$187,509Average Value$136Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes 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 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in River Bend, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $152,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming and fully updated, this 1.5-story home offers a blend of character, functionality, and long-term value in a convenient Des Moines location. A bright and welcoming enclosed front porch sets the tone, providing the perfect space to relax year-round. Inside, you’ll find fresh, neutral finishes throughout with updated flooring, paint, and fixtures. The main level features a comfortable
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
Like-New Living Without the New Construction Price This move-in-ready home has been completely renovated from top to bottom. Features 4 bedrooms, 21⁄2 bathrooms, including a main-floor primary suite with a walk-in closet and private 3/4 bath, plus a finished walk-up attic for additional living space. Main-floor laundry adds everyday convenience.The open-concept main floor is highlighted by a
Welcome to this beautifully updated home in the historic River Bend neighborhood! Thoughtfully renovated while preserving its timeless character, all improvements were approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. As you enter, you're welcomed by a functional mudroom that serves as the perfect drop zone for everyday living. The main level features a formal dining room, a spacious living area
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
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
Multi-family home with 4 individual 1 bed 1 bath units. Long term month to month rentals currently with no actual leases in place. City required the landlord to update electric so each unit has their own thermostat. Current rental certificate in place. Each unit currently pays $450 per month. Being sold "AS IS". Please allow min 24 hour notice to view occupied units. Unit #1 is vacant and can be
Great opportunity with this updated ranch home featuring two bedrooms and one full bathroom. Large main level living room with hardwood floors and enclosed front porch. Main level laundry and all appliances staying. Updated kitchen with newer counters, cabinets and appliances. Lots of storage space in the lower level. A central location in Des Moines that is close to downtown and I-235.
Fantastic opportunity to invest! Property provides the opportunity to serve as a 2 unit rental, an owner occupied rental, or conversion to a grand single family home in an area of Des Moines seeing continued development. Main level (Unit 1) houses 2 bedrooms and 2 baths with dining area in an appealing open concept. Unit 2 has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath on the second floor, with an additional third
This 6-unit multi-family property is income-producing. All units are rented and monthly rents total $4120/mo. Room for rent increases. Large basement for landlord storage. Huge parking lot. See agent notes for link to proforma info. All units have only one tenant currently, so landlord expenses are low. Individual rents:#1 $650#2 $870#3 $750#4 $650#5 $600#6 $600
This 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom house is a great home! kitchen include stove, fridge, and dishwasher. Washer/dryer hookups right off the kitchen. The main level will have 3 bedrooms and one bathroom. There's a front porch area to hang coats, place shoes, or use as extra storage. Upstairs you will find a bedroom with hardwood floors, good closet space, and its own living room area. Basement is
Experience 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. Rent is $850.00 and
Property Id: 1845521 First and last months rent free on 18 month lease for qualified renters! Welcome to your new home at 1809 Arlington Ave in Des Moines, IA! This charming 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment is perfect for you. With amenities like a dishwasher, microwave, and off-street parking, this unit has everything you need. Enjoy the convenience of on-site laundry and the security
Engage with the charm of 220 Franklin Avenue, a delightful duplex rental that offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience in the heart of Des Moines, IA. This inviting property features three spacious bedrooms, providing ample space for relaxation or creativity. With one full bath and an additional half bath, morning routines and evening wind-downs are a breeze for everyone. Imagine living
This 2 bedroom,1 bathroom is a first floor unit features eat in kitchen, large living room, hardwood floors in kitchen and bathroom, lots of sunlight all day long. Kitchen has a good amount of cabinets and counter space, appliances included refrigerator, gas stove and over the range microwave. 1 parking spot available in back. This location is minutes from the interstate, downtown Des Moines and
$1,350 per month
Affordable 3 Bedroom Home Minutes From Downtown Des Moines!
Address: 1431 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50314Rent: $1,350/monthSecurity Deposit: $1,450Size: 1,036 sq. ft.Available: 08/21/2026*Key Features:3-Bedroom1-BathroomFenced-In YardCarport with Alley AccessOriginal Character and CharmSpacious Living AreasSingle-Family HomeConveniently located just minutes from Downtown Des Moines, this home
3 Bedroom, 1.5 bathroom completely renovated house has large living room, formal dining, stainless steel appliances, 3 large bedrooms, washer and dryer included. Residents responsible for all utilities, lawn care and snow removal. Security system equipment stays and service can be transferred to residents name.Fully completed applications are processed in the order they are received. The
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.
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