$223,354Average Value$162Average Price per Sq Ft33Homes For Sale
Drake college town and community
One of Des Moines' oldest neighborhoods, Drake is a suburb outside of downtown known for its close community and private university. “Drake is an eclectic melting pot. It has everything: Drake University, a business district and lots of historic architecture,” says Alexis Johnson, a local Realtor for over 10 years, currently with Iowa Realty Beaverdale. Drake University is the neighborhood’s main hub, serving as an employer, an educational and cultural center and a community resource. There are a few core spots throughout the campus that are focal points of Drake. The Helmick Commons is both a student quad and green area in the middle of campus that serves as a local gathering space. Drake Stadium hosts local high school games as well as Drake Relays, a national track and field event. Drake is a lively neighborhood shared by families, students and faculty, and although most amenities can be found within a couple of blocks, Downtown Des Moines is also only a bike ride away.
The Drake neighborhood is just minutes from Downtown Des Moines.
Drake University is the namesake of the neighborhood.
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Mom-and-pop shops in Drake
A Hy-Vee is available for groceries and a pharmacy within 1 mile of most residential areas. For other essentials, Walmart Supercenter sits about 3 miles east in Windsor Heights along with a Sam’s Club and Aldi. The Drake business district is composed of many small businesses. “It’s a good neighborhood for those looking for a walkable area with unique local businesses to support,” Johnson says. One of the most well-known restaurants is Drake Diner, which has been serving comfort food since 1987 in a retro diner atmosphere. University Library Café is a local mainstay for craft beer, burgers and nachos. Peggy’s Tavern, a college hangout spot, mixes food with entertainment, and Lefty’s Live Music offers live performances and events, such as an open mic comedy night. Locally owned Black Cat Ice Cream, with its patio seating and award-winning artisanal ice cream, serves desserts and supports the animal community. Cat adoption events and a photo Wall of Fame make this a must-see spot for feline aficionados with a sweet tooth.
Black Cat Ice Cream
Locals walking along University Ave.
Peggy's
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Eating and exercising events in Drake
The Drake Relays, held at Drake Stadium, is one of the top outdoor track and field events in the country. Before the competition, student organizations have a designated square to paint along Carpenter Avenue, also known at the Painted Street. Paintings feature unique interpretations of the event’s theme that given year. The annual Des Moines Greek Food Fair Festival also takes place in the neighborhood, serving authentic dishes, such as gyros and dolmades.
Housing in Drake caters to many different interests
The neighborhood has a variety of Foursquares, Craftsman homes and bungalows. With the high concentration of students in the area, apartment buildings and rental units are also prevalent. Two-to-three-bedroom homes with driveways often sell for $100,000 to $250,000. Four-bedroom homes tend to climb up to $400,000 and often have detached garages. For those looking to rent one- or two-bedroom condos and apartments, monthly rent can start around $600, with three-to-four-bedrooms going up to about $1,500. Most homes have front and back lawns, and bur oaks shade the sidewalks that line most streets, creating a walkable environment.
Drake Neighborhood Homes
Drake Neighborhood Homes
Drake Neighborhood Homes
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Outdoor activities near Drake
Drake Park is one of the closest local parks and features a playground, water area, basketball court and a rentable shelter. Residents can visit Witmer Park, which features a playground within walking distance for most Drake residents. Drake University’s campus is also ideal for adults who would like to relax with a book at the green space of Helmick Commons or take an artistic stroll along the Painted Street.
Drake Park Playground
Drake Park Tennis Court
Drake Park
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Getting around Drake
Residents can walk within the Drake area, as sidewalks are common. Locals can either drive, bike or take the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) public bus service about 3 miles to Downtown Des Moines. “It’s so close to the city, you can easily just ride a bike to concerts, restaurants or whatever activity is going on over there,” Johnson says. For air travel, Des Moines International Airports is about 5 miles south via Fleur Drive.
Locals walking along University Ave.
Bus stops along University Avenue can connect to anywhere in Des Moines.
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Grade school education from Perkins to Roosevelt
Students can attend schools in the Des Moines Independent Community School District, which features over 50 schools. Depending on home addresses, Drake families send their children through many different schools in the district. Primary students could attend Perkins Elementary, which scores a B-minus on Niche, then head to Callanan Middle, which earns a C-minus. Roosevelt High scores a B and is the No. 2 standout high school in Iowa for 2024 according to Niche. Roosevelt has one of the highest athletic participation rates in the area and sends the most students to Ivy Leagues in the state.
Perkins Elementary serves Drake students is grades K-5.
Callanan Middle School serves the intermediate students of the Drake neighborhood.
The Roosevelt High School main entrance emanates with the history that flows through its halls.
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Employment opportunities in Drake
With Drake University at the center of the area, many residents work in education at the university or within local public schools. Beyond education, there are plenty of opportunities in the service, food and retail industries in the Drake community.
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
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Drake
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Drake Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Drake, Des Moines sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Drake, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $210,672, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into this practically new 3-bedroom, 2-bath home where every detail has been redone with care. The transformation begins with the exterior — fresh siding, a welcoming front porch, and a shady yard that offers space to relax or add a future garage. Inside, the home feels bright and open with new drywall, lighting, trim, and paint throughout. The original hardwood floors add warmth and
This land parcel is for sale as well as 2515 24th St and 2315 Holcomb Ave. Sellers are willing to sell as a package deal.Prime Urban Development Opportunity: Three-Parcel Land Assemblage in Des Moines, IAMLS #s: 725495, 725497, 725499Total Acres: 3+Opportunity to acquire over 3 acres of raw, buildable land in the very heart of Des Moines. This unique offering consists of
$2636 per month Gross rent. Currently 2 long term leases and 1 furnished short term rental. This is a prime rental property in a sought-after Des Moines neighborhood just west of the Drake University Campus. The property comes with a renewed rental license. A new roof was installed in 2021, providing peace of mind for years to come. Unit 1 and Unit 2 have had updates in the past 2
Apply Now to Take Advantage of $1200 Total Savings!Welcome to The Drake, located in the heart of Des Moines, IA. Our newly remodeled units offer spacious interiors, perfect for those seeking a comfortable and modern living space. With easy interstate access, commuting has never been easier. The Drake is also conveniently located near Drake University, making it an ideal choice for
Welcome to Forest Ave, a 2025 newly built apartment complex located in the heart of Des Moines, IA. This thoughtfully built apartment complex offers a blend of luxury and convenience, with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances and in-unit washer and dryers. The coded door entry system ensures secure access, while the off-street parking provides added convenience. As a resident,
Apply And Move By Halloween and Receive *1 MONTH FREE!*Welcome to Lofts on 34th, where modern luxury meets urban living in Drake University neighborhood. Our loft-style apartments feature top-of-the-line amenities such as stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and tiled showers. Enjoy the convenience of in-unit washer/dryer, air conditioning, and a 60" Smart TV for your
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.
