Why Live in Laurel Hill
Laurel Hill is a mostly quiet neighborhood on Des Moines’ east side, coming alive each August as the Iowa State Fair attracts more than a million visitors to the nearby fairgrounds. During the fair, residents often rent out lawn parking and enjoy the sounds of concerts in the evenings. The rest of the year, tree-lined streets with sidewalks and grassy lots maintain a peaceful setting.
The area is dotted with parks. Laurel Hill Park has a playground, basketball court, walking path, and picnic spots, while Chesterfield Park offers a STEM-focused sprayground and futsal court. Copper Creek Lake Park, just southeast, features a lighted lakeside trail. The historic Laurel Hill Cemetery and arboretum provide scenic skyline views and are a popular place for walks and bike rides.
Homes in Laurel Hill are mostly mid-century, traditional, split-level, and ranch styles, typically on quarter-acre lots and sized from 500 to 1,300 square feet. Dining options include Bianchi’s Hilltop Restaurant and Now or Later, with grocery stores like Aldi and Hy-Vee close by. Interstate 235 and Highway 5 offer easy access to downtown, four miles away, and Des Moines International Airport, eight miles away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laurel Hill a good place to live?
Laurel Hill is a good place to live. Laurel Hill is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with minimal transit options. Laurel Hill is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 2, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. Laurel Hill has 7 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 1.2 people per acre and a median age of 40. The average household income is $65,975 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 9.3% of residents. A majority of residents in Laurel Hill are home owners, with 19.6% of residents renting and 80.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Laurel Hill can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Laurel Hill neighborhood guide.
Is Laurel Hill, IA a safe neighborhood?
Laurel Hill, IA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 2 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Laurel Hill?
The median home price in Laurel Hill is $230,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $46,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.19%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,130 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $48K a year to afford the median home price in Laurel Hill. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Laurel Hill is $66K.
What are the best public schools in Laurel Hill?
The best public schools that serve Laurel Hill are:
- East High School has a C Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 24:1 and an average review score of 3.7.
- Willard Elementary School has a C Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 11:1.
- Hoyt Middle School has a C- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 16:1 and an average review score of 3.7.
What are the best private schools in Laurel Hill?
The best private schools that serve Laurel Hill are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Laurel Hill, Des Moines, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Laurel Hill, Des Moines, IA?
Home Trends in Laurel Hill, IA
On average, homes in Laurel Hill, Des Moines sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Laurel Hill, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $190,000, up 41% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$190,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$220,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$192
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
5
Median List Price
$230,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
41%