Why Live in Sherman Hill
Sherman Hill, one of Des Moines' oldest neighborhoods, is known for its historic architecture and close proximity to downtown. The area features a mix of Victorian, Queen Anne, and Second Empire homes, with some American Foursquare and Craftsman styles. While many homes have been restored, others still require renovation, with city incentives available to assist homeowners. Less than a mile north, Good Park offers basketball and tennis courts, a spray park, and winter sledding hills. Nearby Gray’s Lake Park is popular for boating and fishing. The Wallace House, a restored 1883 Italianate Victorian estate, now serves as a museum and the Wallace Center of Iowa. Dining options include Big Grove Brewery, known for its craft beers and upscale tavern cuisine, and the eclectic MLK River Park, located 2 miles southwest in downtown Des Moines, which features various restaurants and businesses. Hoyt Sherman Place, a historic 1,200-seat theatre, hosts a range of performances. The neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly with sidewalks and bike trails, and public transportation is provided by DART. Despite sharing a border with downtown, Sherman Hill retains a suburban look with brightly colored homes and alleys providing backyard storage. The open enrollment program in Iowa allows parents to choose schools outside their district, with options like Roosevelt High School, known for its fine arts program, and St. Anthony Catholic School, offering a Spanish immersion program. Interstate 235 and the Des Moines International Airport, 4 miles south, provide easy access for commuters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sherman Hill a good place to live?
Sherman Hill is a good place to live. Sherman Hill is considered fairly walkable and somewhat bikeable with good transit options. Sherman Hill is a historic neighborhood. Sherman Hill has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly dense in population with 12.6 people per acre and a median age of 35. The average household income is $70,860 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 57.2% of residents. A majority of residents in Sherman Hill are renters, with 77.9% of residents renting and 22.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Sherman Hill can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Sherman Hill neighborhood guide.
Is Sherman Hill, IA a safe neighborhood?
Sherman Hill, IA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 8 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Sherman Hill?
The median home price in Sherman Hill is $499,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $100,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,590 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $111K a year to afford the median home price in Sherman Hill. The average household income in Sherman Hill is $71K.
What are the best public schools in Sherman Hill?
The best public schools that serve Sherman Hill are:
What are the best private schools in Sherman Hill?
The best private schools that serve Sherman Hill are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Sherman Hill, Des Moines, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Sherman Hill, Des Moines, IA?
Home Trends in Sherman Hill, IA
On average, homes in Sherman Hill, Des Moines sell after 123 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Sherman Hill, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $479,000, up 146% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$479,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$479,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$137
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
30
Median List Price
$499,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
146%