For growing businesses, location is more than a pin on a map. In central Iowa, few cities offer the strategic advantage that Altoona does. Located just east of Des Moines, Altoona blends metro access with small-city efficiency—making it one of the most sought-after suburbs of Des Moines for business.
As part of the Des Moines metro economic development region, Altoona continues to draw interest from site selectors, entrepreneurs, and business owners looking for the right balance of affordability, workforce access, and growth potential. The city’s ideal positioning has made it a stronghold for business growth near Des Moines—and a prime location in the broader landscape of Iowa regional development.
Proximity with Purpose
Altoona is strategically located at the junction of Interstate 80 and Interstate 35, two of the nation’s most heavily traveled freight corridors. These highways connect the city to Des Moines and to major regional markets across the Midwest. For companies that rely on transportation, logistics, or distribution, this kind of access is not just helpful—it’s essential.
Being close to Des Moines means businesses in Altoona can reach the metro’s dense customer base and labor market in minutes. At the same time, they avoid the congestion, higher operational costs, and competitive real estate pressures of urban cores. The result? A location that supports long-term stability and smart scalability.
This combination makes Altoona a standout Iowa business location for companies comparing regional cities.
Lower Operating Costs, Higher Value
One of Altoona’s strongest assets is its affordability. Companies that base their operations here benefit from a lower cost of doing business compared to Des Moines proper. That includes more competitive land prices, reduced property taxes, and overall lower overhead expenses.
This advantage is especially compelling for startups, small-to-midsize businesses, and regional offices looking to expand their footprint. Altoona allows these organizations to allocate more capital to growth, hiring, and innovation without sacrificing access to the Des Moines metro.
For entrepreneurs evaluating the suburbs of Des Moines for business, Altoona offers the unique ability to stretch resources while maintaining a professional, metro-adjacent presence.
Strong Infrastructure and Scalable Support
Growth requires more than just space. It requires infrastructure that can support it. With access to major highways, modern utilities, and a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure planning, Altoona is ready for what’s next.
The intersection of I-80/I-35 means businesses have unmatched transportation access, whether moving goods across Iowa or across the country. Local road systems are well maintained and designed for commercial use, minimizing friction for logistics and delivery-based industries.
In addition to transportation infrastructure, Altoona offers ample utility capacity and shovel-ready development sites. These assets position the city as a leader in Des Moines metro economic development, and they continue to attract high-value projects across sectors.
Access to Regional Workforce and Consumers
Location alone doesn’t drive growth—people do. And in Altoona, businesses benefit from direct access to the Des Moines metro’s deep and diverse labor pool. Skilled workers are within easy commuting distance, and many are choosing to live in Altoona thanks to its quality schools, safe neighborhoods, and growing amenities.
Altoona also places businesses within reach of more than one million regional consumers. Whether your company provides retail, professional services, healthcare, or manufacturing, the proximity to such a large audience boosts visibility and market reach.
This access is one of the most cited reasons why companies are choosing Altoona over other Iowa regional development options. It shortens hiring timelines, improves retention, and strengthens customer engagement—all without the costs typically associated with large urban markets.
Real Companies, Real Growth
Altoona’s advantages aren’t just theoretical—they’re being realized by businesses every day.
Logistics companies are using the city’s interstate access to streamline distribution and reduce shipping costs. Retailers in Altoona’s commercial corridors are reaching both local residents and metro-area visitors drawn to entertainment destinations like Adventureland and Prairie Meadows. Professional service firms are expanding into Altoona to take advantage of lower office costs and greater client accessibility.
These success stories reinforce the growing recognition that Altoona is more than a suburban town. It’s a strategic Altoona Iowa business location—an ideal base for companies that want the benefits of Des Moines without the burden of its price tag.
A Smart Move for Business Leaders
As businesses evaluate where to grow, the Des Moines region stands out as a hub of innovation, stability, and economic opportunity. Within that region, Altoona offers a distinct edge.
It brings together everything companies need: location, workforce, infrastructure, affordability, and room to expand. Whether you’re a site selector looking at business growth near Des Moines or an entrepreneur deciding between Iowa regional development options, Altoona deserves a closer look.
This city has built a reputation for smart planning, strategic investment, and business-friendly leadership. It’s no surprise that it continues to lead as one of the best-positioned suburbs of Des Moines for business.
Move Forward in Altoona
Altoona is more than a suburb—it’s a dynamic business location that combines the best of metro access and small-town advantages. If you’re looking for the right place to grow, consider Altoona. Its location just outside Des Moines offers the reach you want, with the flexibility and cost savings your business needs.