$179,627Average Value$130Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes For Sale
Community Pride
Less than 2 miles north of downtown Des Moines, River Bend is a historic neighborhood tucked into the southern banks of the Des Moines River. With a rich history, many homes date back to the 1870s and homes have been passed down from generation to generation. “There’s definitely pride of ownership here,” says Liz Lashier, the owner/broker at NextHome Your Way, with over 110 closed sales in the area. The tree-lined streets are arranged in a grid-shaped pattern, divided by semi-paved alleys and punctuated with open lots and restaurants.
River Bend is a historic neighborhood just north of Downtown Des Moines.
Several colorful murals along 6th Avenue give the neighborhood bright and cheery character.
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Historic homes at a budget-friendly price
The houses in River Bend defy simple classification, running the gamut of age, size, architectural design and degree of upkeep. Between 2nd Avenue and 10th Street are modest ranches and simple foursquare homes next to colorful Tudors and massive three-story Victorians. Travel another block, and the landscape comprises empty lots and condemned buildings. There are also a few multi-family homes scattered about. Houses in River Bend typically sell for between $69,000 to $338,000. “There are so many beautiful homes in River Bend, but also a bunch of historic homes that just need a little love,” Lashier says. Yards are typically 1/8 acre, suitable for a small garden, and residents use their driveways for parking.
Victorian homes with large front porches are the anchors of the River Bend neighborhood.
Simpler cottage-style homes are scattered throughout River Bend as well.
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Parks and community gardens
For outdoor recreation, Bates Park provides a small mixed-use field, basketball courts and a playground. Birdland Park, home to walking trails, an enclosed shelter and a boat launch, is just a quick bike ride across the 2nd Avenue Bridge. Forest Avenue Community Orchard is a popular shared space to grow and harvest native flowers, and the Supply Hive Community Garden provides rentable vegetable gardens to growers, many of whom donate their surplus veggies to local food banks. The Heart of Des Moines Farmers Market is held on the second Saturday of each month, with fresh produce, food vendors, live music and local boutique stands. Colorful murals adorn brick walls around the Grubb YMCA, where athletes meet for pick-up basketball games, and the Teen Center provides a safe and supportive space for meetings.
Bates Park's sprayground is a great way for River Bend kids to cool off during the summer months
Tucked among neighboring homes, the Forest Ave Community Orchard offers residents garden space.
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Stop for a meal while grocery shopping
C Fresh Market is in the southwest corner of the community and houses a Vietnamese restaurant called Pho 515, which serves noodle soups, banh mi bread and bubble tea. La Familia Taco Company is an authentic Mexican restaurant known for its fried tacos and guacamole. Maggie's Rumble Room is a popular watering hole with a retro vibe. The walls are decorated with music and motorcycle memorabilia, and a vintage jukebox features classic songs.
River Bend is the proud home of C Fresh Market, the largest international grocer in town.
Pho 515 serves up some of the best pho and other Vietnamese dishes in Des Moines.
Maggie's Rumble Room in River Bend offers eclectic decor and good vibes.
Tacos La Familia has grown in popularity due to being featured on social media.
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An abundance of healthcare
UnityPoint Health - Iowa Lutheran Hospital is a 1.5-mile drive on local streets. Residents can easily access almost any spot in the greater Des Moines area via Interstate 23 or through 6th Avenue, a commercial thoroughfare cutting vertically through the heart of the neighborhood. River Bend is on a Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) bus route, making commuting convenient for residents, and Des Moines International Airport is a 6.5-mile drive via local streets.
District has open enrollment
River Bend is served by the Des Moines Independent Community School District, which has open enrollment. Students can start their education at Moulton Elementary School, which has a C-minus rating from Niche. Harding Middle School has a C-minus grade. North High School offers Advanced Placement® coursework and exams.
Moulton Elementary School serves the primary students of River Bend.
Harding Middle School has a large entrance to fit all the students and teachers in Highland Park
Just across the Des Moines River, students of River Bend attend North High School.
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Guided house tours
For 25 years, the River Bend Neighborhood Association has been sponsoring an annual tour of the community’s historic houses. Held on the third weekend in September, the Historic Home Tour captures the community spirit that has defined this Des Moines neighborhood since its inception. It highlights many of River Bend’s most beautiful homes and is sponsored by a dozen local businesses, generating revenue that the Neighborhood Association reinvests into the community.
Prairie School is another architectural style of home found in River Bend.
One-of-a-kind homes are scattered throughout the quiet streets of River Bend.
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Crime index is moderate
An important note: the CAP Index in River Bend is 6/10, indicating moderate crime. Violence Interruption Project (VIP) is an initiative approved by the Des Moines City Council in 2021 to address gun violence affecting at-risk youth.
