$177,870Average Value$166Average Price per Sq Ft26Homes For Sale
Historic homes and parks shape Union Park’s community vibe
One of Des Moines ’ up-and-coming neighborhoods, Union Park combines parks, vintage charm and a strong sense of community. Lifelong residents share the streets with young families whose children attend Des Moines Public Schools. Homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s fill the area. The namesake park features unique features like a carousel and a rocket-themed playground, and the area has many bike trails.
Beautiful Union Park is the neighborhood's historic namesake park.
Union Park is just minutes from Downtown Des Moines.
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Historic home styles with prices from the $70,000s to the $300,000s
The neighborhood has Victorian-style houses, Foursquares, Craftsmans and bungalows from the late 19th and early 20th century. “It’s a little bit older of a neighborhood, but we have had some renovations there,” says Angela Veatch, a Realtor with Re/Max Revolution who sells in the area. The median lot size is under a quarter of an acre, and the grassy lawns often have bushes, gardens and small trees. The variety of homes creates a nice streetscape. “The house right across from me was built in 1894 and is a Queen Anne three-story, just gorgeous, and about a block away is an 800-square-foot bungalow,” says Jack Daugherty, longtime resident and co-chair of the Union Park Neighborhood Association.
Prices for these single-family homes start in the low $70,000s and go up to the mid-$300,000s. Union Park’s median sale price is in the high $100,000s, slightly higher than Capitol Park and Highland Park ’s medians in the mid-$100,00s. Homes stay on the market for about 45 days, which is lower than the national average of about 55 days.
Residents can stroll the sidewalks and take in the beauty of the neighborhood.
Pops of color give many homes unique style and curb appeal.
A few large Queen Anne homes can be found along Pennsylvania Avenue.
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Family-friendly parks with unique rides and plenty of green space
Union Park has been a community staple since 1894. It has open spaces where people often set up volleyball nets, practice golf or enjoy the fresh air. The park is also home to unique attractions, like The Heritage Carousel, which gives more than 45,000 rides each season. The Rocket Slide is a playground built in 1971 during the Space Race and is modeled after the first rocket ships. “It’s an icon,” Daugherty says. “Everyone knows the Rocket Slide.” Next to Union Park is Birdland Park, which has two playgrounds, open spaces and a walking path. The Des Moines River runs along both parks and is the site of Des Moines Rowing, the Des Moines Boat Club and Birdland Marina.
Union Park is famous for the huge and historic carousel in the center of the park.
The historic Rocket Slide was recently renovated to be better and safer.
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Events that reflect the neighborhood’s community vibe
“We’ve been discovered in the last couple of years, which has brought in some vibrant people,” Daugherty says. Thousands of people throughout the city come out for Shiver on the River, held in February at Captain Roy’s, a restaurant on the Birdland Marina. Activities include frozen turkey bowling, scuba slipper foot races and other unique games. The annual Dam to Des Moines Half Marathon goes through the neighborhood, and the Union Park Neighborhood Association hosts events throughout the year, including an Easter egg hunt. “It’s a fun place to live,” Daugherty says. “I feel sorry that we can’t fit the whole darn city in this neighborhood.”
Grab a drink at Captain Roy's and enjoy the sunset over the Des Moines River.
Locals love Trivia Tuesdays at Captain Roy's.
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Education options from neighborhood schools to Grand View University
Students in Union Park can attend Des Moines Public Schools, where they can transfer to other schools within or out of the district, if space is available. North High School offers dual-enrollment courses through Des Moines Area Community College.
Located at the top of the neighborhood, Grand View University offers 35 undergraduate majors and seven graduate programs. Students are encouraged to volunteer in the community, and the campus is the neighborhood association's meeting spot. “Grand View is one of the best neighbors you can have,” Daugherty says.
Primary students attend Findley Elementary School.
Harding Middle School is one of the more historic schools in the area.
North High School cares for around 1433 students.
Grand View University resides in the northeast corner of Union Park.
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Bike trails connect Union Park to greater Des Moines
Most people rely on cars to get around, and the commute to Downtown Des Moines is a few miles. But residents have a few other options for navigating the city and beyond:
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority has several bus stops along East 14th Street, which leads to downtown.
The area is bicycle-friendly, with Des Moines offering almost 70 miles of paved trails that people use on their daily commute.
Des Moines International Airport is less than 10 miles away and has direct flights to several U.S. destinations.
The Neil Smith Trail follows the river and connects to many Greater Des Moines trails.
Boaters can be on the water in minutes at Birdland Marina.
