$322,756Average Value$251Average Price per Sq Ft74Homes For Sale
Always something to do in Downtown Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines' walkability, vibrant nightlife and dining options on Court Avenue attract professionals and other homebuyers seeking the energy and convenience of city living. Those looking to buy a home here have options ranging from industrial condos to luxury townhouses, all of which are close to the excitement. The heart of the city offers plenty of ways to stay entertained, from a renowned farmers market to catching a show at one of many downtown venues. While most residents have cars, the area is easy to navigate on a bike.
Ancient forests and Juno sculptures are in downtown Des Moines.
The farmers market is a popular place to spend a Saturday morning in Downtown Des Moines.
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Types of housing in downtown
Darson Grantham is a Realtor with The Grantham Group who says Downtown Des Moines offers a variety of housing, including condos and apartments above restaurants on Court Avenue. “You can live in brand new builds or 1950s builds, and most of the apartments are even older than that,” he says. Many buildings have been updated with modern features and appliances.
Condo styles vary from contemporary and industrial to historic and charming. Some of the most popular condo buildings were formerly warehouses and factories, such as the Brown Camp Lofts and Whiteline Lofts. These towering buildings now offer great views of the city and often come with amenities, including underground heated parking, snow removal and fitness centers.
There is an abundance of newly constructed townhomes and condos in Downtown Des Moines.
The inventory of downtown Des Moines apartments is extensive.
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Cost of living in Downtown Des Moines
“Homes in the area are typically condos or multi-level townhouses in a wide range of price points from $150,000 to $700,000,” says eXp Realty Iowa’s Corah Webber, a Realtor with over five years of local experience. Housing in the downtown core tends to be more expensive than across the river in East Village and Capitol Park, but less expensive than the historic properties in Haines Park and Sherman Hill. Most condos have monthly HOA fees that vary from under $200 to over $400. Single-family homes currently on the market range from the high $700,000 to over $1.5 million. West Des Moines has more single-family homes with a higher median price and a more suburban vibe.
Getting around the city
Downtown is a very walkable area with 4 miles of covered, temperature-controlled skywalks, but a car or rideshare service is needed to travel outside of downtown, especially for shopping. “There is only one grocery store downtown, and the hours are not very good,” Grantham says. Parking is limited, with mostly metered street parking and monthly options for parking spaces and garages.
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) buses serve the area, but they are not commonly used, as it typically takes more time to travel by public transit than by car in this area, according to Grantham. Those wanting to get around the city without a car can ride their bikes on the bike lanes downtown, on the south side and on the north side.
The DART bus system services all of Downtown Des Moines.
There are numerous scenic angles from atop the MLK Bridge in Downtown Des Moines.
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Nightlife and downtown amenities
Court Avenue is the main hub for shopping, dining and nightlife, and there are plenty of things to do.
Downtown has several stadiums, venues and event centers, like Principal Park, home to the Iowa Cubs baseball team.
Hangout spots include Ricochet, with games like ping pong and foosball, and Platform, a nightclub.
For grabbing a drink, Good New Darling is an intimate speakeasy, while 300 Craft & Rooftop has a wide selection of craft beer.
On weekdays Cowles Commons at dusk in Downtown Des Moines can be a quiet place.
Patrons gather for cocktails at RoCA in downtown Des Moines.
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Things to do year-round
Court Avenue is also home to the Des Moines Farmers’ Market from May to October, rated one of the best in the country by Daily Meal, a food website, and Shape magazine. “There are a ton of festivals,” Grantham says. “In the summer, every weekend there’s a festival somewhere around town.” Des Moines Arts Festival and the World Food & Music Festival are two examples.
Walkers and joggers can get their steps in on the Principal River Walk or the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge, which looks especially beautiful at night when it’s lit up. Lauridsen Skatepark and Gray’s Lake Park are both nearby. The Brenton Skating Plaza offers ice skating in the winter but transforms into a music venue during the warmer months.
