Relocating To Johnston, Iowa: How To Plan A Smooth Move

Thinking about a move to Johnston, Iowa? You’re not alone. This northwest Des Moines suburb blends quick commutes, steady growth, and a straightforward suburban lifestyle that’s easy to plug into. If you want a plan that covers housing, commutes, schools, utilities, and the exact steps to land the right home, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.

Why Johnston snapshot

Johnston sits just northwest of Des Moines with an estimated population of about 25,000 as of July 1, 2024, and a mean travel time to work under 20 minutes, according to U.S. Census QuickFacts. You’ll find a mix of established neighborhoods and newer construction, plus convenient access to I-35/I-80 and IA-141.

Major employers in and near Johnston include Corteva’s global business center and John Deere Financial, with additional job clusters across the metro. You can learn more about Johnston’s economic profile in this business overview.

Housing market at a glance

Market numbers vary by data provider, so it helps to compare more than one source. As of January 2026:

• Zillow’s typical home value for Johnston was around $387,000.
• Redfin reported a median sale price near $418,000.

Those figures shift with new listings and closed sales, and each provider uses different models. Neighborhood-level pricing can differ as well across areas like Westridge, Northwest Johnston, North District, Southwest Johnston, and the Merle Hay corridor. When you shortlist homes, cross-check listing details with official parcel data on the Polk County Assessor’s property search to verify assessed values, tax history, and recent sales.

If you are selling before you buy, expect a prep timeline of 2 to 6 weeks for decluttering, touch-ups, and staging. Once you’re under contract on a new place with lender financing, many closings take about 30 to 45 days. Days to pending can vary by season and price point, so ask your agent for the latest local snapshot when you’re ready to act.

Renting and interim housing

If you need a soft landing before you buy, Johnston and nearby suburbs offer hotels and extended-stay options. A local favorite is Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center in Johnston. You’ll also find extended-stay brands in Urbandale and West Des Moines that work well for 2 to 8 week transitions. For current rent averages in Johnston, check a major rental snapshot provider before you arrive and confirm unit availability through your agent.

Neighborhoods and schools basics

You’ll see listings grouped into clusters such as North District, Westridge, Northwest Johnston, Southwest Johnston, and the Merle Hay or Town Center corridor. Inventory, days on market, and pricing can differ by pocket, so compare active listings side by side and verify property details on the county site.

Public schools are served by Johnston Community School District (JCSD). District-level data from NCES shows approximately 7,300 to 7,500 students across about eight schools. For attendance boundaries, registration windows, and school contacts, use the JCSD district detail on NCES and the district’s official pages. If schools are a priority for you, contact individual schools directly to ask about tours, registration, and program details.

Parks, trails, and Town Center

Johnston’s Town Center, known locally as The Yard, hosts a splash pad, amphitheater, and seasonal events like farmers markets and concerts. For dates that line up with a house-hunting trip, check the Johnston Library and events calendar. Outdoor time is easy here too, with an expanding local trail network and access points to Beaver Creek for kayaking and canoeing, highlighted in this community profile.

Commutes and getting around

• Distance and time: Johnston is roughly 9 to 12 miles from downtown Des Moines depending on your start point, with typical drive times of about 15 to 25 minutes. See a sample route on TravelMath.
• Transit: DART’s Local Route 5 runs north to Johnston City Hall and the library, connecting you to DART Central Station. Browse stops and timetables on the DART Route 5 page.
• Key roads: Merle Hay Road and NW 62nd Avenue carry most local traffic, while I-35/I-80 and IA-141 provide regional access. Test your commute during peak hours and check the Iowa DOT for construction updates and travel alerts as your move date approaches.

Utilities and local services setup

The City of Johnston manages water, sewer, stormwater billing, and information on trash and recycling. Residential collection is handled by Metro Waste Authority. For start and stop service instructions, billing, and schedules, visit the City of Johnston utilities page.

Electric and gas service in the metro are provided by regional utilities such as MidAmerican Energy. Confirm your specific provider by address and set up service before closing. Internet options vary by street, so check provider coverage at the exact property address and test cell signal during showings.

Smart research with property records

Before you fall in love with a listing, pull the parcel on the Polk County Assessor’s site. You can review:

• Assessed value and recent assessment changes.
• Property tax history and payments.
• Sales history and parcel-level details.

MLS and consumer listing sites display asking or listing prices that may lag or differ from closed-sale records. The assessor is the authoritative source for taxes and parcel data, which helps you and your agent sharpen comps and due diligence.

60-day move plan

Use this quick timeline to keep your relocation on track.

• 60 to 45 days out

  • Get a mortgage pre-approval and a written letter.
  • Define your must-haves, budget range, and preferred Johnston neighborhoods.
  • Start a shared shortlist with your agent and map commute tests.

