$178,709Average Value$244Average Price per Sq Ft18Homes For Sale
A solid starter-home community
A quiet neighborhood bordered by the Des Moines River, Oak Park feels removed from the city of Des Moines. “The residential area is quiet and you can do most of your shopping at locally owned businesses in walking distance,” says Tina Knox, Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway First Realty in Des Moines. But despite its neighborly charm and vast green space, the neighborhood is convenient to downtown and other city attractions. Prices here are more affordable than in many adjacent areas, making Oak Park a solid starter-home community.
6th Avenue divides Oak Park from Highland Park and they share a historic commercial district.
Oak Park is home to classic home styles such as Cape Cods.
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Well-worn homes with recent renovations
Homes in the Oak Park neighborhood line up tightly along narrow gridded streets, punctuated by detached garages or carports. Mature maple and oak trees shade the sidewalks, flanked by staircases up to front-door walkways. Modest bungalow and National-style homes with two to four bedrooms are most prevalent here, and almost all have both a small front- and backyard. Most homes in Oak Park were built in the early 20th century, but recently many have been renovated through grants from Invest DSM, a non-profit organization focused on strengthening neighborhoods in Des Moines. “You can have a beautifully renovated interior in a historic home,” Knox says. “The upgrades are high quality because they’re not trying to flip the houses. They want to invest in the community.” Homes still in need of upgrades start at $100,000, while renovated properties sell for up to $300,000.
Sections of Oak Park feature rows of classic cottages.
Oak Park features larger homes than neighboring Highland Park.
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Neighborhood favorites on 6th Avenue
On the east side of the neighborhood, 6th Avenue separates Oak Park from Highland Park and is the main business district in the area. Residents enjoy a morning pick-me-up at the Slow Down Coffee Co., a hip cafe featuring decor from local artists. ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery is right next door for pastries. “Hiland Bakery was closed for a few years but just opened back up under new ownership. That definitely drives people to the area,” Knox says. Another neighborhood favorite, Chuck’s Restaurant, has called Oak Park home since 1956. For groceries and other essentials, Pink Fair Mall is less than a mile away.
The Slow Down Coffee Shop in the Oak Park/Highland Park Shopping District is a local hotspot.
Chuck's Restaurant has been an Oak Park landmark for over 70 years.
Cha Cha's Hiland Bakery in Oak Park.
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A diverse educational experience
Oak Park is part of the Des Moines Independent Community School District. Students can attend Oak Park Elementary School and Harding Middle School, which each received a C-minus grade from Niche, followed by C-rated North High School, Iowa’s second-most diverse public high school.
Oak Park Elementary School's stately entrance welcomes families daily.
Harding Middle School boasts a student to teacher ratio of 14:1 in Highland Park.
North High School cares for around 1433 Highland Park students.
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Recreation on the river
Located along the Des Moines River, Oak Park has plenty of green space for residents to enjoy the most impressive of which is recently-renovated Riverview Park. The new park includes an amphitheater for live music as well as an amusement park–themed playground. The Neal Smith Trail, named for a former U.S. Congressman, cuts through Riverview Park as it parallels the riverbank. This bike path connects to Wakonsa Bridge, which was originally constructed as an electric trolley bridge in 1905, spanning the river from Oak Park to the Doudna Heights-Glen Oaks neighborhood.
Riverview Park in Oak Park boasts the Riviera Stage for live music in the summer.
Riverview Park in Oak Park.
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Easy access for commuters
For those commuting into the city, Oak Park is located three miles from downtown Des Moines. The neighborhood also has access to the DART bus system, including stops lining both Euclid Avenue and 6th Avenue. Residents that want to venture a little further have convenience as well; Des Moines International Airport is only eight miles away.
The DART bus system gives Oak Park residents easy access to the rest of the city.
Oak Park is just a quick drive from downtown Des Moines, making it ideal for commuters.
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
Andrew Bruellman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
McHenry Park
Bike Trails
Grills
Picnic Area
Prospect Park
Riverview Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Playground
Birdland Sports Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Pool
Transit
Airport
Des Moines International
19 min drive
Bus
Euclid Ave & 11th St, Dsm
Bus
Euclid Ave & 12th St, Dsm
Bus
Euclid Ave & 14th St, Dsm
Bus
Euclid Ave & 9th St, Dsm
Bus
6th Ave & New York Ave, Dsm
Bus
6th Ave & Euclid Ave (Far-Side), Dsm
Bus
Euclid Ave & 16th St, Dsm
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.45 Reviews
4.0Current Resident
8/5/2023Niche Review
Great location between highways 80/35 & 235, close to schools and parks, within walking distance of essentials, older affordable homes. On the negative, a little run down (including my own home so I'm not judging). InvestDSM has helped a lot but few people can take advantage of it because they are only offering grants for a portion of the work. In this working class neighborhood living paycheck to paycheck large repairs are put off waiting for a lotto win.
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Oak Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Oak Park, Des Moines sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Oak Park, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $370,000, down 42% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover a move-in ready opportunity in the heart of Des Moines with this updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home that’s ideal for both homeowners and investors alike. With a current rental certificate in place and a strong history of upgrades, this property is a smart buy.Step inside to find fresh 2025 updates including new laminate flooring in the living and dining areas, and a fully remodeled
Move in ready all brick home is ready for a new owner. Recent updates include, new flooring, cabinets, paint, and countertops. This property features 2 beds, 1 bath a detached garage and fenced in backyard. All information obtained from seller and public records.
This home offers an excellent opportunity for investors looking for a project. With some TLC, it could be transformed into a great rental or resale. The property features a straightforward layout with a living room, kitchen, and two bedrooms. An unfinished basement provides additional storage or potential for expansion, with a partially finished area offering added possibilities. The home also
Right in the heart of the Highland Park Neighborhood, this property has just been completely renovated with refinished hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops. Units include washer and dryer with brand new bathroom fixtures and vanities. This historic property includes large windows allowing for natural light to shine within the unit. Large closet
3916 9TH ST Unit 1Des Moines, IA 50313Available July 2025Welcome home to this updated 1 bedroom apartment. This is a second level apartment with updated finishes throughout. Rent includes water and parking space behind the house. Washer and drier available to use as well.All Renters Warehouse - Iowa residents are enrolled in the Resident Benefits Package (RBP) for
3916 9th St, Unit #2, Des Moines IowaAvailable Mid July 2025Welcome home to this updated 1 bedroom apartment. This is a second level apartment with updated finishes throughout. Rent includes water and parking space behind the house. Washer and drier available to use as well.All Renters Warehouse - Iowa residents are enrolled in the Resident Benefits Package (RBP) for
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrew Bruellman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,912
Median Age
36
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.8%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$67,121
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$71,557
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.6%
College Graduates
19.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.4%
% Population in Labor Force
81.5%
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®
21/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
47/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
33/ 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.
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.
