West Des Moines is in Polk, Dallas and Warren counties. A special 2005 census estimates West Des Moines' population at 51,000+. It is the 2nd largest city in the Des Moines Metropolitian Area. Newsweek Magazine recently ranked West Des Moines as 14th in it's "Best Places to Live for a Kid" list.

First known as Valley Junction, in the 1850's, the city was a trading and shipping juction for several railroad lines. James Cunningham Jordan, one of the city's first settlers, operated a station on the Underground Railroad. His original c.1850's home still stands and is now a museum.

Mid-century, residential subdivisions began to spring up in West Des Moines. Now Jordan Creek Town Center has become West Des Moines' Town Center. Jordan Creek is a 2 million square foot center that features a lake district with a 3.5 acre lake, restuarants and a community events ampitheater sit along the lake. Two shopping districts with movie theaters and more restuarants help finish the center.  

Highway 28 is the boarder between West Des Moines and Des Moines. 63rd Street in Des Moines is also known as 1st Street in West Des Moines.