• 45 to 30 days out

  • Tour top candidates virtually or in person. Verify parcels on the Polk County Assessor site.
  • If selling, finish prep tasks like paint, repairs, and staging.
  • Price your current home with local comps and agree on a go-to-market plan.

• 30 to 21 days out

  • Schedule a 48 to 72 hour house-hunting visit. Book flights or plan the drive.
  • Line up temporary housing if needed. Consider Stoney Creek Hotel in Johnston.
  • Confirm school boundary questions with the district and request tours where available.

• 21 to 14 days out

  • Revisit your top 2 to 3 homes at different times of day.
  • Review disclosures with your agent. Prepare your offer terms and timelines.
  • If listing your home, go live on market and monitor showings.

• 14 to 7 days out

  • Make an offer on your chosen Johnston home. Prepare earnest money and contingency dates.
  • Price and negotiate on your sale if you are a concurrent seller.
  • Start utility setup planning for your new address using the city utilities page.

• Final week before closing

  • Schedule a general home inspection and any specialist checks.
  • Lock in homeowners insurance. Coordinate appraisal and lender conditions.
  • Arrange movers or a moving container and confirm elevator or driveway logistics if needed.

• Move-in week

  • Start water, sewer, and solid waste service through the City of Johnston utilities portal.
  • Confirm trash and recycling pickup rules and bulky-item schedules.
  • Test internet and cell coverage and schedule an install if needed.

• After move

  • Iowa requires you to title and register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. See the Iowa DOT vehicle registration page.
  • Review driver’s license steps on the Iowa DOT site and schedule your appointment.
  • Explore Town Center events via the Johnston Library calendar to get to know the community.

48 to 72 hour house-hunting visit

Here is a focused plan you can execute on a short trip.

Before you arrive

• Secure a written mortgage pre-approval so you can make a same-trip offer.
• With your agent, build a shortlist of 6 to 10 homes that meet your criteria.
• Verify each parcel and tax history on the Polk County Assessor site.
• Ask your agent to book showings, gather disclosures, and line up virtual options if needed.

Day 0 evening

• Drive target neighborhoods to gauge traffic, lighting, and noise.
• Check proximity to groceries, pharmacy, and health clinics.
• If timing allows, sample a Town Center event from the local calendar.

Day 1

• Morning: Stop by your target schools. Contact the district in advance for tour details using NCES district info.
• Mid-morning: Tour 3 to 4 homes with your agent.
• Afternoon: Revisit your top 2 picks and assess street-level conditions.
• Evening: Review disclosures, inspection options, and draft offer terms.

Day 2

• Morning: Test commute routes at peak hours. Use DART Route 5 details if you plan to use transit.
• Midday: Test cell signal and confirm internet options inside your favorite home.
• Afternoon: Firm up your top choice and prepare to submit an offer before leaving.

On-site checks to complete

• Water pressure, signs of moisture in the basement, roof age, HVAC age, and service records.
• Cell coverage inside and at the driveway.
• Distance and drive time to grocery stores, pharmacies, and urgent care.
• Trash and recycling pickup schedule using the city utilities page.

Inspections, closing, and admin steps

• Inspections: Aim to schedule a general home inspection within your contingency window. Many buyers also order HVAC, roof, or pest evaluations.
• Closing: Lender-backed closings often take about 30 to 45 days from contract to keys, depending on appraisal and underwriting.
• Vehicles and IDs: Register your vehicle within 30 days via the Iowa DOT, and review driver’s license requirements on the same site.
• Utilities: Start or transfer water, sewer, and solid waste through the City of Johnston utilities portal before move-in.

Ready to get started?

When you’re moving, details matter. You deserve a local guide who knows Johnston’s neighborhoods, schools, commutes, and contracts inside and out. If you want a tailored plan, on-the-ground property intel, and smooth coordination from search to closing, reach out to Boutique Real Estate (Iowa). We’ll help you plan the visit, line up showings, and make a confident move.

FAQs

What is the commute from Johnston to downtown Des Moines?

• Johnston is about 9 to 12 miles from downtown, and typical drive times run 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic; see a sample route on TravelMath.

How do I set up utilities and trash service in Johnston?

• Start water, sewer, and stormwater billing through the City of Johnston, and review residential trash and recycling details via the city utilities page.

Which public transit option serves Johnston?

• DART’s Local Route 5 connects Johnston City Hall and the library with DART Central Station; check stops and schedules on the Route 5 page.

How can I check property taxes for a Johnston home?

• Use the Polk County Assessor’s property search to view parcel-level assessed values, tax history, and recent sales.

What buying and selling timelines should I expect in Johnston?

• Many sellers need 2 to 6 weeks to prep their home, while lender-backed purchases often close in 30 to 45 days; days to pending vary by season and price point, so ask your agent for the latest local snapshot.