Southwestern Hills
Suburban Neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa
Polk County 50312, 50321
Diverse housing
Southwestern Hills is a community that caters to diverse housing needs. It comprises sections of older homes dating back to the 50s, offering a touch of nostalgia, and newer houses built in recent years, providing modern comfort. The architectural styles vary from modest ranch-style and tidy bungalows to contemporary and traditional, each offering sizeable lots, starting at 1/4 acre, and garage space. For those seeking a different living experience, some townhome units can be found to the northwest. Housing prices range from $185,000 to $669,000, enabling something for everyone. Tree-lined streetscapes with sidewalks, cul-de-sacs and manicured lawns characterize the community.Water works park is a major destination
There are three major recreational attractions in the northeast corner. The Des Moines Water Works Park, the location of Des Moines' municipal water utility, is one of the largest urban parks in the country. At 1,500 acres, this massive green space has a playground, walking trails, picnic areas and grills. The Arie Den Boer Arboretum includes the world's largest collection of flowering crabapple trees. Gray's Lake Park features an accessible playground, a beach, boat and bike rental, walking/bike trails and open space. The park also hosts several events during the year.District has open enrollment
With open enrollment, the Des Moines Independent Community School District serves the Southwestern Hills community. Students can walk to and start their education at Jefferson Elementary, which has a C-plus grade from Niche. Brody Middle School received a C-minus, and Lincoln High School, which has a C grade, offers Advanced Placement classes.Ironman is coming
Every year, the city holds the Ironman triathlon in June. Beginning at Gray's Lake, the course is 70.3 miles of scenic beauty that showcases the central Iowa landscape.Airport is in the center of town
With Interstate 235 nearby and the airport within the neighborhood boundaries, travel and commuting are very convenient. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, Broadlawns Medical Center and Iowa Methodist Medical Center are all within 4 miles via local streets. There are a few Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) bus stops in the area; however, most residents are car-dependent.Having a drink with the dog
When it's time to go grocery shopping, residents can head to Fleur Drive on the east end. "We are very fortunate to have three major markets in one area," Davis says. Hy-Vee Grocery Store, Fareway Meat and Grocery and Cash Saver Food Outlet are within a couple of minutes of each other. Restaurants like The Green Olive strike a balance between fast casual and a sit-down experience, offering Mediterranean-style wraps and kebab platters. Popular among the locals, Jethro's BBQ is a regional chain famous for its pulled pork sandwiches, burgers and wings. The Jasper Winery has a polished tasting room for sampling a variety of wines. Dog lovers will enjoy a trip to Paws & Pints with their canine companions. The bar offers a full food and drink menu, weekly happy hours, specials and events. The bar connects a turfed dog area to a 3.5-acre natural grass backyard filled with amenities.
Written By
Susan Pascal
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Daniel Quattro
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Agents Specializing in this Area
-
Kris Mehmen
Kris Mehmen
RE/MAX Precision
(515) 400-4689
83 Total Sales
2 in Southwestern Hills
$252K - $375K Price Range
-
Donna Bistrican
Donna Bistrican
Fathom Realty
(515) 461-8320
29 Total Sales
1 in Southwestern Hills
$390,000 Price
-
Chris Kew
Chris Kew
Responds QuicklyRE/MAX Precision
(515) 500-2960
250 Total Sales
1 in Southwestern Hills
$250,000 Price
-
Lyndsey Lamb
Lyndsey Lamb
Guardian Real Estate Group
(712) 208-8116
94 Total Sales
1 in Southwestern Hills
$487,500 Price
-
Jason Rude
Jason Rude
RE/MAX Precision
(515) 400-4122
376 Total Sales
1 in Southwestern Hills
$181,000 Price
-
David Welch
David Welch
RE/MAX Precision
(515) 519-9867
266 Total Sales
20 in Southwestern Hills
$185K - $796K Price Range
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 9th
- Public
- K to 5th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Chamberlain Park
- Picnic Area
- Playground
Arie Den Boer Arboretum
- Bike Trails
- Trails
Des Moines Water Works Park
- Bike Trails
- Fishing
- Grills
Brown's Woods
- Trails
- River
- Hiking
Gray's Lake Park
Frisbie Park
- Basketball
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Southwestern Hills | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 3 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 3 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 3 | 4 |
| Robbery | 3 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 3 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Southwestern Hills Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Southwestern Hills, Des Moines sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Southwestern Hills, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $349,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$379,945
Median Sale Price
$349,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$372,450
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$470,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$252,750
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
55
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
8%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$220
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,772
Number of Homes for Sale
25
Median Year Built
1977
Months of Supply
5.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,874
On par with the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,140
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,241
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
1,241
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
14,810
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
-
$1,015 - $1,460 per month
- Park Avenue by Broadmoor
- 1-2 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 634+ Sq Ft
- 4400 Park Ave
- Des Moines, IA
-
$685 - $1,100 per month
- The Pointe on Fleur
- 1-3 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 680+ Sq Ft
- 2800 Fleur Dr
- Des Moines, IA
-
$925 - $1,049 per month
- The Village at Gray's Lake Apartments - De...
- 1-2 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 700+ Sq Ft
- 2270 Bell Ave
- Des Moines, IA
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
8,483
Median Age
37
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$68,929
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$89,731
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.7%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
36.2%
Advanced Degrees
12.9%
% Population in Labor Force
76.6%
Above the national average
65.1%
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®
32
/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
3
/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
0
/ 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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Linden Heights
Secluded Des Moines neighborhood on the National Register of Historic Places
Greater South Side
Park-like neighborhood with a private golf course and proximity to an airport
Greenwood
Des Moines' original Billionaires' Row neighborhood with historic mansions
Haines Park
Historic estates by the Governor's Mansion at Terrace Hill
Watrous Heights
Never have to travel far for healthcare, boating and fresh produce
Ingersoll Park
Quiet streets and lively neighborhood block parties near Downtown Des Moines.
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