Urbandale, Iowa is a city located in the county of Polk. It is bordered by the Des Moines River to the east and the Raccoon River to the west. The city covers an area of 13.3 square miles and has a population of nearly 43,000 people.
The landscape of Urbandale features rolling hills, open fields, wooded areas, and various creeks and streams that wind through the city. The terrain is mostly flat with some low-lying areas in the southeastern part of town as well as some higher elevations in the northwest corner. The highest point in Urbandale is located at an elevation of 830 feet above sea level on the east side of town near Walnut Creek Park and Golf Course.
Urbandale contains several parks within its boundaries including Walker Johnston Park, Valerius Park, Walnut Creek Park and Golf Course, Living History Farms, Greenbelt Park, Country Club Estates Park, and many others. These parks offer residents plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, golfing and more. In addition to these parks are several bike paths which connect different parts of town together making it easier for people to get around without having to use their cars or public transportation.
Overall, Urbandale is a beautiful city with plenty of green space for residents to enjoy nature while still being close enough to downtown Des Moines for easy access to both entertainment and employment opportunities.
History of Urbandale, Iowa
Urbandale, Iowa was first settled in the late 1800s when a group of pioneers from Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois moved to the area. The name “Urbandale” was chosen because it means “city of the plains.” This was an appropriate choice as the city is located on a flat plain surrounded by rolling hills and wooded areas.
In 1882, Urbandale officially became a town after being platted by James H. Jones and John A. Scharf. The first businesses were established soon after with a general store, blacksmith shop, and post office opening shortly after the town’s founding. Over time more businesses opened up including three churches (Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist), two banks (the First National Bank of Urbandale and Des Moines Savings Bank), a hotel (The Hotel Urbandale), and various other stores and restaurants.
In the early 1900s, Urbandale saw rapid growth due to its close proximity to Des Moines which allowed people to commute easily between the two cities for work or leisure activities. This growth continued throughout the decades with Urbandale eventually becoming an incorporated city in 1953.
Today, Urbandale is home to nearly 43,000 people who enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer including excellent schools, plenty of parks for outdoor recreation, great shopping opportunities at local stores or at nearby malls such as Valley West Mall or Jordan Creek Town Center, world class healthcare facilities such as Mercy Medical Center or Iowa Methodist Medical Center, and much more.
Economy of Urbandale, Iowa
The economy of Urbandale, Iowa is strong and diverse. The city has a mix of businesses in the healthcare, retail, education, and manufacturing sectors that drive the local economy. Major employers in the area include Wells Fargo Bank, UnityPoint Health Des Moines, Mercy Medical Center, Hy-Vee Inc., and John Deere Financial.
The city’s location and proximity to Des Moines also make it an attractive destination for businesses looking for a place to expand or relocate. This has helped create more jobs in the area as well as increased economic activity as more people move to Urbandale for employment opportunities.
Urbandale also offers a variety of services and amenities that help promote economic growth such as low-interest loans for small businesses, tax incentives for new businesses relocating to the city, and various other programs designed to attract new employers or entrepreneurs. Additionally, Urbandale is home to many local events such as festivals and farmers markets which help bring people into the city and stimulate the local economy.
Overall, Urbandale is an ideal place to live due its vibrant economy. With its mix of businesses in various industries combined with its close proximity to Des Moines offering additional employment opportunities, Urbandale is a great place for people looking to start their own business or find quality jobs in an ever-growing job market.
Politics in Urbandale, Iowa
The politics of Urbandale, Iowa are driven by a commitment to creating a safe and prosperous city for its citizens. The city is governed by a mayor-council form of government with the mayor and six council members elected every two years. The council is responsible for setting policy, approving budgets, and passing ordinances.
Urbandale has an active political scene with many residents engaged in local politics. Voter turnout in election years is typically high as residents take part in local elections to shape their community’s future.
The city is also home to several organizations that are devoted to promoting civic engagement and encouraging residents to participate in the political process. These include the Urbandale Democratic Club, the Urbandale Republican Club, and the Urbandale League of Women Voters, all of which host events such as candidate forums or debates throughout the year.
The city also actively participates in state and national politics through its representatives at both levels of government. Urbandale’s state representatives are Senator Charles Schneider (R) and Representative Kevin Koester (R), while its federal representative is Congressman David Young (R).
Overall, the politics of Urbandale are very active and engaged with many opportunities for residents to get involved in shaping their community’s future. With strong representation at both state and federal levels combined with organizations designed to promote civic engagement, Urbandale is an ideal place for those interested in getting involved in local politics.