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Sherman Hill

Sherman Hill

$370,438 Average Value
$198 Average Price per Sq Ft
8 Homes For Sale

Sherman Hill is the historic heartbeat of Downtown Des Moines

Sherman Hill brings historic charm to Des Moines. Brightly painted Victorian homes, tall trees and sidewalk-lined streets give the city's oldest residential neighborhood a suburban feeling despite being so close to downtown. The active Sherman Hill Association helps neighbors stay connected through annual events, and some homes are within walking or biking distance of restaurants, shops and a theater built in the late 1800s.

The Sherman Hill neighborhood is officially recognized as a Historic District.
The Sherman Hill neighborhood is officially recognized as a Historic District.
Residents of Sherman Hill love their quaint, historic neighborhood just minutes from downtown.
Residents of Sherman Hill love their quaint, historic neighborhood just minutes from downtown.
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Housing options in Sherman Hill

The neighborhood features mostly Victorian homes, with a handful of American Foursquares and Craftsman-style houses mixed in. “It’s completely historic, it has some of the most beautiful homes in the metro,” says Darson Grantham, a Realtor with The Grantham Group. Prices range from the low $300,000s to the high $600,000s.

The city provides tax breaks and other incentives to assist homeowners. “At one point, to spur renovations, the city was literally selling homes for $1,” says Robert McCammon, a long-time resident and president of the Sherman Hill Association. Many of those homes went through extensive renovations. “These houses could have been 50 tons of debris in the landfill. But thanks to a bit of work, these 130-year-old houses could be around for another 130 years. That’s pretty special.”

Grand and ornate Victorian homes are what Sherman Hill is known for.
Grand and ornate Victorian homes are what Sherman Hill is known for.
Beautiful historic homes tucked into mature shady trees give Sherman Hill its charm.
Beautiful historic homes tucked into mature shady trees give Sherman Hill its charm.
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Sherman Hill's community events and cultural venues

The Sherman Hill Association holds neighborhood meetings and community events and manages the preservation committee. The close-knit neighborhood goes all out for Halloween on the Hill each year, featuring decorated homes, local food vendors and live dance performances. All proceeds go to the Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network. The association’s Doors to the Past event is a walking tour of the neighborhood’s historic homes.

Hoyt Sherman Place is a theater, mansion and art gallery all in one. The venue, built in 1877, hosts ballets, concerts, comedians and more. Many homes are just a short walk away from a night out at the theater. “It might be the best place to see a show in the whole city,” McCammon says.

Hoyt Sherman Place's theater in Sherman Hill hosts internationally known acts and artists.
Hoyt Sherman Place's theater in Sherman Hill hosts internationally known acts and artists.
Hoyt Sherman Place hosts several concerts and events every week.
Hoyt Sherman Place hosts several concerts and events every week.
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Walkability and getting around the neighborhood

Grantham says most residents choose to drive because of how little traffic there is, and how close the neighborhood is to major roads, like Interstate 235 and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. However, there are a few alternatives to navigate the city. “[Sherman Hill] is one of the more walkable neighborhoods,” Grantham says. Although public transportation is not commonly used in the neighborhood, there are a few Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) bus stops available. McCammon says biking is a more popular mode of transportation. “All along the south border of the neighborhood, into the park, there are dedicated bike lanes,” he says.

Sherman Hill's proximity to Downtown Des Moines makes it convenient and accessible.
Sherman Hill's proximity to Downtown Des Moines makes it convenient and accessible.
Sherman Hill residents take pride in their neighborhood and their city.
Sherman Hill residents take pride in their neighborhood and their city.
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Shopping and dining in Sherman Hill

Despite being a more residential area, Sherman Hill has dining and entertainment options right in the neighborhood:

  • A Dong Restaurant is a family-owned eatery that’s been serving Vietnamese dishes since the 1980s.
  • Aposto offers upscale Southern Italian cuisine in a 1880s Victorian mansion.
  • Carl’s is a local dive bar known for its cheap drinks, free popcorn and live music.
  • Smokey Row serves French-roasted coffee and a menu that includes ice cream.
Sherman Hills also has a handful of specialty shops, including Gateway Market, which offers a selection of natural and organic foods.

The patio of Big Grove Brewery fills up most nights and hosts weekly events.
The patio of Big Grove Brewery fills up most nights and hosts weekly events.
Sherman Hill residents love the convenience of having Gateway Market in their neighborhood.
Sherman Hill residents love the convenience of having Gateway Market in their neighborhood.
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Schools in the neighborhood

Kids in the neighborhood can attend Des Moines Public Schools and have other choices when it comes to their education. If a student wants to transfer to another school within the district, like a magnet school, they can apply for a within-district transfer. Those wanting to enroll in a different Iowa school district may be able to do so through the state’s Open Enrollment program. There are some private school options a little farther out, including Joshua Christian Academy in the Martin Luther King Jr Park neighborhood.

Edmunds Elementary School sits on the north side of the neighborhood.
Edmunds Elementary School sits on the north side of the neighborhood.
The Roosevelt High School main entrance emanates with the history that flows through its halls.
The Roosevelt High School main entrance emanates with the history that flows through its halls.
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Joyelle Ronan
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Drew Davis
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Bob Yukich
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Bob Yukich

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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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Des Moines International

11 min drive

Bus

Crocker St & 19th St, Dsm

Bus

Woodland Ave / 17Th St, Dsm

Bus

Woodland Ave / 19Th St (Far-Side), Dsm

Bus

Cottage Grove Ave / 19Th St, Dsm

Bus

Center St & 17th St (Far-Side), Dsm

Bus

15th St & Center St (Far-Side), Dsm

Bus

Ingersoll Ave & 18th St, Dsm

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Sherman Hill US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 8 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 8 4
Larceny 7 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
199
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Median Year Built
1895
Months of Supply
8.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,768
Below the national average
1,934
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,985
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,917
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
5
Median Rent
$875
Median Single Family Home Rent
$4,200
Median Condo Rent
$875
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,085

Demographics

Total Population
1,985
Median Age
35
Population Density
13 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$46,500
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$70,860

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.8%
College Graduates
57.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.7%
% Population in Labor Force
83.4%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
14°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
45''

Area Factors

Moderately bikeable

Bikeability®

60 / 100

Moderately walkable

Walkability®

70 / 100

Some public transit

Transit®

40 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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
Sherman Hill