$178,051Average Value$123Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes 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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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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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.
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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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
Are you familiar with the River Bend neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
River Bend
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
River Bend Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in River Bend, Des Moines sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in River Bend, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $136,588, down 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Investor Special! 2-story home with strong rental potential in a high-demand Des Moines neighborhood. Minutes from downtown, schools, and transit. Needs TLC—perfect for flip or buy-and-hold. Large lot, solid bones. Bring your vision and contractor—opportunities like this don’t last!
Discover the charm of 215 Clark Street — a bungalow that combines historic character with modern comfort. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath gem offers 736 sq. ft. of inviting living space with laminate flooring, and kitchen with newer appliances. Enjoy the convenience of main-level laundry and peace of mind with a newer furnace and central A/C.Has a detached 1-car garage. Nestled in the vibrant River
Experience modern living in the charming historic Riverbend neighborhood. Just steps from all downtown has to offer—restaurants, The Casey’s Center, shops, bike paths, parks, hospitals, and I-235. This spacious two-story townhome offers nearly 1,500 sq ft with stainless steel appliances, LVP flooring, quartz countertops, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a deck, and a 2-car attached garage with SMART Home
229 College Ave Unit 4, Des MoinesAdorable 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment for rent. Water included with rent. Off Street parking also available.Tenants pays electric/gas, internet and cableNo Smoking on premises.No PetsAll Renters Warehouse - Iowa residents are enrolled in the Resident Benefits Package (RBP) for $45.95/month which includes liability insurance,
Property Id: 1443072Experience exceptional living at 1614 Arlington Ave, just minutes from Downtown Des Moines. This charming rental features one-bedroom, one- bathroom, hardwood flooring, a fully equipped kitchen with oven, refrigerator, and freezer, forced air heating, and cable-ready. Enjoy the convenience of included utilities (sewage, water, garbage) and pet-friendly policy for cats.
Property Id: 2028278Welcome to your new home at 1803 10th Street in the heart of Des Moines! This charming single-family residence, built in 1923, offers 1,092 square feet of living space featuring three cozy bedrooms and a well-appointed bathroom. The home boasts durable tile flooring throughout, providing a stylish and easy-to-maintain environment. The kitchen is equipped with essential
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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.
