$321,325Average Value$247Average Price per Sq Ft50Homes For Sale
Always something to do in Downtown Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines' walkability, vibrant nightlife and dining options on Court Avenue attract professionals and other homebuyers seeking the energy and convenience of city living. Those looking to buy a home here have options ranging from industrial condos to luxury townhouses, all of which are close to the excitement. The heart of the city offers plenty of ways to stay entertained, from a renowned farmers market to catching a show at one of many downtown venues. While most residents have cars, the area is easy to navigate on a bike.
Types of housing in downtown
Darson Grantham is a Realtor with The Grantham Group who says Downtown Des Moines offers a variety of housing, including condos and apartments above restaurants on Court Avenue. “You can live in brand new builds or 1950s builds, and most of the apartments are even older than that,” he says. Many buildings have been updated with modern features and appliances.
Condo styles vary from contemporary and industrial to historic and charming. Some of the most popular condo buildings were formerly warehouses and factories, such as the Brown Camp Lofts and Whiteline Lofts. These towering buildings now offer great views of the city and often come with amenities, including underground heated parking, snow removal and fitness centers.
There are tons of new construction townhomes and condos in Downtown Des Moines.
The inventory of downtown Des Moines apartments is extensive.
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Cost of living in Downtown Des Moines
“Homes in the area are typically condos or multi-level townhouses in a wide range of price points from $150,000 to $700,000,” says eXp Realty Iowa’s Corah Webber , a Realtor with over five years of local experience. Housing in the downtown core tends to be more expensive than across the river in East Village and Capitol Park , but less expensive than the historic properties in Haines Park and Sherman Hill . Most condos have monthly HOA fees that vary from under $200 to over $400.
Getting around the city
Downtown is a very walkable area with 4 miles of covered, temperature-controlled skywalks, but a car or rideshare service is needed to travel outside of downtown, especially for shopping. “There is only one grocery store downtown, and the hours are not very good,” Grantham says. Parking is limited, with mostly metered street parking and monthly options for parking spaces and garages.
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) buses serve the area, but they are not commonly used, as it typically takes more time to travel by public transit than by car in this area. Those wanting to get around the city without a car can ride their bikes on the bike lanes downtown, on the south side and on the north side.
Nightlife and downtown amenities
Court Avenue is the main hub for shopping, dining and nightlife, and there are plenty of things to do.
• Downtown has several stadiums, venues and event centers, like Principal Park, home to the Iowa Cubs baseball team. • Hangout spots include Ricochet, with games like ping pong and foosball, and Platform, a nightclub. • For grabbing a drink, Good New Darling is an intimate speakeasy, while 300 Craft & Rooftop has a wide selection of craft beer.
Visit Johnny's Hall of Fame and dine in Downtown Des Moines.
Rooftop bars abound in downtown Des Moines.
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Things to do year-round
Court Avenue is also home to the Des Moines Farmers’ Market from May to October, rated one of the best in the country by Daily Meal and Shape magazine. “There are a ton of festivals,” Grantham says. “In the summer, every weekend there’s a festival somewhere around town.”
Walkers and joggers can get their steps in on the Principal River Walk or the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge, which looks especially beautiful at night when it’s lit up. Lauridsen Skatepark and Gray’s Lake Park are both nearby. The Brenton Skating Plaza offers ice skating in the winter but transforms into a music venue during the warmer months.
Ancient forests and Juno sculptures in downtown Des Moines.
Rotary Riverwalk Park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Lauridsen Skate Park, the nation's largest, is Des Moines' newest standout attraction.
Lauridsen Skate Park is a well-liked spot in Downtown Des Moines.
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Schools in Downtown Des Moines
Students can attend Des Moines Public Schools, but families also have options when it comes to education.
• The Within-District Transfer Program allows students to transfer to other schools within the district, including magnet schools. • Open Enrollment allows families to enroll their kids in a different Iowa school district. • Grantham notes that some families may choose to drive a little further for a private school education, like Joshua Christian Academy in the Martin Luther King Jr Park neighborhood.
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 Downtown Des Moines neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Des Moines
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
8
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
10
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
10
4
Larceny
9
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Des Moines Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines sell after 111 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Des Moines, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $325,000, up 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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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.
