Why Live in Meredith
Meredith is a quiet, residential neighborhood on Des Moines’ northwest side that offers a suburban atmosphere while remaining close to the city’s major amenities. Known for its mature trees, winding streets and low‑key feel, Meredith appeals to residents who value space, privacy and convenience over nightlife or density. While the neighborhood itself is calm, it sits just minutes from shopping, dining and entertainment options near Merle Hay Mall, as well as quick routes to downtown. Housing in Meredith includes a mix of ranch‑style homes, split‑levels, Cape Cods, bungalows and New Traditional designs. Home prices typically range from the mid‑$100,000s to the mid‑$500,000s, with some higher‑end properties reaching above that, reflecting the neighborhood’s appeal to move‑up buyers. Families are drawn to Meredith because it is served by two school districts—Des Moines Public Schools and Johnston Community School District—offering multiple education pathways, including highly regarded high schools and dual‑enrollment options. Outdoor recreation is another highlight, with easy access to the Des Moines River, nearby trails, Sycamore Wildlife Area and neighborhood parks like Westchester Park. Although sidewalks are common, most residents rely on cars for daily errands. Meredith offers convenient access to Interstate 35, Interstate 235, Merle Hay Road and public transit, making commuting across the metro straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Meredith a good place to live?
Meredith is a good place to live. Meredith is considered car-dependent and bikeable with some transit options. Meredith is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Meredith has 5 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 3.8 people per acre and a median age of 36. The average household income is $82,098 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 28.4% of residents. A majority of residents in Meredith are home owners, with 43.4% of residents renting and 56.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Meredith can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Meredith neighborhood guide.
Is Meredith, IA a safe neighborhood?
Meredith, IA is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Meredith?
The median home price in Meredith is $310,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $62,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.22%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,520 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $65K a year to afford the median home price in Meredith. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Meredith is $82K.
What are the best public schools in Meredith?
The best public schools that serve Meredith are:
What are the best private schools in Meredith?
The best private schools that serve Meredith are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Meredith, Des Moines, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Meredith, Des Moines, IA?
Home Trends in Meredith, IA
On average, homes in Meredith, Des Moines sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Meredith, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $299,900, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$299,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$310,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$209,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$168,750
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$203
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Last 12 months Home Sales
53
Median List Price
$310,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
6%