Clive, IA

County: Polk

History

Clive, Iowa

Clive is a city located in Polk County, Iowa, United States. It is a suburb of the state capital, Des Moines. The area that is now Clive was originally inhabited by the Native American tribes of the Meskwaki and Sauk.

The first European settlers arrived in the area in the mid-1800s and established farms. The town's name, Clive, was chosen to honor Robert Clive, a British general who served in India during the 18th century.

Clive officially became a town in 1956 and experienced rapid growth in the following decades. It was incorporated as a city in 1964. The population increased significantly as people moved to Clive for its proximity to Des Moines and its suburban lifestyle.

The city has gradually expanded its boundaries over the years to accommodate its growing population. The development of residential neighborhoods, businesses, and commercial areas has provided residents with various amenities and services.

Clive is known for its parks and recreational opportunities. The city has several parks and trails, including Greenbelt Park, which offers walking and biking paths. Clive also hosts several community events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Clive Festival, which features live music, food, and entertainment.

Today, Clive continues to thrive as a residential community with a strong economy and a high quality of life. It is home to a diverse population and offers a wide range of amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Attractions

Living History Farms

Living History Farms

A historical open-air museum that showcases Iowa's agricultural history through interactive exhibits, farm life demonstrations, and a working 1900 farm.

Clive Aquatic Center

A popular family-friendly water park that features various pools, water slides, a lazy river, and other water attractions.

Campbell Recreation Area

A beautiful park with walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a fishing pond. It is a great place for outdoor activities and relaxation.

515 Brewing Company

A local craft brewery that offers a variety of handcrafted beers. Visitors can enjoy beer tasting, tours, and a welcoming taproom atmosphere.

Greenbelt Park

A scenic park with paved trails for walking, jogging, or biking. The park also has a pond, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it a perfect spot for outdoor recreation.

Clive Public Library

A modern library that offers a wide range of books, digital resources, and various events and programs for all age groups.

Valley West Mall

A popular shopping destination in Clive, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Walnut Creek Church

A large and vibrant Christian church that offers worship services, community groups, and outreach programs.

Golf Courses

Clive is home to several golf courses, including the Willow Creek Golf Club and the Des Moines Golf and Country Club, which offer golfing opportunities and scenic views.

Festivals and Events

Clive hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including the Clive Festival, which features live music, food vendors, carnival rides, and a fireworks display. Other events include farmers markets, concerts, and holiday celebrations.

Climate

Clive, Iowa, has a humid continental climate. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters.

Summer in Clive is typically warm and can be humid. Average temperatures range from the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 24°C) to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 29°C). July is usually the warmest month, and occasional heatwaves can push temperatures into the 90s Fahrenheit (around 32-37°C). Thunderstorms are common during the summer months.

Autumn in Clive is mild and pleasant, with temperatures gradually cooling down. September sees average highs in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 24°C), dropping to the upper 50s Fahrenheit (around 15°C) in November. Autumn is often a time of beautiful fall foliage, making the area picturesque.

Winter in Clive can be cold and snowy. Average temperatures range from the 20s to 30s Fahrenheit (-1 to -4°C). January is typically the coldest month, with occasional Arctic outbreaks bringing temperatures well below freezing. Snowfall is moderate, with an average of around 30 inches (76 cm) per year. Winter storms can occasionally bring significant snow accumulations.

Spring in Clive is mild and can be unpredictable. Temperatures gradually warm up, with average highs in the 50s to 60s Fahrenheit (around 10-20°C) in March and the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit (around 15-25°C) in May. Springtime is often wet, with April being one of the rainiest months. Severe weather, including thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes, is more likely during the spring months.

Overall, Clive has a varied climate with all four seasons distinctly represented. It is important to be prepared for changing weather conditions throughout the year.

Neighborhoods

Clive, Iowa is a city located in Polk County, just west of the state capital, Des Moines. It is a relatively small city, covering an area of about 8.5 square miles, but it offers several distinct neighborhoods that cater to different preferences and lifestyles.

Country Club

This is an upscale neighborhood situated around the Glen Oaks Country Club. It features beautiful homes with large yards and well-maintained landscaping. The country club offers residents access to golf courses, swimming pools, tennis courts, and other amenities.

Greenbelt Park

Located in the southern part of Clive, this neighborhood is known for its proximity to recreational areas and parks. Residents here can enjoy easy access to the extensive bike trails and green spaces that make up the Clive Greenbelt Park. It is a family-friendly neighborhood with a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.

Ashworth Ridge

Situated near the western edge of Clive, Ashworth Ridge is a newer neighborhood that offers a mix of residential options. It is known for its modern homes, many of which are custom-built. The area provides a suburban feel with well-maintained streets and plenty of green spaces.

Hickman

Hickman is a bustling neighborhood located in the heart of Clive. It is characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces. The area offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Hickman is popular for its convenience and accessibility to shopping centers, restaurants, and other amenities.

Berkshire Estates

This neighborhood is positioned in the northeastern part of Clive and is known for its larger, custom-built homes. Berkshire Estates offers a quieter and more secluded atmosphere compared to some of the other neighborhoods in Clive. It is a well-established community with tree-lined streets and spacious lots.

These are just a few of the neighborhoods you can find in Clive, IA. Each offers its own unique characteristics and amenities, allowing residents to choose the area that best suits their preferences and lifestyles.

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