$284,881Average Value$208Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes 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.
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.
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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 Baseball Park is well maintained for a game at any time.
James W. Cownie Soccer Park brightens up River Woods with themed decorations.
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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.”
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
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
River Woods
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
River Woods Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in River Woods, Des Moines sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in River Woods, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $285,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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