$178,669Average Value$169Average Price per Sq Ft27Homes For Sale
Historic homes and parks shape Union Park’s community vibe
One of Des Moines ’ up-and-coming neighborhoods, Union Park combines parks, vintage charm and a strong sense of community. Lifelong residents share the streets with young families whose children attend Des Moines Public Schools. Homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s fill the area. The namesake park features unique features like a carousel and a rocket-themed playground, and the area has many bike trails.
Beautiful Union Park is the neighborhood's historic namesake park.
Union Park is just minutes from Downtown Des Moines.
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Historic home styles with prices from the $70,000s to the $300,000s
The neighborhood has Victorian-style houses, Foursquares, Craftsmans and bungalows from the late 19th and early 20th century. “It’s a little bit older of a neighborhood, but we have had some renovations there,” says Angela Veatch, a Realtor with Re/Max Revolution who sells in the area. The median lot size is under a quarter of an acre, and the grassy lawns often have bushes, gardens and small trees. The variety of homes creates a nice streetscape. “The house right across from me was built in 1894 and is a Queen Anne three-story, just gorgeous, and about a block away is an 800-square-foot bungalow,” says Jack Daugherty, longtime resident and co-chair of the Union Park Neighborhood Association.
Prices for these single-family homes start in the low $70,000s and go up to the mid-$300,000s. Union Park’s median sale price is in the high $100,000s, slightly higher than Capitol Park and Highland Park ’s medians in the mid-$100,00s. Homes stay on the market for about 45 days, which is lower than the national average of about 55 days.
Residents can stroll the sidewalks and take in the beauty of the neighborhood.
Pops of color give many homes unique style and curb appeal.
A few large Queen Anne homes can be found along Pennsylvania Avenue.
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Family-friendly parks with unique rides and plenty of green space
Union Park has been a community staple since 1894. It has open spaces where people often set up volleyball nets, practice golf or enjoy the fresh air. The park is also home to unique attractions, like The Heritage Carousel, which gives more than 45,000 rides each season. The Rocket Slide is a playground built in 1971 during the Space Race and is modeled after the first rocket ships. “It’s an icon,” Daugherty says. “Everyone knows the Rocket Slide.” Next to Union Park is Birdland Park, which has two playgrounds, open spaces and a walking path. The Des Moines River runs along both parks and is the site of Des Moines Rowing, the Des Moines Boat Club and Birdland Marina.
Union Park is famous for the huge and historic carousel in the center of the park.
The historic Rocket Slide was recently renovated to be better and safer.
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Events that reflect the neighborhood’s community vibe
“We’ve been discovered in the last couple of years, which has brought in some vibrant people,” Daugherty says. Thousands of people throughout the city come out for Shiver on the River, held in February at Captain Roy’s, a restaurant on the Birdland Marina. Activities include frozen turkey bowling, scuba slipper foot races and other unique games. The annual Dam to Des Moines Half Marathon goes through the neighborhood, and the Union Park Neighborhood Association hosts events throughout the year, including an Easter egg hunt. “It’s a fun place to live,” Daugherty says. “I feel sorry that we can’t fit the whole darn city in this neighborhood.”
Grab a drink at Captain Roy's and enjoy the sunset over the Des Moines River.
Locals love Trivia Tuesdays at Captain Roy's.
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Education options from neighborhood schools to Grand View University
Students in Union Park can attend Des Moines Public Schools, where they can transfer to other schools within or out of the district, if space is available. North High School offers dual-enrollment courses through Des Moines Area Community College.
Located at the top of the neighborhood, Grand View University offers 35 undergraduate majors and seven graduate programs. Students are encouraged to volunteer in the community, and the campus is the neighborhood association's meeting spot. “Grand View is one of the best neighbors you can have,” Daugherty says.
Primary students attend Findley Elementary School.
Harding Middle School is one of the more historic schools in the area.
North High School cares for around 1433 students.
Grand View University resides in the northeast corner of Union Park.
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Bike trails connect Union Park to greater Des Moines
Most people rely on cars to get around, and the commute to Downtown Des Moines is a few miles. But residents have a few other options for navigating the city and beyond:
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority has several bus stops along East 14th Street, which leads to downtown.
The area is bicycle-friendly, with Des Moines offering almost 70 miles of paved trails that people use on their daily commute.
Des Moines International Airport is less than 10 miles away and has direct flights to several U.S. destinations.
The Neil Smith Trail follows the river and connects to many Greater Des Moines trails.
Boaters can be on the water in minutes at Birdland Marina.
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 Union Park neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Union Park
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
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
Union Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Union Park, Des Moines sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Union Park, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $179,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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