$223,093Average Value$216Average Price per Sq Ft40Homes For Sale
Merle Hay features several retail and dining options
Retail meets residential in the Merle Hay neighborhood, home to a mall of the same name. In addition to shopping, dining and entertainment options, homebuyers have a mix of housing styles and price ranges to choose from. Major roads run through the neighborhood, making it easy to connect to Downtown Des Moines and neighboring suburbs. The sidewalk-lined streets provide some walkability to nearby commercial spaces.
The central hub of the neighborhood, Merle Hay Mall, has shopping, dining and entertainment.
Residential areas of Merle Hay are just minutes from every amenity imaginable.
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Housing styles and prices in Merle Hay
“It’s got a lot of houses that were built in the 1940s and 1950s,” says Deb Miller, a Realtor with Iowa Realty who sells in the neighborhood. “So there’s a lot of affordable housing in that neighborhood.” There is also some newer construction scattered throughout the neighborhood. The most common housing styles are:
Arts and Crafts houses
Ranch-style homes
Split levels
Bungalows
Cape Cods
If you are looking for a nice starter home near a business district, you can find that in Merle Hay,” says Nikki Hayter, manager at Franklin Avenue Library since 2019 and employee of Des Moines Public Library since 2006. Single-family houses start in the low $100,000s and get up to the high $400,000s, occasionally dipping into the high $600,000s. Merle Hay’s median price for single-family homes is on par with the City of Des Moines’ median price in the low $200,000s, but is lower than Urbandale ’s median price in the high $300,000s.
Merle Hay is a primarily residential neighborhood.
Cape Cods are common in the neighborhood.
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Shopping, dining and entertainment at Merle Hay Mall
Merle Hay Mall sits in the northern portion of the neighborhood and offers several shopping and dining options. It has independent shops, such as Always Uncover, as well as department stores, including Target. Local Eats Food Court, unsurprisingly, features locally owned restaurants, such as Vietnam Cafe and Tamale’s Industry. Chain restaurants in the mall include IHOP and Auntie Anne’s. The mall also has 13 indoor pickleball courts and a Flix Brewhouse movie theater. “They kind of made [the mall] a destination where you can go and do things,” Miller says.
Simon’s is a popular diner in the middle of Merle Hay. “It’s one of those spots where you have to wait outside for a table,” Hayter says. Their American-style dish are served with a complimentary slice of red velvet cake. “Another neighborhood favorite is Donut Hut,” Hayter says. This breakfast spot is only one of the dining options along Douglas Avenue.
Wasabi Chi serves sushi and is one of several restaurants along Douglas Avenue.
Simon's is at the corner of Franklin Avenue and Merle Hay Road.
Vietnam Cafe is a popular spot for authentic Vietnamese foods and a weekly lunch buffet.
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Residents take pride in their homes and in their community.
Events and neighborhood vibe
Merle Hay is a neighborhood between Urbandale and Des Moines. It is a more suburban area that is very family-friendly. Des Moines Parks and Recreation puts on events for the city, including Family Fun Night at Blank Park Zoo. You can complete an obstacle course or play laser tag before visiting the arts and crafts station. There is also live music and food. The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association is one of many in Des Moines that participates in National Night Out. Other popular events are the Des Moines Art Festival and the Iowa State Fair.
Merle Hay students go to Des Moines schools
The Des Moines Independent Community School District serves the neighborhood, and Merle Hay is zoned for Hoover High School. “It’s a beautiful school with a tremendous amount of diversity in its student body,” Hayter says. “I’m a mother of three, and I want my children to interact with kids from other cultures and ethnicities.” Students can transfer to other schools within the district, including magnet schools, through the Within-District Transfer Program. Open Enrollment allows families to enroll their kids in different Iowa school districts.
Hillis Elementary's outdoor space, artwork, and gardens are second-to-none in Des Moines.
Meredith Middle School serves the local community and surrounding areas.
Merle Hay students attend Hoover High School on Aurora Avenue.
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Navigating the neighborhood and Merle Hay Road
U.S. Route 6, known locally as Douglas Avenue, intersects Merle Hay Road and connects with Interstate 35. Most residents drive, but the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority has several bus stops that connect the neighborhood to the city. Des Moines International Airport is nearby in Southwestern Hills and offers direct flights to almost 30 U.S. destinations and international connections.
The Merle Hay Corridor, the stretch of Merle Hay Road between Aurora Avenue and Hickman Road, is prone to more accidents than the surrounding areas. The City of Des Moines is accepting feedback from residents on improving the street’s transportation system. The proposed changes already include expanding the parkway between the sidewalks and streets to create a more comfortable walking environment and improving ADA-compliant crosswalks.
DART offers many bus stops at the neighborhood, including at Merle Hay Mall.
The Merle Hay Road corridor is a vital hub of business for the entire Des Moines area.
