🌳 Discover Clive, Iowa

Green space, great schools, and central metro convenience

📍 Where Is Clive?

Clive is a suburban community located between Des Moines and West Des Moines, with portions extending into both Polk County and Dallas County. Though smaller than some of its neighboring cities, Clive is one of the most centrally located and desirable communities in the Des Moines metropolitan area.

With a population of around 18,000 residents, Clive offers quiet neighborhoods, abundant green space, and easy access to major business and retail districts.

📜 A Brief History

Clive was incorporated in 1956, originally developing as a residential suburb as the Des Moines metro expanded westward. The city’s growth was largely shaped by its attractive location and natural landscape, especially the Walnut Creek corridor.

Unlike some neighboring communities that grew around railroads or industry, Clive developed primarily as a residential area — and that suburban focus continues today.

🏡 Living in Clive

Clive is known for its well-maintained neighborhoods, mature trees, and high quality of life. Housing options include:

• Established mid-century homes

• Updated ranch-style properties

• Luxury homes in western Clive

• Townhomes and apartments

Residents choose Clive for:

✔ Central location
✔ Quiet, tree-lined streets
✔ Proximity to major employers
✔ Strong property values
✔ Access to parks and trails

Its position near I-235 and major corridors like University Avenue and Hickman Road makes commuting quick and convenient.

🎓 Education

Clive is served by multiple school districts due to its location:

• West Des Moines Community Schools

• Waukee Community School District

• Portions also fall within the Des Moines Public Schools boundary

Access to these highly regarded districts is a major draw for families moving to the area.

🌳 Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Clive places a strong emphasis on green space and recreation.

🌲 Clive Greenbelt Trail

The city’s signature feature is the Clive Greenbelt Trail, a scenic multi-use path that follows Walnut Creek through much of the community. It connects to the larger Des Moines metro trail system, making biking and walking a popular daily activity.

🏞️ Parks

Clive maintains several neighborhood parks offering playgrounds, shelters, and open green space.

💦 Aquatic Center

The Clive Aquatic Center provides summer recreation for families with pools, slides, and swim programs.

Despite its suburban setting, Clive offers a surprising amount of natural beauty within city limits.

🛍️ Shopping & Dining

 

 

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Clive is conveniently located near major retail areas, including those in West Des Moines and Urbandale.

Within the city itself, you’ll find:

• Local restaurants and cafés

• Professional offices

• Small retail centers

• Service-based businesses

Residents also enjoy being just minutes from destinations like Jordan Creek Town Center and Valley Junction.

💼 Business & Economy

Clive is primarily residential but has a steady base of professional offices, financial services, healthcare providers, and small businesses.

Its central metro location makes it attractive for office space, especially along University Avenue and Hickman Road.

Many residents commute to major employers in West Des Moines and downtown Des Moines.

🎉 Community & Events

Clive hosts several community-focused events throughout the year, including:

• Clive Festival (featuring concerts and family activities)

• Fourth of July celebration

• Outdoor movie nights

• Community races and bike rides

These events help maintain a close-knit feel despite being part of a larger metro area.

📈 Growth & Development

Clive is largely built out compared to rapidly expanding suburbs like Waukee, but western portions of the city continue to see selective residential development.

City leadership emphasizes maintaining green space, preserving the trail system, and supporting quality-of-life improvements.

🌟 What Makes Clive Unique?

Clive stands out for its:

• Central location in the metro

• Scenic Greenbelt Trail

• Mature neighborhoods

• Access to multiple top-performing school districts

• Strong emphasis on parks and livability

It offers a quieter alternative to larger neighboring suburbs while still being close to everything.

✨ Final Thoughts

Clive combines suburban comfort with natural beauty and metro accessibility. Whether you’re biking along Walnut Creek, commuting downtown, or enjoying a peaceful evening in a tree-lined neighborhood, Clive delivers convenience without sacrificing charm.

For those seeking a well-established, centrally located community in the Des Moines area, Clive remains one of Iowa’s most consistently desirable places to live.