$177,768Average Value$167Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes For Sale
Union Park is evolving
Named after Union Park, one of the oldest parks in the city, this Des Moines neighborhood is evolving into a happening area. “We’ve been discovered in the last couple of years, which has brought in some vibrant people,” says Jack Daugherty, longtime resident and co-chair of the Union Park Neighborhood Association. Homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s fill the neighborhood. Lifelong residents share the streets with young families whose children attend Des Moines Public Schools. The community comes together for events throughout the year, including Shiver at the Park. “It’s a fun place to live,” Daugherty says. “I feel sorry that we can’t fit the whole darn city in this neighborhood.”
Beautiful Union Park is the neighborhood's historic namesake park.
Union Park is just minutes from Downtown Des Moines.
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Union Park, neighborhood namesake and community staple
Established in 1894, Union Park features open spaces where people often set up volleyball nets, practice golf or simply enjoy the fresh air. The Heritage Carousel, also in the park, gives more than 45,000 rides every season. Union Park’s most notable attraction is the Rocket Slide. “It’s an icon,” Daugherty says. “Everyone knows the Rocket Slide.” This playground was built in 1971, during the Space Race, and is modeled after the first rocket ships. Next to Union Park is Birdland Park, which has two playgrounds, open spaces and a walking path. Des Moines River runs along both parks and is home to 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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Variety of homes fill Union Park
Mature trees separate the roads from the sidewalks. Homes from the late 19th and early 20th century are on grassy lawns that feature bushes, gardens and small trees. Victorian-style houses sit among Foursquares, Craftsmans and bungalows. “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,” Daugherty says. Prices for these single-family homes tend to fall between $125,000 and $225,000.
Residents of Union Park can stroll the sidewalks and take in the beauty of the neighborhood.
Pops of color give many Union Park homes unique style and curb appeal.
A few large Queen Anne homes can be found along Pennsylvania Avenue in Union Park.
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Students in Union Park encouraged to engage with community
Union Park lies within the Des Moines Independent Community School District, locally known as Des Moines Public Schools. Findley Elementary School receives a C from Niche, while Harding Middle School is rated C-minus. North High School scores a C and encourages students to get involved with their community through the Silver Cord Program, which recognizes students who complete 160 volunteer hours across four years. Grand View University sits at the top of the neighborhood, offering 35 undergraduate majors and seven graduate programs. Students are encouraged to volunteer within the community, and the campus serves as the meeting spot for the neighborhood association. “Grand View is one of the best neighbors you can have,” Daugherty says.
Union Park primary students attend Findley Elementary School.
Harding Middle School is one of the more historic schools in Highland Park.
North High School cares for around 1433 Highland Park students.
Grand View University resides in the northeast corner of Union Park.
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Captain Roy’s is Union Park landmark
Captain Roy’s, which Daugherty opened in 2015 with his business partner, is on the Birdland Marina and serves American classics, including wings, nachos and hoagies. “I was thinking, ‘Man, we should have a place where we can all stop and have a beer and something to eat while we hang out,” Daugherty says, which led to him opening Captain Roy’s. The restaurant has accomplished just that, and locals now drink one of the nearly 30 beers it serves while sitting on the only dock along the Des Moines River or enjoying a concert on the pontoon-turned-stage. Nearby chain restaurants include Wendy’s and B-Bop’s. People get groceries at Fareway Meat and Grocery, about 2 miles away, or Hy-Vee, which is about a 3-mile drive. Target, Walmart and Lowe’s are about 6 miles from Union Park.
Grab a drink at Captain Roy's and enjoy the sunset over the Des Moines River.
Union Park residents love Trivia Tuesdays at Captain Roy's.
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Shiver on the River and community events
Union Park maintains a busy event calendar. Thousands of Des Moines residents come out for Shiver on the River, held in February at Captain Roy’s. Activities include frozen turkey bowling, scuba slipper foot races and other unique games. “We just have a blast,” Daugherty says. The annual Dam to Des Moines Half Marathon goes through the neighborhood, and locals will hand out beer and water to runners. The Union Park Neighborhood Association hosts events throughout the year, including an Easter egg hunt.
Bike trails connect Union Park to greater Des Moines
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority has several bus stops along East 14th Street, which leads to Downtown Des Moines. The area is also bicycle-friendly, with Des Moines offering almost 70 miles of paved trails that people use on their daily commute. Des Moines International Airport is about 9 miles away and features direct flights to 30 U.S. destinations and connections to international ones. The closest emergency room is about 1 mile away, at UnityPoint Health.
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.
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Union Park reduces water pollution
Because some parts of the Des Moines River contain high levels of nitrates and other pollutants, Des Moines Water Works operates three water treatment plants throughout the city to ensure safe drinking water. On an individual scale, residents can reduce further pollution by cleaning pet waste, redirecting roof drains into gardens and using phosphorus-free fertilizer.
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 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Union Park, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $179,000, up 5% 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,
This story and half, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is tucked in a tree-lined neighborhood just a few blocks from Grand View University and Birdland Pool. Walk up the sidewalk and enter the enclosed front porch, perfect for setting up a mudroom or cozy space for your morning coffee. Inside, you will notice fresh paint, new flooring and natural light as you walk through the living space with a great
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
Brand new lvp floors throughout. All new paint on walls and trim. New ceiling fans in bedrooms. Bathroom refresh complete. Great front porch. Convenient location.
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
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
Welcome to this charming Union Park Home with original character and modern updates! You'll fall in love with the restored original woodwork and stunning hardwood floors throughout the main living areas. Enjoy your morning coffee or unwind after a long day in the spacious enclosed front porch, a perfect spot to relax. As you step inside, you're greeted by an elegant staircase, a cosy sitting area
Welcome to your new beginning! This beautifully updated home is the perfect starter home. Step inside and you’ll find brand-new LVP flooring, fresh paint throughout, and a fully remodeled kitchen with new cabinets and modern appliances. The warm and cozy layout makes this home inviting, while the recent updates mean you can move right in without worrying about repairs. A true blend of comfort,
Welcome to 1400 Mattern Avenue, a charming **three-bedroom, two-bathroom** home on a **corner lot** in Des Moines. This beautifully updated property features a **three-car garage** connected to the house by a breezeway, providing added convenience and shelter. Enjoy two **spacious side yards**, perfect for outdoor activities or garden space. Inside, the **open-concept basement** awaits your
This home has been remodeled from top to bottom by a quality contractor. You will love the new three-season porch! This addition is a great place to relax and kick off your shoes. Inside, a brand new kitchen with stainless steel appliances is the hub of the home. In 2022, new cabinets and quartz countertops were installed. All new bathrooms, with quartz-topped vanities, tiled walk-in primary
Welcome to a charming 11⁄2-story home in Des Moines’ historic Union Park neighborhood. Built in 1908, this well-maintained property blends timeless character with everyday comfort. Mature trees and classic curb appeal create a warm, inviting first impression. Inside, you’ll find over 1,400 square feet of living space with two bedrooms and one full bath. The main floor features a comfortable
2826 Oxford St, Des Moines IowaCheck out this adorable studio, duplex in Des Moines! Property is conveniently located off Hull Ave, minutes from Riverview and Crocker Parks! Property offers generous living space! Large living area with fridge and stove, window ac unit, spacious bathroom, front porch, large front yard and off street parking! Tenant pays all utitlites.No
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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.
