$182,898Average Value$203Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Gray’s Woods blends parks, creek access and nearby amenities
Surrounded by nature, Gray’s Woods is a scenic community in Des Moines that is home to Strasser Woods State Preserve and Copper Creek Park. Partitioned by the winding waters of Fourmile Creek, Gray’s Woods offers green spaces and water access within walking distance of many homes. The neighborhood is also close to shops and restaurants on University Avenue, making the community accessible to both entertainment and outdoor options.
The neighborhood sits on the eastern border of Des Moines.
Front porches on homes promote conversations with neighbors.
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Home sizes, lot details and pricing trends in Gray’s Woods
The neighborhood is mostly made up of bungalows with front porches and ranch-style homes of around 1,000 square feet. Slightly larger 1,500-square-foot houses are often Colonial Revival, bi-level and split-level styles. Some properties date back to the 1940s, but a few homes were built or renovated as recently as 2024. The yards tend to be under a quarter of an acre and often have extended driveways and detached garages.
Housing prices range from the high $70,000s to the high $200,000s. With a median price in the higher $100,00s, Gray’s Woods has similar pricing to Union Park. However, homes tend to be less expensive than Sheridan Gardens’ median in the low $200,000 and Pleasant Hill’s median in the mid-$300,000. Houses tend to stay on the market for an average of 50 days, which is on par with the national average.
Residents are not afraid of adding some pops of color to their homes.
Quaint bungalows are surrounded by mature trees.
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Close‑knit community life and nearby events in Gray’s Woods
Gray’s Woods has a quiet, suburban feeling that attracts retirees, families and commuters. Fourmile Community Recreation Center has an indoor gym and a senior center, which hosts social activities for elderly residents. “This is a very close-knit community,” says Jenn Ho Goh, a Realtor at Realty ONE Group Impact who sells in the neighborhood. “Many Des Moines residents retire to this area, and people go to the community center for events and just to hang out.” Gray's Woods Neighborhood Association has no membership dues and hosts local meetings to discuss community issues. The Iowa State Fair takes place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, which is a few blocks away from Gray’s Woods.
DMPS zoning, transfers and nearby private schools
Students in Gray’s Woods can attend Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS). East High School offers dual enrollment courses through Des Moines Area Community College. Families have a few different options for their children’s education.
Students can transfer to other schools within DMPS, which operates over 60 schools.
State law allows students to transfer to schools in other Iowa districts if space is available.
There are some private school options nearby, Grand View Christian School’s middle and high school campus and St. Joseph Catholic Church & School.
Stowe Elementary School was originally built in 1915.
Brubaker Elementary School serves children.
Hoyt Middle School serves younger students
The beautiful East High School serves older students
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Scenic preserves, multiuse trails and lake access in the area
Strasser Woods State Preserve's scenic pathway winds along Fourmile Creek and pristine woodlands. The area is great for exploring wildflowers blooming in spring, going mushroom hunting or birding and watching the foliage in autumn. Copper Creek Park is right next to Copper Creek Lake Park, which has a 40-acre lake with a catch-and-release guideline for anglers. The Gay Lea Wilson Trail stretches between Easton Blvd and Williams Street, leading to Copper Creek Lake, the Oralabor Gateway Trail and the High Trestle Trail. Fourmile Park has a playground and a skate park for area residents. Bright Grandview Golf Course and Copper Creek Golf Club are both public 18-hole courses.
There is over half a mile of trails through the Strasser Woods State Preserve.
Copper Creek Lake hugs the eastern border of Gray's Woods and is visited by many locals daily.
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Getting to downtown and nearby cities from this car‑dependent area
While the area is nice for taking strolls or hiking around nature, Gray’s Woods is a car-dependent neighborhood. It’s less than 10 miles from via Easton Boulevard. Angela Veatch, a Realtor with Re/Max Revolution who sells in the area, says that the neighborhood feels connected to the greater metro area. "Gray's Woods tends to blend in with Des Moines," she says. Residents can travel around the city’s metropolitan area with the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority. Major highways, Interstate 35 and Interstate 80, are nearby for commuting to the surrounding suburbs and to even larger cities like Minneapolis and Chicago.
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 Gray's Woods neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Gray's Woods
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Gray's Woods Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Gray's Woods, Des Moines sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Gray's Woods, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $177,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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