$160,176Average Value$170Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Ready for the state fair
Laurel Hill is a quiet neighborhood for at least 11 months of the year; however, all that changes when the Iowa State Fair comes to town in August. As next-door neighbors to the fairgrounds, residents experience over a million visitors. Taking this in stride, many resourceful community members rent out parking spots on their lawns to fairgoers. "Since the neighborhood is literally across the street from the state fairgrounds, it's a little bit louder, and residents do hear the festivities, especially the evening concerts, from their homes," says Des Moines Parks and Recreation Director Ben Page. "But overall, it's one of the quieter neighborhoods." Flat, tree-lined gridded streets with sidewalks traverse the neighborhood, giving way to flat, grassy lots with and without homes.
Laurel Hill offers plenty of quiet places
Laurel Hill Park is right near the fairgrounds and features a playground, toddler-friendly swing set, basketball court, walking path and picnic tables. A little over a mile west of Laurel Hill lies the newly renovated Chesterfield Park, which features a STEM-focused sprayground with multiple cause-and-effect elements unique to the area. The park also includes a playground and futsal court. Copper Creek Lake Park is easily accessible from Pleasant Hill and Des Moines. A lighted 1.22-mile trail surrounds the 40-acre lake area filled with a diverse selection of plants and wildlife. One of the more tranquil spots is the nearby historical 77-acre Laurel Hill Cemetery and arboretum, owned and maintained by the city, featuring sculpture monuments and mausoleums among flowering shrubs and shady tree canopies. There's also a great view of the downtown skyline. "I think it's one of the top five views in the city," Page says. "You can see the fairgrounds and the city skyline from here." Page says residents like to come here for passive recreation, like strolls and biking on paved streets.
Locals can grab pizza at a local favorite
Locals enjoy the state fair's fried and food-on-a-stick offerings each year; however, since the event is only for a few weeks each summer, folks must find other dining options. Bianchi's Hilltop Restaurant is a popular eatery for pizza and Italian food, according to Page. Now or Later Restaurant is a Des Moines staple with a varied menu featuring sandwiches, pasta and steak. For groceries, Aldi supermarket is on University Avenue and Hy-Vee is in nearby Pleasant Hill.
Budget-friendly homes
Laurel Hill predominantly comprises mid-century, traditional, split-level and ranch-style houses. Lots are about ¼ acre, suitable for a small garden, and most homes have detached garages or driveways for parking. Residence sizes range from 500 to 1,300 square feet with up to three bedrooms, and list prices fall between $75,000 and $180,000.
High school offers lots of academic programs
Laurel Hills is zoned for the Des Moines Independent Community School District, and most students can walk to and/or start their education at Willard Elementary School, rated a C by Niche. Hoyt Middle School has a C-minus. East High School, the oldest high school in Des Moines, has a C rating. Advanced Placement, Special Education, English Language Learners and SUCCESS are among its many programs.
Downtown is so close
Several hospitals and healthcare centers are nearby, including MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center and UnityPoint Health - Iowa Lutheran Hospital. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) buses do run in the area; however, most people use their cars. Laurel Hill is near Interstate 235 and Highway 5 and has easy access to other parts of the city, including Downtown Des Moines, a 4-mile drive via Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Des Moines International Airport is an 8-mile drive via M.L.K. Jr Pkwy and Fleur Drive.
Low crime
Crime in Laurel Hill is low, only a 3/10 on the CAP Index.
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.
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On average, homes in Laurel Hill, Des Moines sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Laurel Hill, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $141,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Unique 2-Bedroom Commercial Conversion in Laurel HillWelcome to this one-of-a-kind gem in the Laurel Hill neighborhood! This unique 2-bedroom commercial conversion house offers a thoughtful 1,332 sq ft one-level living floor plan that promises both comfort and style.Key FeaturesSpacious Living Room: Perfect for relaxing or entertaining friends.Versatile Den/Dining Room: Ideal
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