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Greater South Side

Greater South Side

Suburban Neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa

Polk County 50315

$267,383 Average Value
$220 Average Price per Sq Ft
21 Homes For Sale

The Greater South Side is close to downtown and the airport

South of Des Moines along Raccoon River, the Greater South Side of Des Moines offers a suburban feel yet is within minutes of local restaurants, nightlife, and public parks. “It’s a great neighborhood,” says Lisa Vance, Realtor for the Clarkson Realty Group, part of LPT Realty, who has worked with clients in the neighborhood. “It’s close to Gray’s Lake, near the airport and just a short distance from downtown.” Homes span a wide range from condos and townhouses to midcentury modern homes built along rolling hills. Yards showcase thoughtful landscaping, and sidewalks are well-shaded by a variety of trees, including birch and wild cherry. Most properties have private driveways, leaving streets relatively free from cars.

Quiet culs-de-sac are found in the Greater South Side neighborhood.
Quiet culs-de-sac are found in the Greater South Side neighborhood.
Greater South Side.
Greater South Side.
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Wide variety of housing in the Greater South Side

“There’s a big mix of real estate; there are some older, executive homes that need to be rehabbed, some ranch-style, and some midcentury places with lots of character,” Vance says. Buyers can find two-bedroom condos listed at around $300,000, two-bedroom cottages valued in the $200,000s, and four-bedroom midcentury houses priced between $350,000 and $500,000. Listings on Wakonda Club property run from around $700,000 for a townhouse to almost $1 million for a four-bedroom traditional-style residence.

There are a variety of styles available in the homes of Greater South Side.
There are a variety of styles available in the homes of Greater South Side.
Modern condominiums are available in Greater South Side.
Modern condominiums are available in Greater South Side.
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Lincoln High School serves neighborhood students

Students in the area can attend Park Avenue Elementary School, which gets a C-minus score on Niche. Brody Middle School also earns a C-minus and has anime, Lego and Marvel/Star Wars clubs. The school participates in America’s Battle of the Books and Academic Pentathlon. Just south of Gray’s Lake Park, Lincoln High School, rated a C, offers Advanced Placement Courses, as well as plenty of extracurricular activities including football and marching band.

Park Avenue Elementary School in Indianola Hills prides itself on its well-rounded curriculum.
Park Avenue Elementary School in Indianola Hills prides itself on its well-rounded curriculum.
Brody Middle School serves students from 6th through 8th grade in Southwestern Hills.
Brody Middle School serves students from 6th through 8th grade in Southwestern Hills.
Lincoln High School in Greater South Side prepares its students for college and beyond.
Lincoln High School in Greater South Side prepares its students for college and beyond.
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Exploring MacRae and Gray’s Lake Parks

Residents can explore nearby MacRae and Gray’s Lake Parks, featuring beaches on the lake, as well as the Meredith, Bill Riley and Kruidenier Walking Trails, for taking a stroll around the lake or along the Raccoon River. Locals can also bike or walk along these trails to access the Des Moines Water Works Park, about 2 miles east. Water Works has an amphitheater and an arboretum with an impressive collection of crabapple trees. Members of the Wakonda Club, built in 1922, can make use of its 18-hole golf course and three swimming pools. The city of Des Moines has several public pools, including one at Pete Crivaro Park, about 2.5 miles east.

Greater South Side residents can enjoy the covered pavilion at MacRae Park.
Greater South Side residents can enjoy the covered pavilion at MacRae Park.
Gray's Lake Park is a wonderful place for Greater South Side residents to take a stroll.
Gray's Lake Park is a wonderful place for Greater South Side residents to take a stroll.
The paved walking path allows for easy walking and biking at MacRae Park in Great South Side.
The paved walking path allows for easy walking and biking at MacRae Park in Great South Side.
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The Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery

The Greater South Side has several restaurants, including Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery, a casual eatery serving foods like Goldfish Tenderloin and fried pickles and offering mixed drinks and beers on tap. Skip’s, a neighborhood landmark since 1981, offers more traditional American fare, with menu items such as blackened cod and au gratin potatoes. Confluence Brewing Company, along Thomas Beck Road, has a vast array of craft beers with unique flavors and an outdoor patio with park views. Just south of Watrous Avenue is a Hy-Vee grocery store, and there is a large farmers’ market in downtown Des Moines on Saturdays from May through October.

The Angry Goldfish is a favorite spot for local eats in Greater South Side.
The Angry Goldfish is a favorite spot for local eats in Greater South Side.
Confluence Brewing Company in Greater South Side is a great place to meet up with friends.
Confluence Brewing Company in Greater South Side is a great place to meet up with friends.
Enjoy the ambience inside The Angry Goldfish in Greater South Side.
Enjoy the ambience inside The Angry Goldfish in Greater South Side.
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Getting to and from the Greater South Side

Fleur Drive, which borders the neighborhood, is the main thoroughfare to go to and from downtown and the Des Moines International Airport. Those who prefer to explore the city via bike can hop on the network of city trails that wind through the area and connect to trails around the state of Iowa. Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) buses also stop along Fleur Drive between 3:30 and 6:00 p.m. For travel beyond Des Moines, the Des Moines International Airport is 3 miles south and offers direct flights to cities including Charlotte and Portland. In case of medical emergencies, people can find care at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, about 3.6 miles north.

Greater South Side.
Greater South Side.
Greater South Side is a short drive from Downtown Des Moines.
Greater South Side is a short drive from Downtown Des Moines.
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Festivals and events around the Greater South Side

The Des Moines Water Works Park hosts events such as Local Bands, Brews and Bikes, which takes place on Sundays from May through October in the Des Moines Biergarten, about 2 miles away. There is also an annual Des Moines Arts Festival in June at the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, around a 2-mile drive or bike ride from the area. People can listen to live music and visit the food courts and art exhibitions. In August each year, locals can head to the Iowa State Fairgrounds, approximately 7 miles east, for the Iowa State Fair.

Environmental risks around Polk County

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, assesses regions of the United States for environmental risks. Polk County is considered to be at “relatively high” risk of the following: cold waves, hail and tornados. Also, the area is at high risk of strong winds. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) periodically checks local waterways and recently found the presence of bacteria and other microbes in the Raccoon River.

Ginny West
Written By
Ginny West
Drew Davis
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Jeffrey Knight
Video By
Jeffrey Knight

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 Lyndsey Lamb, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Des Moines International

10 min drive

Bus

SW 9th St & Kirkwood Ave, Dsm

Bus

SW 9th St & Rose Ave, Dsm

Bus

Thomas Beck Rd & #1220, Dsm

Bus

Fleur Dr & Watrous Ave (Far-Side), Dsm

Bus

SW 9th St & Bancroft St, Dsm

Bus

SW 9th St & Loomis Ave, Dsm

Bus

Bell Ave & #1963, Dsm

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Greater South Side US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$269,750
Median Single Family Price
$238,900
Median Townhouse Price
$354,375
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$465,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$189,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$220
Number of Homes for Sale
21
Last 12 months Home Sales
56
Months of Supply
4.50
Median List Price
$279,999
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
18%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,381
Median Year Built
1942
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,336
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,811
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,748
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,901
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
1,469
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 Lyndsey Lamb, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,979
Median Age
42
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$67,621
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$84,848

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.3%
College Graduates
31%
Advanced Degrees
6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
71%
Above the national average
65.1%

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®

27 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

20 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

27 / 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
Greater South Side
Lyndsey Lamb
Guardian Real Estate Group
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