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
Are you familiar with the Union Park neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Union Park
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
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
Union Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Union Park, Des Moines sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Union Park, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $179,900, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This beautifully preserved home is full of charm with just the right amount of space! Improvements include a new 200 amp service, newer siding, roof, windows and new flooring and newer paint. Upstairs you will find a mother-in-law suite with two bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom-perfect for guests or extra living space. Oh and this suite has it's own, private access! Located on a gorgeous,
Move-in ready and full of character, this two-story home offers space, charm, and flexibility. An enclosed front porch welcomes you in and leads to a bright living room filled with natural light from ample windows. Original woodwork adds warmth and timeless appeal throughout. The eat-in kitchen features a built-in table that stays with the home — a perfect everyday dining space. Upstairs, you’ll
Charming Craftsman-style home featuring beautiful built-ins including a hutch, bench, bookcase, and a wood-burning brick fireplace. The home offers nice high ceilings, adding to the character and openness throughout. Recent updates include fresh kitchen paint, new kitchen countertops, newer roof, newer HVAC, and some updated plumbing and electrical. Walk-in shower provides handicap accessibility.
Welcome home to this charming 3 bedroom/1 bath home with over 1150 sq ft and updates galore. With a little cosmetic TLC, this home could really shine. Just inside the front door, you are greeted with a beautiful, cozy sunroom. Through the sunroom, an open concept living room, dining room, and kitchen are at the heart of this home. Updated kitchen cabinetry and newer appliances make this kitchen a
Step into this fully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home featuring modern finishes and timeless charm. The main level offers two spacious bedrooms and a beautifully refreshed full bathroom, while the upper level provides a private third bedroom—perfect for a home office, guest room, or additional living space. Enjoy peace of mind with numerous upgrades throughout, including brand-new windows, all-new
Recent updates to this 2 bedroom in Union Park neighborhood include new AC and furnace, fresh paint throughout and an updated bathroom. Original hardwood floors and woodwork throughout including the staircase. Pantry off the kitchen for a huge amount of storage. Large basement with some areas ready to finish. A workbench in the basement for those that like to build or do crafts. Enclosed front
PRICE IMPROVEMENT! Brand new lvp floors throughout! All new paint on walls and trim. New ceiling fans in bedrooms. Bathroom refresh complete. HUGE front porch. Potential bathroom already stubbed in basement and framed up ready to complete for big value add opportunity. Convenient location with great access to downtown, Union Park and Highland Park.
Welcome to 730 Guthrie Ave. This 1.5-story home offers a great opportunity to live across the street from Union Park, one of Des Moines’ most popular outdoor destinations. A spacious home with nearly 1,600 sq ft of living space, the layout includes two bedrooms & a full bath on the main level as well as two additional bedrooms and a 3⁄4 bath on the upper level, providing flexibility for a variety
This is a midcentury build with character on the southern edge of the Highland Park neighborhood. The property includes 3 apartments up with a 4 car garage on the ground floor. A freight elevator is accessible from the garage and serves 3 total floors. The lower level features 1,600 sf of office/retail. The building was formerly a Jewelers with onsite living quarters. A technically advanced and
Welcome home! This well-located 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath property near Grand View University offers space, flexibility, and convenience. The open living areas provide room to gather, while the unfinished basement offers endless possibilities?create a rec room, guest suite, or extra storage. Enjoy being close to parks, schools, and everything Des Moines has to offer while still having the comfort of
Great home coming in on budget! 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 car detached garage, large fenced yard. Roof replaced 2019, Furnace and AC replaced within the last 5 years. Close to shopping, schools, bus line, and I-80. Birdland park,NFC financing available. This home would make a great fist time home buyer or rental property.Has lots of charm. Financing options FHA, VA, Conventional, NFC, and Cash.
Step inside this charming historic Colonial just steps from Union Park! Inside, you’ll love the character throughout,original hardwood floors, glass knobs, a formal dining room, cozy breakfast nook, spacious living room, and a real wood-burning fireplace. Upstairs you will find 3 spacious bedrooms and a newly remodeled bathroom with large walk in shower. Up Upstairs, discover an unfinished attic
This is a large size ranch home with 3 bedroom, Family room, Dinning room, and 1 full bath upstairs. Additional family room , laundry, kitchenette, non conforming bedroom and a full bath in the fully finished basement. There are large 2 fully covered patio rooms/ sunrooms one in the front and on in the back. All new stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. All new flooring, paint, light
Hidden Surprises -- Vintage 1917 Craftsman - 2 units in one -- 1833 E. 9th - overlooks Union Park and near Captain Roys, bike trails, etc. The home has lots of woodwork and a really cool vintage kitchen - with all new appliances. It has beautiful wooden beams on the ceiling, a grand fireplace, a two car garage out back and a huge porch across the front of the home - overlooking Union Park across
Hidden Surprises -- restored Historic Home - built in 1921 - for Rent -- lots of character (one mile north of downtown - via the bike trail or by street) - and just down the street from Beautiful and historic Union Park. Come explore the beauty of this vintage park. Take a ride on the historic carousel, play tennis in the park - or hang out at Captain Roys for food, drink and music - on
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