$177,317Average Value$167Average Price per Sq Ft34Homes 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.
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On average, homes in Union Park, Des Moines sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Union Park, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $179,900, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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