$170,953Average Value$132Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes For Sale
Community Pride
Less than 2 miles north of downtown Des Moines, River Bend is a historic neighborhood tucked into the southern banks of the Des Moines River. With a rich history, many homes date back to the 1870s and homes have been passed down from generation to generation. “There’s definitely pride of ownership here,” says Liz Lashier, the owner/broker at NextHome Your Way, with over 110 closed sales in the area. The tree-lined streets are arranged in a grid-shaped pattern, divided by semi-paved alleys and punctuated with open lots and restaurants.
River Bend is a historic neighborhood just north of Downtown Des Moines.
Several colorful murals along 6th Avenue give the neighborhood bright and cheery character.
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Historic homes at a budget-friendly price
The houses in River Bend defy simple classification, running the gamut of age, size, architectural design and degree of upkeep. Between 2nd Avenue and 10th Street are modest ranches and simple foursquare homes next to colorful Tudors and massive three-story Victorians. Travel another block, and the landscape comprises empty lots and condemned buildings. There are also a few multi-family homes scattered about. Houses in River Bend typically sell for between $69,000 to $338,000. “There are so many beautiful homes in River Bend, but also a bunch of historic homes that just need a little love,” Lashier says. Yards are typically 1/8 acre, suitable for a small garden, and residents use their driveways for parking.
Victorian homes with large front porches are the anchors of the River Bend neighborhood.
Simpler cottage-style homes are scattered throughout River Bend as well.
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Parks and community gardens
For outdoor recreation, Bates Park provides a small mixed-use field, basketball courts and a playground. Birdland Park, home to walking trails, an enclosed shelter and a boat launch, is just a quick bike ride across the 2nd Avenue Bridge. Forest Avenue Community Orchard is a popular shared space to grow and harvest native flowers, and the Supply Hive Community Garden provides rentable vegetable gardens to growers, many of whom donate their surplus veggies to local food banks. The Heart of Des Moines Farmers Market is held on the second Saturday of each month, with fresh produce, food vendors, live music and local boutique stands. Colorful murals adorn brick walls around the Grubb YMCA, where athletes meet for pick-up basketball games, and the Teen Center provides a safe and supportive space for meetings.
Bates Park's sprayground is a great way for River Bend kids to cool off during the summer months
Tucked among neighboring homes, the Forest Ave Community Orchard offers residents garden space.
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District has open enrollment
River Bend is served by the Des Moines Independent Community School District, which has open enrollment. Students can start their education at Moulton Elementary School, which has a C-minus rating from Niche. Harding Middle School has a C-minus grade. North High School offers Advanced Placement® coursework and exams.
Moulton Elementary School serves the primary students of River Bend.
Harding Middle School has a large entrance to fit all the students and teachers in Highland Park
Just across the Des Moines River, students of River Bend attend North High School.
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Guided house tours
For 25 years, the River Bend Neighborhood Association has been sponsoring an annual tour of the community’s historic houses. Held on the third weekend in September, the Historic Home Tour captures the community spirit that has defined this Des Moines neighborhood since its inception. It highlights many of River Bend’s most beautiful homes and is sponsored by a dozen local businesses, generating revenue that the Neighborhood Association reinvests into the community.
Prairie School is another architectural style of home found in River Bend.
One-of-a-kind homes are scattered throughout the quiet streets of River Bend.
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An abundance of healthcare
UnityPoint Health - Iowa Lutheran Hospital is a 1.5-mile drive on local streets. Residents can easily access almost any spot in the greater Des Moines area via Interstate 23 or through 6th Avenue, a commercial thoroughfare cutting vertically through the heart of the neighborhood. River Bend is on a Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) bus route, making commuting convenient for residents, and Des Moines International Airport is a 6.5-mile drive via local streets.
Stop for a meal while grocery shopping
C Fresh Market is in the southwest corner of the community and houses a Vietnamese restaurant called Pho 515, which serves noodle soups, banh mi bread and bubble tea. La Familia Taco Company is an authentic Mexican restaurant known for its fried tacos and guacamole. Maggie's Rumble Room is a popular watering hole with a retro vibe. The walls are decorated with music and motorcycle memorabilia, and a vintage jukebox features classic songs.
River Bend is the proud home of C Fresh Market, the largest international grocer in town.
Pho 515 serves up some of the best pho and other Vietnamese dishes in Des Moines.
Maggie's Rumble Room in River Bend offers eclectic decor and good vibes.
Tacos La Familia has grown in popularity due to being featured on social media.
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Crime index is moderate
An important note: the CAP Index in River Bend is 6/10, indicating moderate crime. Violence Interruption Project (VIP) is an initiative approved by the Des Moines City Council in 2021 to address gun violence affecting at-risk youth.
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
Darson Grantham,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Prospect Park
Birdland Park
Bike Trails
Grills
Lake
Evelyn Davis Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Edna Griffin Park
Bates Park
Birdland Sports Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Pool
Transit
Airport
Des Moines International
16 min drive
Bus
University Ave & 6th Ave (Far-Side), Dsm
Bus
University Ave & 7th St, Dsm
Bus
University Ave & 9th St, Dsm
Bus
6th Ave & Franklin Ave (Far-Side), Dsm
Bus
6th Ave & Indiana Ave, Dsm
Bus
6th Ave & Washington Ave (Far-Side), Dsm
Bus
6th Ave & Forest Ave (Far-Side), Dsm
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
River Bend
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
8
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
River Bend Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in River Bend, Des Moines sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in River Bend, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $159,250, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Looking for that statement home full of personality & charm in a Historic District. Home is full of character but w/ lots of updates and move in ready! With 6th Ave corridor plans, close to downtown, new Riverview project, bike trails & central location make it easy to get to any location. Great outdoor space for entertaining and relaxing w/ two 3 car garages w/ one being set up as a heated shop.
This charming two-story, 4-bedroom home is nestled in the up-and-coming Riverbend neighborhood. Directly across from Moulton Elementary and just minutes from downtown, dining, and freeway access. The home features a large, covered deck, ally access, full fenced in yard. it is a clean, welcoming and move-in-ready. Great location, delicious fruit trees on property with a 1-Car detached garage. Call
This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has potential to make it your own. All three bedrooms are upstairs with the laundry room for easy access. New driveway, newer A/C, and a nonconforming bedroom in the lower level. All information obtained from seller and public records. Property is being sold AS-IS.
This property located at 1908 Arlington Ave features 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within a total living space of 600 square feet. The living room provides a comfortable area for relaxation, while the bathroom is equipped with essential fixtures. Each bedroom offers adequate space for furnishings. The property includes air conditioning for climate control. The exterior is straightforward, providing a
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Darson Grantham,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
3,835
Median Age
34
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
30.5%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$32,476
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$51,987
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
62.3%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
7.1%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0%
% Population in Labor Force
63.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
14°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
45''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
52/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
73/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
44/ 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.
