$159,525Average Value$174Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes For Sale
Living next door to Iowa State Fair fun
The Iowa State Fairgrounds sees visitors from all over the country for Iowa’s largest state fair, but residents in the Fairground neighborhood have access to the year-round fun minutes from their doorsteps. “The homes are older, but people who live there have been in the area forever,” says Jordan Graves, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty who works in Fairgrounds. The neighborhood sits less than 5 miles away from Downtown Des Moines. Residents can drive down East University Avenue to explore the museums downtown before returning to their bungalows or Craftsman-style homes. Locals don’t have to go far to find popular dining spots like Gerri’s Bar & Grill or Latin King Italian Dining. When residents need a break from the flea markets, horse fairs and annual Iowa State Fair events, they head to outdoor spots like Laurel Hill Park or stay in the air conditioning with a trip to East Side Library. With fun to the east and work to the west, the Fairgrounds neighborhood gives locals a place to relax and convenient access to fun.
The Fairground neighborhood takes much of its identity from the annual Iowa State Fair.
Fairground residents have easy access to Downtown Des Moines via E University and I-235.
1/2
Iowa State Fairgrounds and quiet parks
August always gets busy with the Iowa State Fair, but the Iowa State Fairgrounds, where the event is held, has a calendar full of things to do. Guests can pay to park on the fairgrounds or park off-site and ride over on a DART State Fair Park & Ride Shuttle. When the Iowa State Fair does roll around, locals have easy access to the 11 days of browsing vendors, catching live music, enjoying carnival rides and hanging out with friends. Fairground residents can also use the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds when they want to sleep under the stars without an exhausting trip to a faraway campsite. Parents who want to take their kids to a quieter place visit Ashfield Park. Here, guests can run around the open field, use the playground equipment or have lunch under the pavilion. Another option is Laurel Hill Park, which sits south of the state fairgrounds and features a basketball court.
The Sky Glider at the Iowa State Fair transports visitors across the grounds with the best views
Ashfield Park's playground overlooks a larger open field, perfect for soccer and football games.
1/2
Getting drinks at Gerri's Bar & Grill
Some Fairground residents live within walking distance from popular locally owned dining spots. Graves mentions the area has multiple popular dive bars, including Gerri’s Bar & Grill. The locally owned spot serves sandwiches and wings alongside their drinks. Latin King Dining seats guests in an old-school Italian dining room before serving authentic dishes. For dessert, locals stop by Dairy Zone ice cream shop for dip cones, sundaes and slushes. Papa Kerns Cafe serves classic American dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Residents who need ingredients for a homecooked meal visit the nearby Aldi location on East University Avenue or the Hy-Vee off Maple Drive. Those who want to wander around a mall on a lazy Saturday drive to the Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona. “The Jordan Creek Town Center is about 25 minutes away from Fairgrounds, and it’s a popular place,” Graves says. The Jordan Creek Town Center sits west of Downtown Des Moines, and shoppers can walk around the main building or shop at other stores around the mall.
Dairy Zone is another Des Moines staple that Fairground residents get to call their own.
A Des Moines staple, Latin King has been serving Italian favorites for decades.
Gerri's is a staple in Fairground for wings, burgers, cold drinks, and good times.
1/3
DART buses and access to I-235
When locals want to visit Altoona or downtown Des Moines, they drive down East University Avenue before merging onto Interstate 235. DART buses run up and down East Grand Avenue and connect residents to downtown. Skinny sidewalks with grass popping up between the cracks often run in front of the homes. While this makes it easier for residents to walk around the neighborhood, most save their time by driving to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Fairground residents have easy access to Downtown Des Moines via E University and I-235.
Bus stops along E University and E Grand connect Fairground with the rest of Des Moines.
1/2
Older bungalows with modern touches
Bungalows, Craftsman-style homes and Colonial-style homes fill the Fairground neighborhood and were built in the late 1800s up to the early 1900s, featuring modern renovations. Most hit the market for $100,000 to $285,000, but some fixer-upper homes sell for $100,000 or less. Future residents can find multiple three-bedroom units with paved driveways, detached garages and moderate yards. Homes that hit the market usually get new owners in less than a month.
Some of the older homes in Fairground were built as early as the 1890s.
Bungalows with pops of color are popular for Fairground residents.
Small brick cottages give Fairground great character.
1/3
Free lunches at Willard Elementary
Students here often attend Willard Elementary School, which gets a C-minus from Niche and supports students with a free lunch program. After spending time at the C-minus-rated Hiatt Middle School, kids head to the C-rated East High School and become a part of the student body, known as the East Scarlets.
The school colors of Willard Elementary are blue and yellow, and the mascot is the Wildcats.
Hiatt Middle School serves Fairground students in grades 6-8.
Fairground high school students attend East High School.
1/3
Community full of churches and small businesses
Fairground is home to multiple small businesses and warehouses. From dive bars to painting companies, residents have access to potential jobs within walking distance from their homes. Six churches fill the area, including the Galilee Baptist Church, which has been standing for over 100 years.
Fairground residents take pride in their neighborhood, their city, and their country.
Fairground residents can drive two miles east to the Pleasant Hill HyVee for groceries, too.
Generations have been coming to Latin King to celebrate special occasions and enjoy great food.
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 Fairground neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Fairground
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Fairground Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Fairground, Des Moines sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Fairground, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $155,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Do not miss this preinspected move in ready 3 bedroom, 1-bath home with a 2-car detached (24 x 24) garage and extra parking...perfect for guests or additional vehicles. Several major updates are already done for you, including new siding, windows, and HVAC system (2023), giving you peace of mind for years to come. The curb appeal is on point with an adorable front deck and larger one in the
Get ready to vibe in this transformed 2 bed, 2 bath home! With wood-look finishes, stone backsplashes, and a fireplace, the interior is cozy and inviting. Finished basement with bedrooms, living space and full bath. Walk out to the covered deck and patio area, perfect for grilling, entertaining, and relaxing in the hot tub, all within a privacy-fenced oasis. The property also features a
Step into this inviting two-story located minutes from downtown and only a short walk to the State Fairgrounds. A welcoming front porch sets the tone, while the spacious living and dining areas, 2 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms provide plenty of room to enjoy. Complete with a detached garage, this home blends charm and convenience in one great package.
Infused with a sense of cozy charm, 2220 E Walnut St Apt 1 in Des Moines offers a delightful retreat for those seeking a serene urban haven. This inviting 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment is a perfect blend of comfort and convenience within its 552 sq ft of intelligently designed space. Step inside to discover a warm and inviting atmosphere, ideal for both relaxation and productivity. The
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.