Rotary Riverwalk Park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Lauridsen Skate Park is a well-liked spot in Downtown Des Moines.
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Schools in Downtown Des Moines
Students can attend Des Moines Public Schools, but families also have options when it comes to education.
The Within-District Transfer Program allows students to transfer to other schools within the district, including magnet schools.
Open Enrollment allows families to enroll their kids in a different Iowa school district.
Grantham notes that some families may choose to drive a little further for a private school education, like Joshua Christian Academy in the Martin Luther King Jr Park neighborhood.
Walnut Street School provides a strong academic program in the heart of Downtown Des Moines.
Des Moines Schools' Central Campus offers student career programs in Downtown Des Moines.
Callanan Middle School serves the intermediate students of Downtown Des Moines.
Roosevelt High School serves Downtown Des Moines' older students.
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 Downtown Des Moines neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Des Moines
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
8
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
10
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
10
4
Larceny
9
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Des Moines Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines sell after 91 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $300,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This condo is downtown at the SoCo just a block from the Court Avenue district. Perfectly across the street from Hy-Vee, close to the Science Center, dining, nightlife, and the Farmer's Market. This unique 1st floor unit showcases beautiful hardwood floors, plenty of natural light with custom blinds, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a kitchen island, along with two bedrooms,
HERE'S A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY to live in downtown Des Moines. Buyer's Agents welcome! You'll be in the heart of the city within walking distance to the East Village shopping, dining and entertainment district and you'll love the views from your roof-top patio. When you step inside you'll discover a wide open living area that includes a spacious living room, an open dining space, and the perfect
Live in the heart of downtown Des Moines in Gray’s Station! This END UNIT Briar townhome offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 1,772 SF with a 2-car garage. The open-concept main level is perfect for entertaining, with a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and living spaces. Upstairs, you’ll find a spacious primary suite with a walk-in closet and private bath, plus two additional bedrooms and
The open-concept main level is perfect for entertaining, with a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and living spaces. Upstairs, youll find a spacious primary suite with a walk-in closet and private bath, plus two additional bedrooms and convenient second-floor laundry. Enjoy a private rooftop patioideal for relaxing or hosting with city views. Take advantage of a tax abatement for added
Not all downtown condos feel the same. With its private street-level entrance and thoughtful upgrades throughout, this one-bedroom home offers a more personal, inviting feel than the standard condo. Warm cabinetry tones, tile flooring in the bathroom, and custom storage solutions—including a spacious walk-in closet with built-ins, laundry shelving, and pull-out cleaning storage—help maximize
Experience the energy of downtown Des Moines In this modern and stylish 2 bedroom condo just minutes away from Principal Park, Bike Trails, Grays Lake, restaurants, and more! This 2nd floor unit offers loads of sunlight & views facing east from private balcony. The 2nd bedroom is ideal for home office, guest bedroom, roommate or family. Master bathroom has a dual sink vanity & walk in closet.
