Why Live in Waveland Park
Waveland Park in Des Moines is a neighborhood characterized by its early 20th-century single-family homes, including one-story bungalows, cottages, Dutch Revivals, Tudor-style homes, and American Foursquares. The tree-lined streets feature sidewalks and equally spaced lots, with homes often showcasing pools, patios, garden beds, and stone pathways. Notably, homes on California Drive include brick Tudor and Colonial Revivals. The area is known for its community spirit, with residents often staying long-term. Franklin Field Park, with its 200 community garden plots, and the Waveland Trail, which runs along the neighborhood's western border, are popular local features. The Waveland Golf Course and the Drake Municipal Observatory provide recreational and educational opportunities, while the McCollum-Waveland Tennis Complex offers 12 outdoor courts. Dining options include the Waveland Café, famous for its hashbrowns, and La Mie Bakery, known for fresh pastries and bread. Grocery shopping is convenient with Sam's Club, Aldi, and Walmart 2 miles west. The Waveland Park Neighborhood Association organizes events like a holiday light contest and an architectural tour, and participates in stormwater management initiatives. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority provides bus services, and the neighborhood is bike-friendly, with downtown Des Moines just 5 miles away. Des Moines International Airport is 8 miles south. The neighborhood is served by Des Moines Public Schools, with nearby Perkins Elementary, Hubbell Elementary, Merrill Middle School, and Roosevelt High School.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Waveland Park a good place to live?
Waveland Park is a good place to live. Waveland Park is considered somewhat walkable and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. Waveland Park is an urban pioneer neighborhood. Waveland Park has 7 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 3.6 people per acre and a median age of 42. The average household income is $111,574 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 58.9% of residents. A majority of residents in Waveland Park are home owners, with 22.1% of residents renting and 77.9% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Waveland Park can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Waveland Park neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Waveland Park?
The median home price in Waveland Park is $285,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $57,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.56%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,450 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $62K a year to afford the median home price in Waveland Park. The average household income in Waveland Park is $112K.
What are the best public schools in Waveland Park?
The best public schools that serve Waveland Park are:
What are the best private schools in Waveland Park?
The best private schools that serve Waveland Park are:
- Bergman Academy has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 9:1 and an average review score of 5.0.
- Holy Trinity has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 12:1 and an average review score of 4.8.
- Dowling Catholic High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 14:1 and an average review score of 4.2.
What are the most popular zip codes in Waveland Park, Des Moines, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Waveland Park, Des Moines, IA?
Home Trends in Waveland Park, IA
On average, homes in Waveland Park, Des Moines sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Waveland Park, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $256,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$256,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$256,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$360,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$135,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$201
Number of Homes for Sale
12
Last 12 months Home Sales
37
Median List Price
$285,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-5%