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Meredith

Meredith

Suburban Neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa

Polk County 50310
$288,632 Average Value
$203 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

How Meredith’s location makes commuting and exploring Des Moines easy

While Meredith is a quiet, residential section of Des Moines, it’s close to all the city has to offer. The neighborhood is close to major thoroughfares, making it easy to get to Downtown Des Moines and the rest of the metro area. The Merle Hay Mall is a short drive away, and you can get outside at nearby parks, trails and outdoor spaces by the Des Moines River. Two school districts serve Meredith, both with open enrollment options.

The Merle Hay Road corridor is a hub for all of the Des Moines area.
The Merle Hay Road corridor is a hub for all of the Des Moines area.
Meredith is a residential neighborhood with access to amenities via nearby Merle Hay Road.
Meredith is a residential neighborhood with access to amenities via nearby Merle Hay Road.
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A wide range of home ages, styles and price points

Housing is a mix of contemporary split-levels and ranch-style homes, as well as New Traditional styles, Cape Cods and bungalows on winding residential streets shaded by looming black walnut and oak trees. The oldest homes date back to the early 1900s, while the newest houses were built in the late 2000s. Many properties have attached garages and paved driveways with yards of around a quarter acre. On the neighborhood’s southern side, homes are lined in even rows, giving the area a subdivision feeling, while homes in the more northern Lovington area often have larger front lawns.

Homes can range between the mid-$100,000s and the mid-$500,000s, with prices occasionally reaching the low $800,000s. Meredith’s median in the low $300,000s is higher than Merle Hay’s median in the low $200,000s and Beaverdale’s median in the mid $200,000s. Homes tend to stay on the market for about 30 days, which is lower than the national average of 50 days.

Some Cape Cod-style homes with protruding dormer windows can be found in the area.
Some Cape Cod-style homes with protruding dormer windows can be found in the area.
Older split-level homes exude charm and style.
Older split-level homes exude charm and style.
New Traditional homes typically have three or four bedrooms and finished basements.
New Traditional homes typically have three or four bedrooms and finished basements.
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Local insight on suburban quiet with plenty to do nearby

“[Meredith] offers residents a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience,” says Rich Montanaro, a real estate agent at The American Real Estate Company with more than nine years of industry experience. The neighborhood’s location is close to things to do. “There are lots of shopping and dining experiences in the Merle Hay Mall area, providing a variety of retail and culinary options. The mall and shopping center include a full-service movie theater, as well as Target, restaurants, a number of bars and boutiques,” Montanaro says.

Two school districts serve the area with transfer options

Students in this neighborhood are served by two different school districts: Des Moines Community School District (DMPS) and Johnston Community School District (JCSD). Hoover High School, part of DMPS, is known for its “strong academic and extracurricular programs,” according to Montanaro, while Johnston Senior High School is highly rated. Both offer dual enrollment courses through Des Moines Area Community College. Students in both districts can transfer to schools in other districts within the state, per Iowa law. DMPS offers within-district transfers.

Lawson Elementary School serves the students of East Johnston.
Lawson Elementary School serves the students of East Johnston.
Johnston Middle School is located in the Northwest Johnston neighborhood of Johnston, IA.
Johnston Middle School is located in the Northwest Johnston neighborhood of Johnston, IA.
Johnston Senior High School entrance.
Johnston Senior High School entrance.
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Trails, parks and festivals that offer something year-round

The Des Moines River is just southwest of Meredith, so locals can easily take a relaxing walk on the water using the Trestle Trail. Right along the trail is the Sycamore Wildlife Area, which offers mountain biking along the park’s on-site biking trail and hiking underneath a thick canopy of oak trees. “Iowa is a beautiful state,” says Jolene Lindell, a Realtor with Realty ONE Group Impact who sells in the area. “It really is.” Westchester Park is a small community park with a playground, climbing ropes and swings. Its outdoor pavilions and charcoal grills make great spots for enjoying a meal with friends and family. Northwest Public Swimming Pool, which opens in the warmer months, is just south of Westchester Park.

Since residents are close to Downtown Des Moines, they can enjoy year-round events and festivities hosted by the city, including a farmers’ market hosted in downtown’s Historic Court District. The Des Moines Arts Festival is Iowa’s largest award-winning arts and cultural event, which features a juried arts fair with live entertainment and local vendors.

Welcome to Westchester Park, located in the Meredith neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
Welcome to Westchester Park, located in the Meredith neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
The large playground and pavilion at Westchester Park are community hubs.
The large playground and pavilion at Westchester Park are community hubs.
The Trestle to Trestle Trail runs through the neighborhood and connects to other trail systems.
The Trestle to Trestle Trail runs through the neighborhood and connects to other trail systems.
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Easy access to major roads and public transit for commuters

Meredith has sidewalks, but they’re mostly used to go on walks around the neighborhood, as most people drive to get around the area. Montanaro says commuters can “enjoy easy access to major highways and public transportation, simplifying their daily commute.” The drive to downtown is less than 10 miles. Interstate 35 runs along the neighborhood’s northern border and connects residents to the nearby Marquisville community and Interstate 235. There is public transportation, as the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority operates fixed bus routes along Route 6 and Merle Hay Road.

Joyelle Ronan
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Drew Davis
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Charles Kennedy
Video By
Charles Kennedy

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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Des Moines International

22 min drive

Bus

Aurora Ave & 55th St, Dsm

Bus

Aurora Ave & Westchester Church, Dsm

Bus

Douglas Ave & 50th St, Dsm

Bus

Aurora Ave & Beaver Ave (Far-Side), Dsm

Bus

Aurora Ave & 51st St, Dsm

Bus

Beaver Ave & Madison Ave, Dsm

Bus

Aurora Ave & 54th St, Dsm

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,310
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Median Year Built
1977
Months of Supply
1.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,463
Significantly below the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,365
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,236
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
1,199
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,672

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,920
Median Age
36
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$67,698
Below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$82,098

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
81.8%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
28.4%
Advanced Degrees
6.4%
% Population in Labor Force
74%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
14°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
45''

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®

30 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Transit Score®

30 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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
Meredith