily conveniences. This part of West Des Moines continues to grow with new developments and is well-regarded for its energy and range of options.

Glen Oaks

Glen Oaks is one of West Des Moines’ most established and prestigious residential neighborhoods, known for its mature landscaping, executive-style homes, and the private Glen Oaks Country Club. This area attracts professionals, business owners, and those seeking a quieter, more traditional suburban environment without sacrificing access to the city’s thriving retail, restaurant, and employment base. Its proximity to major highway corridors makes it a practical choice for metro-wide commuters.

West Des Moines offers an exceptional blend of urban convenience and suburban livability with access to thriving employment centers, outstanding outdoor recreation, and one of Iowa's most dynamic retail and dining scenes. Whether you're looking for a strong career hub, outdoor adventure, or a polished community with a genuine quality of life, here are some of the unique features to consider:

Ideal Location

West Des Moines sits at the intersection of I-80/35 and I-235, giving residents seamless access to the entire Des Moines metro, with downtown Des Moines just roughly 15 minutes away. Des Moines International Airport is approximately 10.5 miles from The Cunningham, making frequent travel for professionals manageable. With a population of over 71,000 and more than 3,000 businesses calling the city home, West Des Moines delivers the infrastructure of a much larger city without the congestion.

Outdoor Adventures

West Des Moines boasts an impressive outdoor recreation network, including more than 60 miles of interconnected trails spanning creek corridors, river greenways, and neighborhood connectors. Raccoon River Park covers 3,200 acres and features a beach, fishing lake, and extensive trail system, while Brown’s Woods, Iowa’s largest urban forest preserve, encompasses 486 acres of woodland trails just minutes from the city center. The Jordan Creek Greenway trail connects the immediate area to the broader Central Iowa Trails network.

Premium Living

West Des Moines is ranked the #5 Best Place to Live in Iowa and the #3 Best Suburb to Live in Iowa by Niche in 2026, reflecting a consistently high quality of life across schools, safety, amenities, and economic opportunity. The city is home to Hy-Vee, Inc., one of the largest employee-owned grocery chains in the country, and hosts major operations for financial giants such as Wells Fargo and Principal Financial Group. The Cunningham’s Jordan Creek address places residents at the center of this thriving economic and lifestyle environment.

Local Community

West Des Moines blends a strong sense of neighborhood identity with the energy of a fast-growing city, offering everything from the weekly farmers market and gallery scene in Historic Valley Junction to the entertainment and dining options at Jordan Creek Town Center and West Glen. Live music and concerts at the historic Val Air Ballroom, a 2,500-seat venue that has hosted performers ranging from Frank Sinatra to Snoop Dogg, add a cultural layer that surprises many newcomers to the city. With highly rated public schools, a low average commute time of 17.2 minutes, and a welcoming community, West Des Moines is a place residents consistently choose to stay.

There are many fun activities to do in West Des Moines! The Cunningham’s address along Jordan Creek Parkway puts residents in the heart of one of Iowa’s most vibrant retail and entertainment corridors. Major attractions and activities in the area include:

• Jordan Creek Town Center (Iowa’s largest shopping complex)
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House (on-site at The Cunningham)
• Homegrown Restaurant (on-site at The Cunningham)
• Raccoon River Park (3,200-acre park with beach, fishing lake, and trails)
• Brown’s Woods Forest Preserve (486-acre urban forest with 4+ miles of hiking trails)
• Historic Valley Junction (boutique shops, local dining, galleries, and community events)
• Valley Junction Farmers Market (weekly seasonal market)
• Smash Park (indoor-outdoor entertainment with pickleball, cornhole, and arcade games)
• Topgolf West Des Moines
• Val Air Ballroom (historic 2,500-seat live music and concert venue)
• West Glen Town Center (mixed-use dining, shopping, and entertainment hub)
• Jordan Creek Greenway Trail (paved multi-use trail connecting to Central Iowa Trails network)

From The Cunningham, residents are positioned to take full advantage of everything West Des Moines has to offer, with most of these destinations reachable within a short drive.

• Moines)
• John Deere Financial (Johnston)
• Corteva Agriscience (Johnston)
• Amazon Distribution (Bondurant and Grimes fulfillment centers)
• Casey's General Stores (headquarters in Ankeny)

At The Cunningham, you'll find a variety of amenities that make living in vibrant West Des Moines even better, such as:

Resort-Style Courtyard Pool and Outdoor Entertainment Spaces

The Cunningham’s spacious courtyard is anchored by a tranquil swimming pool designed for both leisurely afternoons and social gatherings with neighbors. An outdoor grilling station, a fireplace, and a bocce ball court create a layered outdoor environment that goes well beyond a standard pool deck, giving residents multiple reasons to step outside. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or unwinding after a busy workday, The Cunningham’s outdoor amenities bring genuine resort-quality to everyday life in West Des Moines.

State-of-the-Art Fitness Center, Yoga Studio, and Coworking Space

The Cunningham’s professional-grade fitness center and dedicated yoga studio, complete with spin bikes, make it easy to maintain a consistent wellness routine without a gym membership. For those who work remotely or run their own business, the coworking space provides a quiet, Wi-Fi-enabled environment that keeps productivity high without leaving the building. Together, these amenities reflect a community designed around the full lifestyle needs of working professionals.

Gourmet In-Home Kitchens with Premium Finishes

Every apartment at The Cunningham features quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a subway tile backsplash, and a kitchen island with seating, turning everyday cooking into something you actually look forward to. Built-in features like the pantry, wine rack, and work nook add a custom residential quality rarely found in apartment living, while a full-size in-unit washer and dryer make everyday life genuinely convenient. Vinyl plank flooring in the kitchen and bath, designer lighting, and plush bedroom carpeting complete an interior finish package that stands apart in the West Des Moines market.

Pet-Friendly Community with On-Site Pet Spa

The Cunningham warmly welcomes cats and dogs with a pet-forward community that includes an on-site pet spa, making grooming both easy and convenient for residents. The policy accommodates up to two pets per home, each weighing up to 70 pounds, giving pet owners genuine flexibility when choosing where to live. With nearby walking paths and the Jordan Creek Greenway trail system just minutes away, The Cunningham is a community where pets and their people can truly feel at home.