Why families and commuters are drawn to Capitol Heights
Capitol Heights has fostered a sense of small-town community with a suburban feeling, attracting families in particular for generations. A major avenue runs through the neighborhood, connecting it to the Des Moines Metro Area. While Capitol Heights is more residential, it’s between Downtown Des Moines and Altoona, so shopping, dining and entertainment are close by. Its location appeals to commuters, while its wide range of housing options attracts first-time buyers.
Postwar houses and newer construction shape the streets
Contemporary architecture and well-maintained sidewalks define the streets of Capitol Heights. “Homes are a mix, but some of them are small [ranch-style homes] that were built right after WWII,” says Angela Veatch, a Realtor with Re/Max Revolution who sells in the area. She also notes that many of these homes have finished basements. There is also plenty of new construction here with Craftsman and other styles of homes built as recently as 2025. Homes tend to average around 1,400 square feet, compared to the national average of around 2,000 square feet. The median lot size is around a quarter of an acre.
Some neighborhoods feature a high density mix of housing styles.
A larger Traditional-style home in one of the neighborhood's developments.
1/2
Median price sits above Des Moines but below Altoona
Prices start in the low $100,000s and go up to the mid $600,000. The neighborhood's median price in the low $300,000s is:
Higher than Des Moines’ median in the low $200,000s.
Lower than Altoona’s median in the mid $300,000s.
On par with Pleasant Hill’s median in the low $300,000s.
Townhouses in the southern section of Capitol Heights range from the mid $100,000s to the low $300,000s. On the higher end of the price spectrum, most townhouses were built as recently as 2025. Homes stay on the market for about 87 days, which is higher than the national average of 53 days.
Students attend schools in two districts with choice options
The Capitol Heights neighborhood is divided between Des Moines Independent Community School District and the highly rated Southeast Polk Community School District. Both districts offer enrollment courses through Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) for high school students. Families can request that their children attend other schools within their assigned district or transfer to another school district within the state if space is available, per Iowa law. Carrie Romo, principal of Goodrell Middle School and an 11-year veteran of Des Moines public schools, says, “We offer Iowa Jobs for American Graduates. It’s a program that starts in middle school, continues into high school, and prepares students for post-secondary options.”
Delaware Elementary proudly places their mascot at the front of their campus.
Delaware Elementary School's playground gives students ample space to play.
1/2
Generations of families help foster a close-knit atmosphere
“There are generations of people living here,” says David Harper, Director of the Eastview Community Center, who has lived in Des Moines for over 30 years. “Two of our kids still live here and raise their families here.” Living on the outskirts of the big city gives residents a quiet, suburban atmosphere with easy access to downtown. But East Des Moines has its own culture. The Southeast Polk Community Church started Eastview Community Center. “We don’t run many programs because we want the community to do that,” Harper says. “And they do.” Volunteers across the East Side have set up recovery and homeschool programs for residents to join.
Hubbell Avenue connects residents to downtown and beyond
Veatch says Capitol Heights’ location is a big draw to the area. “It’s close to Altoona, not too far from Pleasant Hill and close to Des Moines, of course,” she says. “So, for someone working and commuting, you can jump on Hubbell [Avenue] and get to Ankeny really quick, too.”
