$163,821Average Value$125Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Historical community with nearby amenities
The historic community of Capitol Park is one of Des Moines' oldest neighborhoods. The Des Moines River flows through the heart of Capitol Park, and the pedestrian bridges of the John Pat Dorrian Trail provide walkable access to the rest of the greater Des Moines downtown area. The streets in Capitol Park are lined with mature walnut, sugar maple and white ash trees, casting shadows over the sidewalks and the cars parked along the wide two-way streets. Semi-paved alleys between most houses provide off-street access to alley-facing garages, covered carports and backyard vegetable gardens. "We're an overlooked gem," says Dena Bennett, chair of the Capitol City Neighborhood Association and 10-year resident. "People move here because of the affordability, diversity and proximity to downtown and East Village."
The proximity of Capitol Park to Downtown Des Moines makes it very soughtafter.
Art installations near the Botanical Gardens greet joggers and bikers on the riverfront trail.
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Historic homes, modern amenities
The oldest homes were built in the late 1800s, and architectural styles, like Prairie and Craftsman, reflect the era. Listing prices run between $68,000 and $311,000. Some of the larger homes have been converted into multi-family dwellings, creating a housing market in which properties sell for roughly $50,000 less than the surrounding neighborhoods. "There's a little bit of everything for every budget," Bennett says. Most residents park in driveways, and lots are around 1/8 acre, suitable for a sitting area.
Large Foursquare homes are a popular style in Capitol Park.
Colorful Craftsman homes can be found in quiet corners of Capitol Park.
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Locals can visit the rocket slide
One of the area's most renowned destinations is the rocket slide at nearby Union Park. Constructed in the early 70s, at the height of the space craze, the rocket slide is the last remaining vestige of Astro City. This space-age amusement park quickly became infamous for its high-speed stainless-steel slide, steep stairs, low clearances, sharp edges and general non-compliance with contemporary safety codes. In early 2024, the Des Moines City Council approved a half-million-dollar project to rejuvenate the 52-year-old beloved relic. In addition to the slide, the walkable Union Park has playgrounds, tennis courts, open-air pavilions, sports fields, splash pools and the Heritage Carousel. Capitol Park is a rare downtown community where green spaces dominate the landscape. On the community's southern edge, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden features indoor and outdoor gardens, a tropical conservatory, educational programs and art shows, all at no cost to residents. Local pups love the Riverwalk Dog Park, and kids spend summer afternoons running through the fountains at Burke Memorial Park. The neighborhood also provides indoor entertainment options. The Iowa State Capitol Building is open for tours on rainy days, and Wooly's concert venue regularly books national acts for weekend performances.
The historic Rocket Slide in Union Park in Capitol Park is the last remaining element of Des Moines' Astro City which debuted more than 50 years ago
Nearby Union Park has modern playgrounds and plenty of open green space.
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden in Capitol Park allows residents to experience a variety of exotic flora year round
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Dining in historic building
Locals can do their grocery shopping at C Fresh in nearby Cheatom Park. One of Bennett's favorite restaurants is Thai Flavors. Other popular eateries include Scooter's Coffee for their signature drinks and Teriyaki House for their sushi rolls. The pool tables at The Fremont – a cash-only dive bar with live music – are popular on weekends. For a quiet evening at a historic locale, the rustic Iowa Taproom is housed inside a 142-year-old building. East Village, a 2.5-mile drive on Interstate 235, is a vibrant and diverse district offering a variety of options for nightlife, dining and shopping.
Thai Flavors' original location is proud to call Capitol Park home.
The Fremont is Capitol Park's favorite local watering hole.
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High school offers AP classes
Capitol Park is served by three school districts — Des Moines Independent Community, Cedar Rapids Community and Dubuque Community — depending on a given address, and all offer open enrollment. Students can walk to and start their education at Carver Elementary School, which has an overall B-plus rating from Niche. Hiatt Middle School has a C-minus score. East High School, with a C grade, offers specialized programs such as Advanced Placement and SUCCESS.
The George Washington Carver Community School serves Capitol Park and surrounding communities with an excellent 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio
Hiatt Middle School serves students in grades 6-8 in Martin Luther King Jr Park.
The newer entrance of East High School emulates the columns of Capitol Park, IA.
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Major destinations just a short drive
Living in Capitol Park comes with the added benefit of easy commuting. The neighborhood is on a Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DARTA) bus route, making public transportation simple for residents. The neighborhood is also conveniently close to I-235 for those who prefer to drive. Des Moines International Airport is just a short 7-mile drive away via back roads.
Easy access to 14th St and I-235 make getting around the Des Moines Metro easy.
Capitol Park features a beautiful bike trail along the Des Moines River.