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 River Bend neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
River Bend
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
River Bend Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in River Bend, Des Moines sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in River Bend, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $130,000, down 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover the charm of 215 Clark Street — a bungalow that combines historic character with modern comfort. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath gem offers 736 sq. ft. of inviting living space with laminate flooring, and kitchen with newer appliances. Enjoy the convenience of main-level laundry and peace of mind with a newer furnace and central A/C.Has a detached 1-car garage. Nestled in the vibrant River
Charming Victorian-style home nestled in the sought-after Historic Riverbend neighborhood! This character-filled property offers nearly 1,900 square feet of living space with 3 spacious bedrooms on the second floor, 1 bathroom, and the convenience of first-floor laundry. Full of timeless architectural details and classic appeal, this home is ready for its next chapter. Whether you're looking to
Great opportunity with this updated ranch home featuring two bedrooms and one full bathroom. Large main level living room with hardwood floors and enclosed front porch. Main level laundry and all appliances staying. Updated kitchen with newer counters, cabinets and appliances. Lots of storage space in the lower level. A central location in Des Moines that is close to downtown and I-235.
Multi-family home with 4 individual 1 bed 1 bath units. Long term month to month rentals currently with no actual leases in place. City required the landlord to update electric so each unit has their own thermostat. Current rental certificate in place. Each unit currently pays $450 per month. Being sold "AS IS". Please allow min 24 hour notice to view occupied units. Unit #1 is vacant and can be
Current rental certificate available. This 2 story home is super clean and ready to move in. New LVP flooring and paint throughout. All cabinets,closets and baths refurbished. The new carpet in the front porch and numerous windows create a wonderful sunny retreat. The main floor, which includes a half bath, a large living room, a dining room, and a kitchen (with ample cabinet and counter space),
Here's your chance to live in the oldest home on Des Moines’ north side! Built in 1876, this 3- bedroom, 3-bathroomhome is a combination of modern and classic charm. Located in the River Bend Neighborhood, the home features original woodwork, staircase, windows, brick interior/exterior and hardwood floors. The kitchen and bathrooms have been updated for a modern feel. Additional closet was added
Check out this beautifully updated home in the historic River Bend neighborhood!! This move in ready home has a brand new furnace, air conditioner, and water heater along with new siding on the exterior for your peace of mind. Inside you will love the elegant design along with new flooring, paint, cabinets, countertops, and appliances. There is a conveniently located laundry room right off the
Welcome to 1501 9th St in Des Moines’ River Bend neighborhood—a fully renovated 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home with nearly 1,800 finished square feet and the kind of space and flexibility that fits real life. From the moment you step onto the front porch, you can picture slow mornings with coffee and quiet starts to the day. Inside, the spacious living room opens into an updated kitchen with stone
Own a piece of history in River Bend! This early 1900s Victorian stands tall in the River Bend Local Historic District with over 3,100 square feet of finished space, offering unique potential for restoration or multi-family investment. Inside, you'll find 8 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms across a layout that hints at prior multi-unit use, making it ideal for rental income, house hacking, or future
Experience modern living in the charming, historic Riverbend neighborhood, just steps from all downtown has to offer—restaurants, The Casey’s Center, shops, bike paths, parks, hospitals, and I-235. This spacious two-story townhome offers nearly 1,500 sq ft with stainless steel appliances, LVP flooring, quartz countertops, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a deck, and a 2-car attached garage with SMART Home
Experience modern living in the charming, historic Riverbend neighborhood, just steps from all downtown has to offer—restaurants, The Casey’s Center, shops, bike paths, parks, hospitals, and I-235. This spacious two-story townhome offers nearly 1,500 sq ft with stainless steel appliances, LVP flooring, quartz countertops, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a deck, and a 2-car attached garage with SMART Home
Experience modern living in the charming historic Riverbend neighborhood. Just steps from all downtown has to offer—restaurants, The Casey’s Center, shops, bike paths, parks, hospitals, and I-235. This spacious two-story townhome offers nearly 1,500 sq ft with stainless steel appliances, LVP flooring, quartz countertops, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a deck, and a 2-car attached garage with SMART Home
Property Id: 1618852Charming 2-Bedroom, 2-Bathroom Home in River Bend!!This delightful 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, two-story home is full of character and just 4 minutes from downtown Des Moines. With a spacious layout ideal for both relaxation and entertaining, this property is perfect for anyone looking for a cozy retreat in a vibrant neighborhood.Key Features:Bright and
Property Id: 1845525Step into comfort and style with this freshly renovated 2-bedroom home in the heart of Des Moines’ historic Riverbend neighborhood. -Bright & Open Living - expansive living room, dine-in kitchen, and ample storage with both coat & linen closets. -Cozy Interiors - LVP flooring in kitchen and bath, carpet in living area and bedrooms, freshly painted, and kitchen
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.
