Section Image

River Woods

River Woods

Suburban Neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa

Polk County 50320
$283,105 Average Value
$217 Average Price per Sq Ft
10 Homes For Sale

A secluded community on the Des Moines River

Tucked into a crook of the Des Moines River and close to vast stretches of trees, the neighborhood of River Woods comes by its name honestly. This serene area has attracted a community to match, bringing together families, retirees and anyone who prefers a quiet evening to the high-energy speed of living downtown. Lightly populated, River Woods is filled with amenities custom-made for the outdoorsy, trading a wide variety of local businesses and restaurants for sporting fields and public parks. “I’ve heard it referred to as ‘the Mayberry of Des Moines,’” says Denise Benda, the River Woods Neighborhood Association president, referring to the TV portrayal of idyllic, small-town life. “I think that says it perfectly.”

Newer developments and large lawns

About half of River Woods consists of fields and wooded lowlands bordering the Des Moines River to the east. Most housing is found on long, meandering streets that follow the neighborhood’s western and southern boundaries. The median yard size is less than 1/4 acre, and homes tend to have wide driveways and two-car garages. Most homes were built in or after the 1980s. Contemporary Craftsman and ranch-style houses are the dominant styles, with prices starting in the mid-$100,000s for townhomes and reaching the high $200,000s for houses built in the past 30 years. The latest construction often includes amenities such as smart-home technology, and it peaks in the mid-$300,000s.

A public institution at East High School

Students are zoned for three specific schools within the Des Moines Public Schools system. River Woods Elementary School, which has a C-minus on Niche, is is within a 15-minute walk for those living north of East Park Avenue. Weeks Middle School, has a C-minus rating, and East High School, which scores a C. Established in 1861, East has award-winning theatrical productions and sports teams for every season.
The River Woods Elementary building was opened in 2000 and has undergone a few renovations.
The River Woods Elementary building was opened in 2000 and has undergone a few renovations.
South Park's Weeks Middle School has royal blue and silver as its school colors.
South Park's Weeks Middle School has royal blue and silver as its school colors.
The newer entrance of East High School emulates the columns of Capitol Park, IA.
The newer entrance of East High School emulates the columns of Capitol Park, IA.
1/3
Carl Voss Trail is adjacent to homes for easy access for residents.
Carl Voss Trail is adjacent to homes for easy access for residents.

Private, but convenient to downtown

Hartford Avenue, one of the area’s main thoroughfares, runs 5 miles northwest to downtown Des Moines. Sidewalks are common in the neighborhood, which is bisected by a 2-mile biking trail. “You can always see people walking and biking along the trails to get around,” says Nikki Brazelton, the community manager of Prairie Winds Apartments, who has lived in Des Moines her whole life. The UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center, 5 miles away, specializes in cancer treatment and surgery.

Classic Italian at Scornovacca's

Dedicated almost entirely to homes and outdoor recreation, local businesses and restaurants in River Woods aren’t easy to come by. “But I don’t see that as a detriment,” Benda says. “People just want to live here. When they want to go shopping, they know where to go.” In nearby Indianola Hills, Scornovacca’s Ristorante has served pasta, pizza and sandwiches since 1973. It also offers outdoor dining on a sprawling, fenced-in patio. The Southgate Shopping Center, 2 miles west in South Park, includes a Hy-Vee Grocery Store, Dollar General and more.

Baseball at Cownie Park

In the northern portion of the neighborhood, James W. Cownie Park offers the 5-mile paved Carl Voss Trail, eight baseball diamonds, 12 soccer fields and direct access to the Des Moines River. The park is also home to the Drake University soccer team. “The park gets especially crowded during the warmer seasons; it’s usually super busy,” Brazelton says.
James W. Cownie Soccer Park has space for concessions and plenty of River Woods fans.
James W. Cownie Soccer Park has space for concessions and plenty of River Woods fans.
James W. Cownie Baseball Park is well maintained for a game at any time.
James W. Cownie Baseball Park is well maintained for a game at any time.
James W. Cownie Soccer Park brightens up River Woods with themed decorations.
James W. Cownie Soccer Park brightens up River Woods with themed decorations.
1/3

Family friendly holiday events

River Woods residents also get together for holidays and special occasions. National Night Out has been popular recently, with locals participating in family-friendly activities while getting to know the neighborhood and town police. But an annual holiday event starring Santa Claus takes the cake for the number of visitors. “We had over 200 families in 2023,” Benda says. “It was the largest crowd they’ve ever had. I always look forward to it. It doesn’t cost anything, and we make sure everybody’s included.”
Phil Keeling
Written By
Phil Keeling
Drew Davis
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Kyo Nguyen
Video By
Kyo Nguyen

Agents Specializing in this Area

  • Ryan Hoover

    Ryan Hoover

    Responds Quickly

    Weichert, Realtors - 515 Agency

    (515) 361-5728

    75 Total Sales

    1 in River Woods

    $300,000 Price

    Ryan Hoover
     Section Image
  • Andrew Bruellman

    Andrew Bruellman

    RE/MAX Concepts

    (515) 575-2183

    234 Total Sales

    1 in River Woods

    $269,900 Price

    Andrew Bruellman
     Section Image
  • Jason Rude

    Jason Rude

    RE/MAX Precision

    (515) 400-4122

    373 Total Sales

    2 in River Woods

    $195K - $230K Price Range

    Jason Rude
     Section Image
  • Ginger Atcheson

    Ginger Atcheson

    Real Estate Property Solutions, LLC

    (515) 400-3340

    185 Total Sales

    3 in River Woods

    $230K - $330K Price Range

    Ginger Atcheson
     Section Image
  • Liz Lashier

    Liz Lashier

    NextHome Your Way

    (515) 512-4526

    125 Total Sales

    1 in River Woods

    $255,000 Price

    Liz Lashier
     Section Image
  • Kris Mehmen

    Kris Mehmen

    RE/MAX Precision

    (515) 400-4689

    80 Total Sales

    1 in River Woods

    $238,400 Price

    Kris Mehmen
     Section Image
See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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
Explore All Schools

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Ryan Hoover, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime River Woods US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

River Woods Demographics and Home Trends

On average, homes in River Woods, Des Moines sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in River Woods, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $385,950.

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$454,995
Median Sale Price
$385,950
Median Single Family Sale Price
$455,990
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$370,995
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$255,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
20
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$217

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
784
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Median Year Built
1999
Months of Supply
6.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,345
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
882
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,315
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
1,419
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

See All Homes

Homes for Rent

See All Homes For Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Ryan Hoover, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value

Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,203
Median Age
34
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.2%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$80,524
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$87,798

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
81.1%
College Graduates
19.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.7%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
74.4%

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®

26 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

3 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

5 / 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.

Learn How Walk Score Works

Nearby Neighborhoods

Chesterfield
Chesterfield

Suburban community with urban location on the banks of the Des Moines River

Laurel Hill
Laurel Hill

Neighborhood within walking distance from the Iowa State Fair grounds

Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park

Small neighborhood filled with parks near Downtown Des Moines

Bloomfield/Allen
Bloomfield/Allen

Outdoor adventures abound in this secluded suburb south of Des Moines.

Fairground
Fairground

Older homes right next door to the Iowa State Fairgrounds

Search Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the River Woods neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Iowa Polk County Des Moines
River Woods
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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
River Woods
Ryan Hoover
Weichert, Realtors - 515 Agency Section Image
Ryan Hoover
Ryan Hoover
Weichert, Realtors - 515 Agency
Agent experienced in this area
Section Image