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Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks

Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks

Suburban Neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa

Polk County 50310
$195,737 Average Value
$220 Average Price per Sq Ft
6 Homes For Sale

Across the Des Moines River

Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks lies along the banks of the Des Moines River, featuring rows of single-family homes in a variety of eye-catching colors. The main appeal of this quiet Iowan community is its proximity to central Des Moines, but that is not the only reason homebuyers are drawn to its tree-lined streets. “It’s an affordable, older neighborhood in northwest Des Moines,” says Realtor Jenny Farrell with RE/Max, a life-long resident of Des Moines. “It’s close to lots of local shops and restaurants and trails.” The winding lane of the Inter-Urban Trail connects to the neighborhood at the Wakonsa Bridge, which leads residents to a vast riverside park, meaning a peaceful respite from the bustling city is a short stroll away. With quick access to shopping in Des Moines and plenty of options for recreation, Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks is a healthy mix of urban convenience and outdoor escapism.
Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks sits to the northeast of Downtown Des Moines.
Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks sits to the northeast of Downtown Des Moines.
The Inter-Urban bisects Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks and connects to other trail systems.
The Inter-Urban bisects Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks and connects to other trail systems.
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A sun-dappled Iowa streetscape

Throughout the neighborhood, single-family homes are most common. Prospective homeowners can choose from ranch-style houses of varying color schemes, Cape Cods with prominent bay windows and bungalows with spacious sunrooms on the front. “Most of the neighborhood was built in the 1930s and ‘40s, so there’s some charm to it,” Farrell says. “There’s not a lot of cookie-cutter homes.” Houses are typically priced between $140,000 and $230,000, with most usually selling shortly after entering the market.
Bungalows amongst mature trees are commonplace in Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
Bungalows amongst mature trees are commonplace in Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
A few unique Cape Cod-style homes are scattered throughout Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
A few unique Cape Cod-style homes are scattered throughout Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
Many colorful homes line the streets of Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
Many colorful homes line the streets of Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
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Award-winning education in Des Moines

Students in Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks attend schools in the Des Moines Independent Community School District. Monroe Elementary School scores a C-minus from Niche and is positioned on the southwest corner of the neighborhood, putting it within walking distance of most homes. Later, students attend Meredith Middle School and Herbert Hoover High School in the neighboring Meredith community. Meredith Middle also earns a C-minus and offers athletic students a chance to perform on a competitive football team. Hoover High rates a C-plus, and an educator here earned the 2023 Iowa Teacher of the Year Award.
Monroe Elementary serves students in the neighborhood.
Monroe Elementary serves students in the neighborhood.
Meredith Middle School serves the local community and surrounding areas.
Meredith Middle School serves the local community and surrounding areas.
Hoover High School provides quality education in the Meredith neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
Hoover High School provides quality education in the Meredith neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
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The Inter-Urban Trail and a disc golf getaway

For a scenic walk through the neighborhood, the mile-long Inter-Urban Trail immerses visitors into thick stretches of trees, brings them through the neighborhood and finally ushers them across the Des Moines River along the Wakonsa Bridge. Constructed as an electric trolly bridge in 1905, the Wakonsa Bridge now connects pedestrians to River Drive Park in East Des Moines. On the other side of Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks, residents can walk along the trail to Beaverdale Park for its playground and swing set. Additionally, the Becky Zallek Disc Golf Course directly in the neighborhood aims to encourage players to appreciate professional disc golfing on an 18-hole course designed for those of all skill sets.
The Wakonsa Bridge is found on the east edge of Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
The Wakonsa Bridge is found on the east edge of Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
The High Trestle Trail  can be found in Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
The High Trestle Trail can be found in Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
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From Hy-Vee and Harbor Freight to Freedom Blend Coffee

Locals can grab groceries at the Hy-Vee between Urbandale Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr Parkway and Douglas Avenue directly in the neighborhood. Three miles west on Douglas Avenue, Merle Hay Mall houses Target for big-box necessities. Find the Harbor Freight at conjoining Haymarket Mall for DIY project requirements. While Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks residents can easily sample restaurants all over Des Moines, local favorite Freedom Blend Coffee on the south side of the neighborhood serves fresh coffee and breakfast sandwiches daily.
Grocery and other shopping is easily accessible on the north side of Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
Grocery and other shopping is easily accessible on the north side of Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
Residents have easy access to a full-service grocery store in Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks: HyVee.
Residents have easy access to a full-service grocery store in Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks: HyVee.
Freedom Blend Coffee serves a full menu of artisanal coffee, as well as breakfast and lunch.
Freedom Blend Coffee serves a full menu of artisanal coffee, as well as breakfast and lunch.
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Driving down MLK

Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway serves as the neighborhood’s eastern boundary and connects Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks to downtown Des Moines just over 3 miles south. MLK also links the neighborhood with Interstates 235 and 80. Crossing Raccoon River, MLK transitions to Fleur Drive and funnels traffic to Des Moines International Airport 6 miles south of Doudna Heights.
Restaurants, shopping, and small businesses can be found along Douglas Ave on the north side of Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
Restaurants, shopping, and small businesses can be found along Douglas Ave on the north side of Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
Outdoor recreation and suburban amenities are in your own backyard in Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
Outdoor recreation and suburban amenities are in your own backyard in Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
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Straight shot to downtown Des Moines

Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks is connected 3 miles south to downtown Des Moines by Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, opening residents up to all the city has to offer. The Wells Fargo Arena, home of minor league hockey’s Iowa Wild, is just 3 miles from the neighborhood, as is Hoyt Sherman place, where locals can take in a musical theater performance in the ornate splendor of a restored Victorian mansion.

Starter homes in a quaint corner of Des Moines

This secluded corner of northwest Des Moines attracts buyers interested in owning a quiet neighborhood home without sacrificing the advantages of city life. “A lot of first-time buyers start off in Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks because of the price and location,” Farrell says. “There’s so much that’s close to it, but it’s pretty sleepy.” The unique flavor of Doudna Heights-Great Oaks is an appealing quality that draws those looking for a suburban feel in the heart of the city.
Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks sits to the northeast of Downtown Des Moines.
Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks sits to the northeast of Downtown Des Moines.
Cape Cod homes with protruding dormers are a popular style in Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
Cape Cod homes with protruding dormers are a popular style in Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks.
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Hugh Taylor
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Hugh Taylor
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Michael Voyack

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 Donna Bistrican, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Des Moines International

17 min drive

Bus

Hickman Rd & #2801, Dsm

Bus

Mlk Jr Pkwy & Adams Ave, Dsm

Bus

Hickman Rd & 24th St, Dsm

Bus

30th St & Sheridan Ave, Dsm

Bus

Mlk Jr Pkwy & Welbeck Rd, Dsm

Bus

Mlk Jr Pkwy & Harding Hills, Dsm

Bus

30th St & Payne Rd, Dsm

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$435,000
Median Sale Price
$425,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$382,607
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$492,900
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$1,140,203
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
36
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$220

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
736
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Median Year Built
1952
Months of Supply
2.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,041
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,429
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

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 Donna Bistrican, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
3,895
Median Age
34
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
30.8%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.1%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$55,824
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$61,615

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
76.5%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
19.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.6%
% Population in Labor Force
68.5%

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®

32 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

48 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

35 / 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
Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks