$198,955Average Value$203Average Price per Sq Ft23Homes For Sale
A recognized, welcoming South Side neighborhood
The South Central DSM (Des Moines) neighborhood began with the merger of three previous neighborhood groups: Fort Des Moines, Magnolia Park and South Park. As one of the incorporated neighborhood organizations recognized by the city, this community is eligible for government grants to push goals forward on a wider scale. The community is positioned on the expansive South Side near Des Moines International Airport and major commercial strips leading straight into the heart of the metro area.
The neighborhood of South Central DSM in located in the bustling heart of South Side Des Moines.
The South Des Moines Sculpture Park brings a quirky aesthetic to South Central DSM.
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Midcentury homes in South Central DSM
Save for a few apartment communities with units available for rent, South Central DSM is mostly single-family homes built in the mid-1960s and 1970s. Ranch-style homes, split-levels, and bungalows sit adjacent to duplexes, some fully leased with paying tenants. The central portion of the community is occupied by Southland Mobile Home Park. Many homes are driveway-only with overflow cars parked on the lawn space, though some include detached garages in the backyard or attached garages where residents can enter through the basement level. The northern parts of the neighborhoods are lined with narrow sidewalks, streetlights, power lines and the occasional bright orange and purple DART bus stop. The same is true of the tight southern blocks—minus the sidewalks—and these concrete roads rise and dip with gentle hills. Most lots have at least a few mature trees, with some backed up to more heavily-wooded swaths. And with no homeowner’s association, residents are free to plant gardens by their front walkways or choose their home colors and backyard fence styles. Most homes here range in price from $130,000 to $290,000.
Typical ranch-style homes are found in the neighborhood of South Central DSM.
Two-Story homes line some of the streets in South Central DSM.
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South Central’s share of the Des Moines park system
Drivers through South Central DSM may be surprised to find a giant clothespin, to-do list, archery target, and other offbeat structures in the middle of a residential area. The South Des Moines Sculpture Park is a locally-owned green space and hallmark of the area, though it’s far from the only option for getting outdoors. Heading west to the Watrous South neighborhood means trips to Nahas Aquatic Center, a public pool with two slides offering daily or season passes. Walking trails encircle a fishing lake and veer off into surrounding forests at Fort Des Moines Park, a wider expanse with educational signs about local plant and wildlife species, as well as a playground and picnic shelter. It’s a short drive south to midsize Blank Park Zoo and the A.H. Blank Golf Course, two South Side anchors that draw visitors from the metro area. Rainy days mean trips to South Side Library, part of the greater Des Moines Public Library system.
South Central DSM locals can enjoy Fort Des Moines Park all year round.
Ewing Park is just east of South Central DSM and features a beautiful disc golf course.
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Schools for South Central DSM students
Like most of the city, South Central DSM is zoned for the Des Moines Independent Community School District, which has open enrollment. Kids can choose from options like Lovejoy Elementary School, which earns a C-minus from Niche, and Howe Elementary School, which gets a C. McCombs Middle School and Brody Middle School also score a C-minus. All students funnel into Lincoln High School, which scores a C from Niche. First built in 1923 to accommodate postwar population boom on the South Side, the school has been renovated several times over the years with additions like a swimming pool and student commons area. It is now one of the largest high schools in Iowa with about 2,400 students enrolled. The school’s Dollars for Scholars Chapter funds scholarships for students’ post-secondary education.
Brody Middle School serves students from 6th through 8th grade in South Central DSM.
McCombs Middle School serves South Central DSM students in grades 6-8.
Lincoln High School prepares South Central DSM students for college and beyond.
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Gathering as a community in the South Side
The South Central DSM Neighborhood Association meets several times a year to discuss community initiatives and concerns. Beyond these periodic check-ins, residents turn to South Side attractions for things to do year-round. "Blank Park does Zoo Brew, where they serve drinks and people look at the animals,” Edwards says. “They do Nightglow where they bring big sculptures and light them up, and a Trunk or Treat for families.”
Every week in the summer, South Central DSM residents enjoy Zoo Brew at Blank Park Zoo
South Central DSM residents can visit Bowlerama for year-round fun.