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Some crime in the area
It's important to note that the CAP Index in Capitol Park is 6/10, indicating moderate crime. The Violence Interruption Project (VIP) is an initiative approved by the Des Moines City Council in 2021 to address gun violence affecting at-risk youth.
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 Capitol Park neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Capitol Park
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Capitol Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Capitol Park, Des Moines sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Capitol Park, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $170,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Check out this well maintained 2 story home in the heart of Des Moines. Home has beautiful original hardwood floors throughout. When you enter the home imagine enjoying your coffee on the front porch. Then proceed inside to a large living space. The dining area is large enough to hold your entire family for meals and entertaining. All the appliances are included. Basement is dry and has a 2nd 3/4
Newly remodeled home in the heart of the city. New floors - siding - roof - new paint - conveniently located to schools, churches, shopping and to most everything that life in Des Moines has to offer. Come take a look - you will be impressed. Great starter home for those looking to buy their first home. Considering downsizing? Consider this home to be a good choice. Large lot with side alley
Great opportunity to invest in this Muti-use building 4 large units with three bedrooms each! The two units in the first level are vacant and contain 3 Beds, 2 bathrooms and Central air. The two apartments in the second level are occupied, rent is charged at $1400 type of leasing agreement is month to month. Rental certificate has been approved by the City of Des Moines for the two apartments
This 2 story home showcases the view of the Capitol. Spacious family room and kitchen with original woodwork, 2 bedrooms upstairs with a full bath. Unfinished basement. Conveniently located close to schools, parks, downtown Des Moines and the interstate.
This 1922 Craftsman Four Square offers timeless character with over 2,500 square feet of living space. Beautiful hardwood floors and original oak trim highlight the home's historic charm throughout. The main floor features a welcoming living room with an updated wood-burning fireplace and French doors leading to a bright sunroom. Formal dining room showcases built-in oak cabinetry and a striking
Showings will be Friday between 12-3. Well-maintained and income-producing duplex offering a fantastic opportunity for both seasoned investors and those looking to get started in real estate. Each unit offers a functional layout with comfortable living spaces, making it appealing for long-term tenants.This property has been consistently cared for, giving buyers confidence in a low-maintenance
Ashlee & Kyle KnickerbockerKeller Williams Realty GDM
Well-maintained three-plex featuring one spacious 3-bedroom unit and two 1-bedroom units—ideal for owner-occupants or investors. Major exterior upgrades completed in 2024 include new roofing, siding and gutters, Offering peace of mind and reduced maintenance. Strong rental potential with a versatile unit mix. Great opportunity to add a solid, updated multi-family property to your portfolio.
Welcome to this 1.5-story home with 1,621 sq ft, 3 bedrooms & 2 full bathrooms. The main level includes a spacious living room, dining room, large kitchen, one bedroom, laundry, and a full bath, along with a large enclosed front porch for additional usable space. The second floor features two more bedrooms, another full bathroom, and built in cabinet storage. Recent updates include a newer roof,
Welcome to this beautifully renovated 3 bedroom, 2 bath home that blends charm with modern updates. The bright, inviting layout features stylish finishes throughout and offers a truly move-in ready opportunity. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Des Moines with easy access to major freeways, shopping, dining, and everyday amenities. A perfect option for buyers looking for a turnkey
Attention Investors: This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow on the northeast side of Des Moines is the fixer-upper you’ve been waiting for. Located just minutes from downtown and the Des Moines River, this property is a handyman special priced as a bargain for those ready to build equity. Being sold as-is, this home is a prime candidate for a rehab or flip. Whether you are looking for a
Welcome to Riverview Oaks, a community that is proud of its close relationship to nature! Bordered by nearby parks and bike trials, residents have so much to take advantage of right outside their front door!Call us today at or email us at to make Riverview Oaks your new home!
FOR RENT: Available May 1st. 1 bedroom - 1 bathroom unit in a 4plex building. Everything new. Rent is $1,085/month which includes: internet, trash, water, lawn care, snow removal, assigned parking space, security services, and basement storage (outdoor grilling station, dog run, picnic table under the covered picnic area, and 2 sets of washers and dryers in basement are all not shown in photos.)
Comfortable and fully furnished 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment in Des Moines, conveniently located near major hospitals, downtown, restaurants, shopping, and local attractions. This move-in-ready apartment includes all utilities, fast internet, and electricity, making it ideal for traveling medical professionals, corporate stays, students, or anyone needing a clean and convenient place to
Spacious 2 Bedroom One Bath Lower Unit of Up/Down Duplex, Large Living Room and Dining Room. Large Bedrooms, Enclosed Front and back Porches for addition space, Landlord pays Hot Water, Tenant pays 1/2 of water bill split with other/upstairs unit. Washer/Dryer Hookups in Basement. You have sole access to basement. Newer Central AC and FurnaceMid-American Biling Est.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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