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Southwestern Hills

Southwestern Hills

Suburban Neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa

Polk County 50312 , 50321
$399,244 Average Value
$214 Average Price per Sq Ft
27 Homes 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.

Southwestern Hills' Arie Den Boer Arboretum's crabapple trees are beautiful in spring.
Southwestern Hills' Arie Den Boer Arboretum's crabapple trees are beautiful in spring.
The outdoor stage of Des Moines Water Works Park in Southwestern Hills.
The outdoor stage of Des Moines Water Works Park in Southwestern Hills.
Southwestern Hills is home to the Fleur Cinema and Cafe, Des Moines' premier arthouse theater.
Southwestern Hills is home to the Fleur Cinema and Cafe, Des Moines' premier arthouse theater.
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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.

Larger, historic homes can be found in the neighborhoods along Park Avenue on Southwestern Hills' north side.
Larger, historic homes can be found in the neighborhoods along Park Avenue on Southwestern Hills' north side.
Many beautiful two-story homes line the streets on the north side of Southwestern Hills.
Many beautiful two-story homes line the streets on the north side of Southwestern Hills.
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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.

The expanse of Water Works Park has something for every Southwestern Hills resident.
The expanse of Water Works Park has something for every Southwestern Hills resident.
Water Works Park just south of Downtown is a popular live music destination.
Water Works Park just south of Downtown is a popular live music destination.
Gray's Lake Park in Southwestern Hills features a playground right down on the lake.
Gray's Lake Park in Southwestern Hills features a playground right down on the lake.
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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.

Southwestern Hills residents have access to a HyVee Grocery for their daily grocery needs.
Southwestern Hills residents have access to a HyVee Grocery for their daily grocery needs.
Southwestern Hills' Paws & Pints offers a full service bar while your pets enjoy the park.
Southwestern Hills' Paws & Pints offers a full service bar while your pets enjoy the park.
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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.

Jefferson Elementary serves Southwestern Hills' younger students.
Jefferson Elementary serves Southwestern Hills' younger students.
Brody Middle School serves students from 6th through 8th grade in Southwestern Hills.
Brody Middle School serves students from 6th through 8th grade in Southwestern Hills.
Lincoln High School prepares Southwestern Hills students for college and beyond.
Lincoln High School prepares Southwestern Hills students for college and beyond.
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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.

Susan Pascal
Written By
Susan Pascal
Drew Davis
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Wengel Abiy
Video By
Wengel Abiy

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

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

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Southwestern Hills US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Southwestern Hills Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$377,450
Median Sale Price
$371,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$360,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$342,500
Median Studio Sale Price
$308,250
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
65
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
8%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$214

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,781
Number of Homes for Sale
27
Median Year Built
1977
Months of Supply
5.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,875
On par with the national average
1,927
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,173
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,241
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
1,328
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
14,810

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 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
Below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$89,731

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.7%
On par with the national average
89%
College Graduates
36.2%
Advanced Degrees
12.9%
% Population in Labor Force
76.6%
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

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

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
Southwestern Hills