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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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Merle Hay
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
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Merle Hay Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Merle Hay, Des Moines sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Merle Hay, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $215,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-in ready ranch in a quiet west-side neighborhood — single-level living with room to spread out. Inside, you’ll find an updated galley-style kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, painted cabinetry, and modern backsplash. The front living room welcomes you with fresh flooring and great natural light, while the oversized family room in back steals the show — complete with a cozy brick
Move-in ready with updates inside and out! Check out this charming one-and-a-half-story home on the northwest side of town. The main level features a comfortable living room, dining area, updated kitchen, and full bathroom. Upstairs, you’ll find two spacious bedrooms. The unfinished basement provides plenty of storage space. Step outside and relax on the deck overlooking the fully fenced
Wow! This home is essentially new construction except for the solid foundation! Taken down to the studs & completely remodeled, this 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home is a great value. New roof, new sewer, new HVAC, new windows, new almost everything! Great curb appeal draws you up to the front door where you enter into the open concept floor plan of living room, dining area & kitchen with quartz
Completely remodeled and move-in ready, this charming 3-bedroom home offers the perfect blend of modern updates and everyday convenience, with the added benefit of a driveway conveniently located off Snyder Avenue. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a functional layout, this home has been thoughtfully updated throughout. Recent improvements include new luxury vinyl plank flooring, new carpet,
Move right into this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home located in a fantastic neighborhood! Featuring a newer roof and numerous updates throughout, this home offers both comfort and peace of mind. Enjoy outdoor living on the spacious two-tiered deck overlooking the fenced backyard, perfect for entertaining, pets, or relaxing evenings. Car enthusiasts and hobbyists will love the
Packed with updates and full of charm, this 3-bedroom home is ready for its next chapter. Step inside to find an updated galley-style kitchen, a dedicated eating area, and a bright, inviting living room featuring low-maintenance LVP flooring.The upper level is home to a private owner's suite with custom built-ins that provide exceptional storage, along with a walk-in closet and convenient half
Some homes simply feel easy to love, and this thoughtfully updated Des Moines home is one of them. Offering two bedrooms, one bathroom and 720 square feet, it blends comfortable living, valuable improvements and an exceptionally rare three-car garage; all in a convenient central DSM location.The adorable, refreshed kitchen features new butcher block countertops, a new backsplash, newer
Must see beautifully updated residence with an additional of finished space in the basement. Step inside to discover brand-new flooring on the main level and newly refinished hardwood floors upstairs. Kitchen has new quartz counters and all-new appliances, making it move in ready. One full bathroom and one three-quarter bathroom, with main floor laundry room. Two car tandem attached garage with
Charming Brick Ranch with Massive Potential! Discover the perfect blend of solid construction and future opportunity with this delightful 3-bedroom, 1-bath brick ranch located in Des Moines. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking for a move-in-ready space, investor, or a DIY enthusiast dreaming of a custom garage, this home offers the ideal foundation. Step inside to enjoy a comfortable,
Welcome to 1417 62nd St – a cozy 3 bedroom ranch home conveniently located in the heart of the Des Moines metro. Owned and carefully maintained by the same owner for 32 years, this property reflects exceptional care and pride of ownership. Features include timeless charm with a good size kitchen and dining area off the living room. The clean, well-kept basement offers additional functional space
· PRIMARY SUITE with ATTACHED BATH & two walk-in closets· ATTACHED GARAGE with mudroom· GRANITE COUNTERS and GAS RANGE· large 1/4 ACRE LOT· BRAND NEW AC UNIT and fan motor· Practical Merle Hay location & PREMIUM FEATURES for UNDER $210,000:Fresh Paint in Living Room · Replaced Sewer Line to Street · 1/4 acre lot · Original wide plank hardwood under carpet · Mudroom
Welcome to this inviting 3-bedroom condo offering over 1,072 square feet of comfortable living space in a quiet, well-established neighborhood. This home features 1 full bathroom and an additional 3⁄4 bath, providing added convenience for everyday living. The updated kitchen is both stylish and functional, complemented by hard-surface flooring throughout—no carpet for easy upkeep and a modern
What an incredible value! Nice small community situated in the northwest Des Moines/Urbandale area. Across the street from Merle Hay Mall, restaurants, and just minutes to the charming, historic Beaverdale district. Don't pay extra for a lot of extras you never use. See Silhouette for quality living at an affordable price! Ask us about our current rent specials.
Welcome to Chad Estates in Des Moines, IA! Our apartments offer modern conveniences such as air conditioning and newer appliances to make your living experience comfortable and efficient. With onsite laundry facilities, you can easily take care of your laundry needs without leaving the property. Enjoy peace of mind with secured entry and 24-hour emergency maintenance services available to address
2 bed, 1 bathroom unit located at 5616 Hickman Rd in Des Moines. This 850 sq. ft. apartment offers a clean, functional layout with updated flooring, fresh paint, and modern finishes. The unit is move in ready and designed for comfortable everyday living.Step inside this thoughtfully designed residence and enjoy a bright, inviting layout with modern finishes that make everyday living easy
Property Id: 2803964 This 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit is available to rent now. It offers central heat and AC as well as in unit laundry. Off-street parking. And only minutes from Merle Hay shopping center. Monthly rent of $1,400 and a security deposit of $1,400. Utilities are not included. Pets are subject to landlord approval. Email to set up a tour.
Renovated 2 bed / 1 bath duplex unit in the Merle Hay sub division of Des Moines. Recent updates include: kitchen renovation, new stainless steel kitchen appliances including: dishwasher, over-the-range microwave, oven, refrigerator, and garbage disposal, new flooring, new ceiling fans and light fixtures, new bathroom vanity, mirror, and cabinet, new shower tiling, new windows and doors
This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath single-family home is nestled in a fantastic central location, offering both comfort and convenience. Inside, you’ll find a nicely updated bathroom and refreshed living spaces with a warm, welcoming feel throughout. The layout is functional and cozy, with plenty of natural light and a clean, modern touch. Outside, enjoy a private yard and easy access to parks,
Modern Townhome with 2 car Garage -BRAND NEW LUXURY TOWNHOMES. Built in 2023 -REGULAR RENT $1950/- monthly -PROMOTIONAL RENT AS LOW AS $1795/- monthly with a 2-year lease and $1850/- with a lease signing within 24 hours of viewing. Our promotion will end soon. Don't miss out!-Centrally located. 5-15 minutes from Downtown, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, Johnston, Ankeny, and
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