Hubbell Avenue, also known as U.S. Route 6, cuts through the middle of the neighborhood, providing a straightforward route into Downtown Des Moines. It also connects to Interstates 80 and 235. “I can get from any side of town to the other in 20 to 25 minutes, even with 5:00 p.m. traffic,” Harper says. Most residents drive since there is limited walkability, but there are Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority bus routes throughout the city.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Capitol Heights neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Capitol Heights
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Capitol Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Capitol Heights, Des Moines sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Capitol Heights, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $321,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your 2 bed, 2 bath townhome in Des Moines offering over 1,300 sq ft and a 1-car attached garage. This home has been well cared for and features newer carpet along with an open, functional layout. Upstairs you’ll find two spacious bedrooms, including a large primary bedroom with a walk-in closet. The upper-level bathroom includes a jacuzzi soaking tub, giving you a little extra comfort
Spacious two-story home offering 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms in the highly desirable Southeast Polk School District. The second level features three bedrooms, including a generous primary suite with a soaking tub, dual closets, and a vaulted ceiling. Convenient second-floor laundry adds everyday ease. The main level offers versatile living space with a flex room perfect for a home office,
Must see this custom One owner home just east of the City in the county and SE Polk Schools. This home was custom built with extra wide door ways to accommodate a wheelchair if needed. Built on a large corner lot just under 1/2 acre with no covenants. This 4 bedroom home has all 4 bedrooms on the main level and a two and half car attached garage with 2 overhead doors. One is in the front and
Destiny Homes presents the Nash plan. The Nash features 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, a large 2nd floor loft area and 2,302 total square feet of gorgeous living space. The open concept main level features large picture windows, kitchen with quartz counters, center island & pantry PLUS a 5th bedroom/office/flex room. The second level includes the spacious primary suite with a walk-in closet, 3 additional
Destiny Homes presents its Eastham plan. The plan features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and nearly 1,600 sq ft of living space. This 2 story home has everything a home should; including ample entertaining space within the open concept living, bumped out dining room, quartz countertops, peninsula island and pantry. The primary ensuite includes walk-in closet and double vanity. Bedroom 2 also has a
Destiny Homes presents their new Fremont Ranch. The Fremont features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and approximately 1,300 sqft on the main. The open concept floorplan highlights the kitchen & features a corner pantry, center island, and quartz countertops. The living room has plenty of natural light w/ 2 oversized windows and an electric fireplace. The main level primary suite features a double
Destiny Homes presents their Portland floor plan. This ranch plan features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and approximately 1500 square feet of gorgeous living space. The main level includes a great room with an electric fireplace, drop zone, and separate laundry room. The kitchen features quartz countertops, center island, and a corner pantry. Access to the backyard located off the dining area. The
Destiny Homes presents their new Fremont Ranch. The Fremont features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and approximately 1,300 SF on the main. The open concept floorplan highlights the kitchen & features a corner pantry, center island, and quartz countertops. The living room has plenty of natural light w/ 2 oversized windows and an electric fireplace. The main level primary suite features a double vanity
Destiny Homes presents its Eastham IV plan. The plan features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and over 1,700 sq ft of living space. his plan has everything a home should; ample entertaining space with open concept living, bumped out dining room with sliders to the deck, quartz countertops, tile backsplash and center island. The primary ensuite includes walk-in closet and double vanity. Three more bedrooms,
Destiny Homes presents its Eastham IV plan. The plan features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and over 1,700 sq ft of living space. his plan has everything a home should; ample entertaining space with open concept living, bumped out dining room with sliders to the deck, quartz countertops, tile backsplash and center island. The primary ensuite includes walk-in closet and double vanity. Three more bedrooms,
Destiny Homes presents its Eastham plan. The plan features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and nearly 1,600 sq ft of living space. This 2 story home has everything a home should; including ample entertaining space within the open concept living, bumped out dining room, quartz countertops, peninsula island and pantry. The primary ensuite includes walk-in closet and double vanity. Bedroom 2 also has a
Like-new ranch home located at 5611 Leyden Ave in Des Moines, IA offering an open concept layout with modern finishes throughout. The main living area features a beautiful stone electric fireplace and flows seamlessly into a spacious kitchen complete with granite countertops and a large island, perfect for entertaining. The primary suite includes a walk-in closet, and the home offers comfortable,
Choose one, two, three and four bedrooms for rent with a full range of amenities: w/d hook ups, fitness centers, underground parking, business centers, salon and more. Hilltop is located on the East Side of Des Moines just minutes from 235/80. Section 42 Community, Section 8 Welcome!
This apartment community is conveniently located just off Hubbell Avenue on the eastern border of Des Moines. It offers easy access to downtown Des Moines, I-235, I-80 and the Highway 6 bypass. This beautiful and well managed property includes one, two and three bedroom units as well as 4 large playgrounds, basketball Court, and BBQ grills at the gazebo areas. The community room includes a
Your Home, Our Priority! Discover comfort, convenience, and exceptional value in our one- and two-bedroom apartment homes at Prairie Woods Apartments. Located just minutes from Altoona, Ankeny, and downtown Des Moines, you'll have quick access to fantastic shopping, dining, and entertainment. With proximity to I-80, 235, the Bypass, and the Dart Bus Route, getting around is a breeze.Our
Discover the perfect blend of comfort, affordability, and community at Park Winds Apartments. Our income-restricted residences feature spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom floor plans, designed to accommodate various lifestyles and family needs. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or anyone in between, we have the ideal space for you.Enjoy our charming playground for family fun, stay
Make Broadway Heights Home.Your search for the perfect home ends at Broadway Heights. With an abundance of attractive amenities, cozy interiors, and inviting leisure spaces, our apartments in Des Moines, IA will make you feel right at home.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