Living at The Plaza puts the best of downtown Des Moines right at yourdoorstep. Catch a show at the Civic Center across the street, stroll to the Farmer’s Market, enjoy abaseball game, or watch the 4th of July fireworks from your own balcony. It’s city living at its finest. Thismove-in-ready one-bedroom home offers a bright, open layout with a stylish kitchen featuring an
Experience downtown living with the perfect blend of convenience, security, and low-maintenance comfort at Edison. This secure-access building offers low-density living with key fob entry, elevator access, and a deeded parking space included in the list price. Location truly shines here; enjoy sidewalk access along MLK to all your favorite downtown destinations, including Principal Park, Gray's
The Marlow is a two-story townhome with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, two-car attached garage and 2,277 square feet of space as an interior unit. The first level has an expansive kitchen-dining combo space opening up into the living room and main bath. The second level features three beds, including master bed/bath, laundry and multiple walk-in closets. *The Marlow plan comes with an optional lower
Mezzo on Walnut offers sophisticated urban living in the heart of downtown Des Moines, where historic architecture meets modern luxury and everyday life feels elevated and effortless. Located in Des Moines' iconic Financial Center, Mezzo blends thoughtfully designed residences, curated amenities, and vibrant city access into a living experience designed for those who want more from where they
Welcome to Cityville on 9th Apartments, where sophisticated design, luxury amenities, and an unbeatable downtown location blend seamlessly to offer the premier residential experience in Des Moines. Our modern apartment homes in Des Moines include a curated selection of stunning one, two, and three-bedroom layouts, thoughtfully crafted to be your personal sanctuary in the city. Plus, explore our
The Meridian is now open and accepting applications. Nestled in the Gray's Landing neighborhood, our meticulously crafted community is tailored to elevate your lifestyle with the ideal canvas for your urban oasis. Experience a synthesis of downtown energy and connection, while enjoying the tranquility of the Gray's Landing landscape. The Meridian presents an expansive array of flexible living
Experience the pinnacle of modern living at LINC at Gray's Station, where sophisticated design meets luxurious comfort. Our apartments and townhomes in Des Moines offer a range of spacious layouts, including studio, one, two, three, and four-bedroom options, all thoughtfully crafted to suit your lifestyle. Enjoy breathtaking city skyline views, walk-in closets, in-unit washer and dryer, and
The Fleming Building is an 11-story historic property commonly referred to as Iowa's first Skyscraper! Designed and built in 1909 by the world-renowned architect Daniel Burnham, who also designed the Flat Iron Building in Manhattan and Union Station in Washington D.C., The Fleming is located in the Central Business District in downtown Des Moines at 604 Walnut. Redeveloped in 2014, Apartment
Confluence on 3rd Apartments features 211 studio, junior suite, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartment homes. Designed to deliver urban elegance and modern comfort, the apartments at Confluence on 3rd Apartments are sophisticated spaces with open layout floor plans, nine-foot ceilings, and direct fiber internet in every unit.
The Randolph is the artful restoration of three historical buildings into apartment homes with distinctive styles. Each building's motif captures the surprising design elements resulting in an eclectic mix of stylish architectural features and characteristics. The Randolph is on the corner of Court and Fourth, home to the growing arts, social, and foodie scene in the Court Avenue District of
Welcome to Clemens BuildingDiscover our premier apartment community, Clemens Building, in Des Moines, Iowa. This vibrant community near downtown Des Moines is close to high end restaurants and boutique local stores. All of our apartments are pet-friendly and the perfect home for professionals, students, families, seniors, and everyone in between. Take a closer look at everything we have in
The Nexus is located downtown…if you need that convenience or want access to that vitality. However, if you prefer quiet, The Nexus is located there too. It's the conexus of both. Our location in a green, park area near Gray's Lake is within walking distance to the activity and bustle of downtown. High-end home features include granite kitchen islands, stainless steel appliances, high-efficiency
COMPLETELY RENOVATED! The newly renovated Elliott Apartments bring European and modern touches to its centrally located studio and one bedroom apartments in downtown Des Moines. Gas, Electric, and water are all included in rent. Laundry room right off the elevator. Contact [email address removed] for inquires.Check out our website for more information-https://www.elliottdsm.com/
No Damage Deposit and Hassle free move Guarantee! Welcome to the heart of Downtown Des Moines, where luxury meets convenience. Maxwell provides residents with an unparalleled, convenient living experience in our studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes available for rent. Our beautifully designed homes offers fully-equipped kitchens, an open layout, spacious bedrooms and stunning views.
In the heart of the Court Avenue district, Metro Lofts offers the modern conveniences that you desire at an unbeatable price, including underground heated parking, on-site management, a fitness center, community courtyard with grilling stations, and on-site laundry facilities. Your home includes plush carpeting, dishwasher, microwave, in-unit laundry*, and city or courtyard views* to make your
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.
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