$380,495Average Value$228Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
Residents tend to stay put
With the Des Moines International Airport as its focal point, Southwestern Hills offers scenic beauty and commercial accessibility. Additionally, this highly walkable community features miles of recreational spaces and nearby shopping and dining, which residents appreciate. "I can wake up in the morning and see a herd of deer or a flock of geese and be on the freeway within minutes," says George Davis, president of the Southwestern Hills Neighborhood Association and a resident his entire life. "Those who move to the southside stay in the southside." A neat residential grid spreads out from the airport, sprinkled with schools, businesses and parks. To the north is the snaking Raccoon River, and at the southern border is Route 5.
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.
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.
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.
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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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
Airport
Des Moines International
4 min drive
Bus
Brody School, Dsm
Bus
Gannett Ave & Katecho, Dsm
Bus
Fleur Dr & Thornton Dr, Dsm
Bus
SW 42nd St & Army Post Rd (Far-Side), Dsm
Bus
Fleur Dr & Leland Ave, Dsm
Bus
Deer Ridge Complex, Dsm
Bus
Brody School & Rear Entrance, Dsm
Southwestern Hills Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Southwestern Hills, Des Moines sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Southwestern Hills, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $352,450, down 44% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Park Avenue by Broadmoor offers modern apartment living mere minutes from bike trails, parks, swimming beaches and more, making it perfect for the nature-lover or anyone with an appreciation for park-like grounds, shady trees and rolling grassy hills. Yes, please.If hikes and bikes arent your thing, you can soak up the great outdoors from the sprawling sun deck at the private community
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Chris Kew,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
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.
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.