Browse
Log in / Register
Share
With a median sale price of $194,000 and an average rent of $1,095, Des Moines, Iowa, offers a compelling blend of affordability and Midwestern charm. This guide provides a data-driven overview of 12 popular neighborhoods to help you find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget, from historic districts to bustling urban centers. Key takeaways include the premium for downtown living, the variety of architectural styles, and the accessibility of major parks and attractions across the city.
Understanding the local market begins with key metrics. The median sale price represents the midpoint of all home sales in a given period, indicating that half of the homes sold for more and half for less than this figure. For Des Moines, this was $194,000 as of October 2023. For renters, the average rent for all apartment sizes is approximately $1,095. These figures provide a baseline, but prices fluctuate significantly by neighborhood, influenced by factors like proximity to downtown, historical significance, and housing type.
| Neighborhood | Median Sale Price | Average 1-Bedroom Rent | Average 2-Bedroom Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaverdale | $255,250 | $780 | $805 |
| Downtown | $350,500 | $1,347 | $1,775 |
| Sherman Hill | $400,000 | $975 | $1,250 |
| River Bend | $79,000 | N/A | N/A |
| Citywide Average | $194,000 | ~$1,095 | ~$1,095 |
For those seeking a vibrant, walkable lifestyle, neighborhoods in and around the city center are the primary focus.
Downtown Des Moines is the economic and cultural heart of the city. Residents have immediate access to attractions like the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Des Moines Civic Center. The housing stock consists largely of high-rise apartments and condos, commanding the highest median sale price ($350,500) and average rents in the city.
Just across the river, Historic East Village blends 19th-century architecture with modern boutiques and art galleries. It offers a more historic urban feel, with a median sale price of $215,000. Sherman Hill, a designated historic district, features meticulously preserved Victorian homes and a strong community atmosphere, though it comes with a premium median sale price of $400,000.
Northwest of downtown, Beaverdale is known for its charming suburban feel and well-maintained historic homes. With a median sale price of $255,250, it offers access to parks like Witmer Park and Beaverdale Park, making it a popular choice for families. Similarly, North of Grand features beautiful, tree-lined streets and historic homes in styles like Tudor and Colonial Revival, located near the Des Moines Art Center and Greenwood Park.
South Park provides a strong community feel with easy access to family-friendly attractions like the Blank Park Zoo and Easter Lake Park. Its median sale price of $210,000 and average 2-bedroom rent of $850 represent a more accessible price point for families. Waveland Park offers a peaceful residential atmosphere centered around the Waveland Golf Course and is home to the Drake Municipal Observatory.
Several neighborhoods offer entry-point prices for buyers and renters seeking value. Capitol East, located just outside of downtown, provides proximity to the Iowa State Capitol building with a median sale price of $159,000. River Bend, a quaint area along the Des Moines River, has the lowest median sale price on this list at $79,000, offering a mix of traditional and contemporary single-family homes.
The Drake neighborhood, home to Drake University, has a mix of residential and commercial areas with a median sale price of $200,000. Highland Park, north of downtown, offers a residential setting with a median sale price of $165,000, while Woodland Heights provides a historic, peaceful atmosphere near Sherman Hill for a median sale price of $215,000.
Ultimately, your choice of neighborhood in Des Moines will depend on your budget, desired lifestyle, and housing preferences. Based on our experience assessment, prioritize your must-haves—be it walkability, park access, or historic character. The data shows that while downtown commands a premium, affordable and family-friendly options are abundant throughout the city.
Methodology: Neighborhood selection and median sale price data sourced from a major real estate data center for October 2023. Average rental data from a national rental listing platform for October 2023.
