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Capitol East

Capitol East

Suburban Neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa

Polk County 50316

$137,215 Average Value
$116 Average Price per Sq Ft
6 Homes For Sale

Neighborhood located just east of the Iowa State Capitol

Located just east of the state capitol complex is Capitol East, one of Iowa’s oldest neighborhoods. Bordered to the south by the East Des Moines Diamond Railroad Crossing, this bustling urban area is home to a number of family-owned local restaurants and boutique clothing shops. Single-family homes here sit close together and line-gridded residential streets that cluster around small shopping centers and public parks. “There’s really good walkability in this area,” says Realtor Alexis Johnson, who is currently with Iowa Realty Beaverdale and has over a decade of industry experience. At the center of the neighborhood is Capitol View Elementary School, part of the Des Moines Independent Community School District, which receives a C rating from Niche.

Capitol East.
Capitol East.
Capitol East.
Capitol East.
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Traditional ranch-style homes and bungalows

Single-family homes in this neighborhood reflect a variety of architectural styles, but some of the more common residences include traditional-style bungalows and ranch-style properties, as well as a handful of American Foursquare homes with vinyl siding and dormer windows. Some properties include paved driveways and attached garages, but street parking is also common in this area. A four-bedroom traditional ranch-style home built in 2019 can cost approximately $275,000, while some two-bedroom bungalows constructed in 1921 can sell for just over $105,000. There are also a handful of smaller condominiums and townhome complexes in this neighborhood, including the Capitol View Apartments and Bloomsbury Village.

Ranches and bungalows offer residents of Capitol East a quaint option for homes.
Ranches and bungalows offer residents of Capitol East a quaint option for homes.
Cobblestone sidewalks and updated homes line this Capitol East street.
Cobblestone sidewalks and updated homes line this Capitol East street.
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Fixed bus routes along Grand Avenue and 15th Street

Public transportation is provided by the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART), which operates fixed bus routes along East Grand Avenue and U.S. Highway 69, also known as East 15th Street, which run both run throughout the neighborhood. Residents can either walk or drive approximately 2 miles west to reach Downtown Des Moines. Located directly north of the neighborhood is Interstate 235, which connects commuters to the reaches of Polk County and the western Des Moines area. Residents can drive just over 7 miles southwest using Fleur Drive to catch a flight at the Des Moines International Airport.

Capitol East.
Capitol East.
Capitol East.
Capitol East.
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Local restaurant hosts weekly trivia night and live music performances

There are a number of dining and shopping options located throughout the Capitol East area; at Rolling Wok Café, residents can enjoy pan-Asian cuisine in a cozy yet colorful dining space. Right next door is Paleteria La Michoacana, a local ice cream shop and Mexican food eatery. Further down the street, residents can head to Kelly’s Little Nipper, a bar and grill established in 1940 that features live music performances and hosts weekly trivia every Wednesday night. There are also a number of Latin American grocery stores scattered throughout the neighborhood, including Tienda Mexicana, Tapatia Grocery and the La Favorita market, which offers in-store dining in addition to a wide selection of food products. On East Grande Street, locals can shop for men’s apparel at La Bufa and then head across the street to browse Lupita’s Boutique.

A favorite of Capitol East locals, Kelly's Little Nipper serves great food and fantastic drinks.
A favorite of Capitol East locals, Kelly's Little Nipper serves great food and fantastic drinks.
Capitol East.
Capitol East.
Shopping and dining along Grand Avenue offers Capitol East residents plenty of retail options.
Shopping and dining along Grand Avenue offers Capitol East residents plenty of retail options.
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Local parks can be found throughout the neighborhood

Featuring unique playground structures for younger residents to explore, as well as an open lawn space, Stewart Square Park is a popular outdoor recreation spot on the neighborhood’s west side. Ashfield Park in northeastern Capitol East features basketball courts as well as an open shelter with tables and charcoal grills, making it an ideal picnic spot. In the neighborhood’s southernmost area, Redhead Park offers residents open green space and playground equipment. It’s also at Redhead Park that locals can find a small historic landmark: a plaque established in 1925 as a memorial to the Iowan volunteers who joined the Union Army during the Civil War.

Redhead Park offers a picnic pavilion and a themed playground in Capitol East.
Redhead Park offers a picnic pavilion and a themed playground in Capitol East.
In the center of Stewart Square Park is a shaded stage and viewing area for Capitol East events.
In the center of Stewart Square Park is a shaded stage and viewing area for Capitol East events.
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Advanced Placement programs offered at East High School

Centrally located in Capitol East is Capitol View Elementary School, a C-minus-rated primary institution that serves young learners in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten through fifth grade. Intermediate students can attend nearby Hiatt Middle School, also rated C-minus. Students in grades nine through 12 might go to East High School, a C-rated secondary school that offers a number of academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses.

Capital View Elementary serves Capitol East students in grades K-5.
Capital View Elementary serves Capitol East students in grades K-5.
The historic architecture of Hiatt Middle School calls Martin Luther King Jr Park home.
The historic architecture of Hiatt Middle School calls Martin Luther King Jr Park home.
Students find all kinds of clubs, activities, and sports at East High School near Capitol East.
Students find all kinds of clubs, activities, and sports at East High School near Capitol East.
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Downtown farmers’ market hosted weekly from May through October

In Downtown Des Moines and the surrounding urban areas, residents can find a “number of festivals and events,” Johnson says. Between May and October, Downtown Des Moines’ Historic Court Districts hosts a weekly farmers’ market that takes place every Saturday. Capitol East residents are also convenient to the sprawling Iowa State Capital complex, which features a state historical building and museum.

Hayley Simms
Written By
Hayley Simms
Mallory Nolte
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Mallory Nolte

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Andrew Bruellman, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Des Moines International

16 min drive

Bus

E Grand Ave & E 14th Ct, Dsm

Bus

E 15th St & E Grand Ave (Far-Side), Dsm

Bus

Hubbell Ave & E 18th St, Dsm

Bus

E Grand Ave & E 18th St (Far-Side), Dsm

Bus

E Grand Ave & #1534, Dsm

Bus

E Grand Ave & E 16th St (Far-Side), Dsm

Bus

E Grand Ave & E 19th St, Dsm

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Capitol East US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 7 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$97,500
Median Single Family Price
$114,000
Median Townhouse Price
$167,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$116
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Last 12 months Home Sales
36
Months of Supply
2.00
Median List Price
$125,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-30%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
606
Median Year Built
1904
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,130
Significantly below the national average
1,937
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,787
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Andrew Bruellman, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,661
Median Age
33
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
29.9%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.2%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$35,237
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$41,460

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
80.3%
College Graduates
5.6%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
14°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
45''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

49 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

70 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

40 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Capitol East