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Getting around the DSM Metro Area
“You're so close to airport and to downtown Des Moines,” says Dawn Edwards, an agent with Realty ONE Group Impact who has sold homes all over the metro area. “The city is kind of built so that it’s only 15 to 20 minutes to get anywhere, so the city is accessible to any side of town.” Highway Iowa 5 runs east to west in South Central DSM, while U.S. Route 69 runs north to south. Residents live about 2 miles east of Des Moines International Airport and can drive to the terminal using residential streets. Aside from those working at Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company—a major employer 3.5 miles away—many residents commute about 4 miles downtown for work. The closest option for medical care is Iowa Methodist Medical Center and Blank Children’s Hospital, a part of the UnityPoint Health system in downtown Des Moines, 5 miles north of the community.
DART bust service through South Central DSM.
South Central DSM is a bustling, vibrant neighborhood on the city's south side.
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Dining and shopping along Southeast 14th Street
Residents grab groceries at Walmart Supercenter, Aldi and Menards to the east along Southeast 14th Street, a major commercial thoroughfare. Local chains like Tasty Tacos and national favorites like Olive Garden and IHOP also occupy this stretch, along with a handful of small businesses. Cars wheel around the drive-thru at Classic Frozen Custard on hot summer nights for a sweet treat. 14th Street intersects with East Army Post Road, where anchor stores like Target and Marshalls draw traffic to Southridge Mall. While it may not be in its heyday, several portions of this center are getting a facelift. “Genisis is building a big gym in the old Sears building, and DMACC, a local college, has a campus there now too,” Edwards says. Hy-Vee and Fareway Meat and Grocery also have locations to the west on Fleur Drive, another major commercial stretch.
Southridge Mall in South Central DSM features several shopping options.
Primos Tex Mex is a local favorite Mexican joint in South Central DSM.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lauren Moore,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Jordan Park
Bike Trails
Grills
Picnic Area
Fort Des Moines Park
Bike Trails
Boating
Fishing
Gray's Lake Park
Transit
Airport
Des Moines International
7 min drive
Bus
SE 5th St & Hart Ave, Dsm
Bus
E Watrous Ave & SE 13th St, Dsm
Bus
SE 14th St & Southern Knolls Apts, Dsm
Bus
SE 14th St & Cummins Rd, Dsm
Bus
SE 5th St & E Leland Ave, Dsm
Bus
E Army Post Rd & #1140, Dsm
Bus
SW 9th St & Army Post Rd (Far-Side), Dsm
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Central DSM
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
South Central DSM Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Central DSM, Des Moines sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in South Central DSM, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $201,500, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled on a quiet street, this charming three-bedroom, one-bath home with a finished basement is the perfect place to call your own. Located near Southside Des Moines, with convenient access to the airport and nearby shopping centers, this home offers both comfort and convenience. Don’t miss this great opportunity—perfect for first-time homebuyers. Call your agent for a showing!
Incredible remodel on this 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home! So much new on this home, move right in worry free. New items include flooring, inter and exterior pain, deck, kitchen cabinets, QUARTZ countertops. NEW HVAC, new windows, new pex plumbing. The list goes on and on. Fantastic location just steps from elementary school! Tax abatement for remodel has been applied for!
This home is absolutely move in ready! The 2-story has a non-traditional flex room on the 1st floor that can be a BR. Main floor has a nice living room off of the entry, kitchen with dining area and walk in pantry. There is a roomy laundry room as well. Upstairs the are 2 more BR's including a huge primary with dual closets plus a full bath. Updates include new carpet & flooring, lighting &
Welcome to Watrous, a small community with a big heart. Its prime location places you near shopping, restaurants, parks, Easter Lake, schools and the MTA bus route. You'll find the relaxed setting is complemented by our helpful staff. Our amenities include 24-hour emergency maintenance, controlled access, laundry facilities on each level, generous closets and spacious living as well as other
The apartment homes at Park Ridge feature an array of modern amenities and many extras for your convenience. Choose from a variety of living spaces designed to meet your every need. You'll be close to transportation, shopping, and great entertainment. Call today to make Park Ridge your new home. *Prices and availability are subject to change at any time.
Newly Remodeled Apartments! Magnolia Manor is the exciting living experience that you've been waiting for. The favorable location in Des Moines is a fantastic place for those looking for a new home. You'll enjoy the spacious floor plans with one of the largest living rooms here and at Magnolia Manor use our on-site laundry and get the hook-up with access to high-speed internet. It's time to
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lauren Moore,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
10,886
Median Age
36
Population under 18
28.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$51,095
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$60,546
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
75.3%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
12.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.4%
% Population in Labor Force
72.9%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
22/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
26/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
27/ 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.
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.
