Cheatom Park might be one of Des Moines' best-kept secrets, a hidden enclave of quiet residential streets situated between University Avenue and Interstate 235. More than 90% of the neighborhood is occupied by the Mercy Medical Center and the urban campus of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). Cheatom Park offers convenient proximity to shopping, dining, schools and healthcare. Additionally, downtown is only a 2-milde drive on back roads and offers more retail options. as well as Wells Fargo Arena. Most homes have city skyline views, allowing residents to experience Des Moines' urban landscape.
Cheatom Park is a neighborhood just north of Downtown Des Moines.
Colorful two-story historical homes populate many of the streets of Cheatom Park.
A mural shows Cheatom Park's dedication to growing education and diversity.
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An old community that keeps growing
Homes in Cheatom Park sit atop average-size urban lots of about 1/8 acre, some with front porches overlooking wide streets with shady sidewalks. Many of the homes here are antique, dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The neighborhood's architecture includes ranch-style, bungalow and Colonial revivals. There are also a few Victorians in town. You'll find semi-paved alleys between most streets, providing off-street access to detached garages, covered carports and backyard gardens. Homes in Cheatom Park typically sell anywhere from $74,000 to $229,000. "We are still growing," says Jamie Yovonie, treasurer for the Cheatom Park Neighborhood Association, who's lived in the neighborhood for 25 years. "We've put up four habitats and two huge two-story homes."
Some newer bungalows offer Cheatom Park residents a contemporary housing option.
Many split-level homes are scattered throughout Cheatom Park.
Older Foursquare and Victorian style homes are present throughout Cheatom Park.
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Kids can cool off in the sprayground
Cheatom Park, the neighborhood's namesake, offers plenty of green space, basketball courts, futsal mini-pitch courts, playgrounds and a rentable open-air pavilion with views of the downtown Des Moines skyline. On the other side of Keosauqua Street, Good Park lives up to its name, providing several mixed-use fields, basketball courts and an aquatic "sprayground" at the center of its serpentine pedestrian trails. Just outside the area and across the Des Moines River is the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, home to plant collections, indoor and outdoor gardens, a tropical conservatory, educational programs and art shows, all at no cost to residents. Dog owners can take their pups to Riverwalk Dog Park, and runners can take advantage of the trails along the Des Moines River. "We have a lovely community garden that was created by Joppa," Yovonie says. Joppa is a non-profit organization that aids people without homes. As part of his Eagle Scout project, Nick Watson helped Joppa create the Shared Roots Community Garden. For over six months, the 16-year-old logged 1,000 volunteer hours to build 75 raised garden beds.
Catch a glimpse of the downtown skyline while shooting hoops at Cheatom Park.
Good Park's sprayground is a great place to cool off in the summer heat in Cheatom Park.
Good Park features a beautiful hilltop sprayground and pavilion at the center of Cheatom Park.
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High school offers AP classes
Cheatom Park is served by the Des Moines Independent Community School District, which has open enrollment. Students can start their education at Moulton Elementary and move on to Callanan Middle School, both of which have C-minus grades from Niche. Theodore Roosevelt High School, which has a B Niche score, offers Advanced Placement classes and exams.
Moulton Elementary School serves Cheatom Park students in grades K-5.
Callanan Middle School serves the intermediate students of Cheatom Park.
Roosevelt High School hosts students on the west side of Cheatom Park.
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A quick drive to downtown
Living in Cheatom Park comes with the added benefit of easy commuting. The neighborhood is on a Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) 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 5-mile drive via local streets.
Elementary students on the east side of Cheatom Park attend Moulton Elementary.
Cheatom Park is served by the DART bus system, giving it access to the rest of the city.
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Residents can fuel up on campus
Though most shopping and dining are located outside the neighborhood, Cheatom Park does have a few local options. Fuel Cafe, a recent addition to the DMACC campus, is popular with coffee lovers and health-conscious individuals. Tacos Marianas, a no-frills Mexican restaurant, serves traditional dishes in a quirky setting. For those craving African cuisine, Najah Grocery and Deli is a locally-owned specialty market that offers fresh groceries and meals. C Fresh Market, an independent local market, is a one-stop shop for groceries, plus it houses the in-store Vietnamese eatery, Cafe Pho 515.
Tacos Marianas in Cheatom Park.
Inside C Fresh Market in Cheatom Park is Pho 515, an authentic Vietnamese restaurant.
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
Angela Glasgow,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Good Park
Rotary Riverwalk Park
Bike Trails
Skateboard
Trails
Evelyn Davis Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Robert D. Ray Asian Garden
Trails
Botanical Gardens
Drake Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Bates Park
Transit
Airport
Des Moines International
14 min drive
Bus
Mlk Jr Pkwy & University Ave (Far-Side), Dsm
Bus
9th St & Laurel St, Dsm
Bus
Mlk Jr Pkwy & Atkins St, Dsm
Bus
6th Ave & Ascension St, Dsm
Bus
6th Ave & Laurel St, Dsm
Bus
19th St & #1141, Dsm
Bus
7th St & Laurel St, Dsm
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Cheatom Park
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
8
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
8
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Cheatom Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Cheatom Park, Des Moines sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Cheatom Park, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $135,500, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Village Green is the perfect place to call home if you are looking for a small, quaint, and quiet building. Located at the end of a residential street, our apartment community offers off street parking, on site laundry, optional garage space in a small and quiet building.
MLK Brickstone Apartment is a beautiful brick Victorian row home with unique loft like features. Geo-thermal energy sources heat and cool the entire building with exposed ductwork and tall ceilings. New appliances in each unit, eco-friendly washers and dryers in community laundry rooms, and WiFi. Each room is designed to have plenty of natural light, with unique color schemes. We are close to
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Angela Glasgow,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,455
Median Age
31
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
30.7%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.8%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$28,676
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$48,264
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
62.5%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
21%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.7%
% Population in Labor Force
69.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
14°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
45''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
52/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
66/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
53/ 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.
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.
