Why Live in South Des Moines
South Des Moines, located less than 5 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, is a commuter-friendly neighborhood with a quiet residential atmosphere. The area is a mile from the shore and features a mix of condos and single-family homes, many tucked behind mature trees and shrubbery. Sidewalks connect some streets to nearby parks, while others have grassy edges. Condos often include covered parking, and most homes have attached garages. The neighborhood is part of the Highline School District, with students attending Parkside Elementary, Pacific Middle, and Mount Rainier High, which offers an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and Career and Technical Education pathways. Highline College, within walking distance, provides various degree programs.
South Des Moines boasts several parks, including Salt Air Vista Park, Parkside Park, and the popular Saltwater State Park, which features trails, beach access, picnic spots, and camping areas. The Sonju Community Garden and Orchard is a volunteer-run operation that supports local food banks. The commercial corridor along Pacific Highway South offers essentials like groceries from Fred Meyer, home improvement supplies from Lowe’s, and pet products from Petco. Dining options include Dick’s Drive-In and various restaurants at Kent Station, less than 5 miles away. For extensive shopping, Westfield Southcenter is less than 7 miles away, featuring national retailers and numerous dining options.
The neighborhood is safer than the national average and provides access to Interstate 5, making it convenient for commutes to tech hubs in Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue, all within 20 miles. South Des Moines offers a balance of convenience, community features, and natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Des Moines a good place to live?
South Des Moines is a good place to live. South Des Moines is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. South Des Moines is a suburban neighborhood. South Des Moines has 8 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 8.2 people per acre and a median age of 36. The average household income is $85,024 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 21.3% of residents. A majority of residents in South Des Moines are renters, with 56.7% of residents renting and 43.3% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving South Des Moines can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
South Des Moines neighborhood guide.
Is South Des Moines, WA a safe neighborhood?
South Des Moines, WA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 5 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in South Des Moines?
The median home price in South Des Moines is $656,250. If you put a 20% down payment of $131,200 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,400 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $146K a year to afford the median home price in South Des Moines. The average household income in South Des Moines is $85K.
What are the best public schools in South Des Moines?
The best public schools that serve South Des Moines are:
What are the best private schools in South Des Moines?
The best private schools that serve South Des Moines are:
What are the most popular zip codes in South Des Moines, Des Moines, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near South Des Moines, Des Moines, WA?
Home Trends in South Des Moines, WA
On average, homes in South Des Moines, Des Moines sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in South Des Moines, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $647,500, up 118% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$647,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$399,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$277
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
27
Median List Price
$656,250
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
118%
