Why Live in Lower Beaver
Lower Beaver sits on the north side of Des Moines and has a population of about 6,500, made up mostly of homeowners. The neighborhood is known for its quiet, well-kept streets and views of the Des Moines River. Sidewalks shaded by birch, maple, and oak trees make it a pleasant area for evening walks. Homes reflect a mix of eras and styles, including split-levels, bungalows, and foursquares built from the 1950s to today. Most properties range from one-eighth to one-quarter acre and include garages. Although the neighborhood was built over former coal mines, the entrances have long been sealed and pose no concerns.
Lower Beaver offers easy access to nearby shopping, dining, and recreation. The Beaverdale commercial district and Merle Hay Mall are close for retail and services, while Woodlawn and Westchester Parks provide playgrounds, spraygrounds, and sports courts. Dining options include Patience’s African Cuisine, Taste of China, and the local favorite El Taco Guapo.
The Lower Beaver Neighborhood Association hosts community events such as Summerfest and the annual Neighborhood Rummage Sale. Residents are minutes from major medical centers including MercyOne, Broadlawns, and Iowa Methodist with downtown Des Moines about four miles away and the airport roughly eight miles south.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lower Beaver a good place to live?
Lower Beaver is a good place to live. Lower Beaver is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. Lower Beaver has 5 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 6.4 people per acre and a median age of 39. The average household income is $87,724 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 35.6% of residents. A majority of residents in Lower Beaver are home owners, with 23% of residents renting and 77% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Lower Beaver can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Lower Beaver neighborhood guide.
Is Lower Beaver, IA a safe neighborhood?
Lower Beaver, IA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 3 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Lower Beaver?
The median home price in Lower Beaver is $259,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $52,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,250 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $54K a year to afford the median home price in Lower Beaver. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Lower Beaver is $88K.
What are the best public schools in Lower Beaver?
The best public schools that serve Lower Beaver are:
What are the best private schools in Lower Beaver?
The best private schools that serve Lower Beaver are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Lower Beaver, Des Moines, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Lower Beaver, Des Moines, IA?
Home Trends in Lower Beaver, IA
On average, homes in Lower Beaver, Des Moines sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Lower Beaver, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $255,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$255,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$250,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$205
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Last 12 months Home Sales
117
Median List Price
$259,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%