Watrous Heights
Suburban Neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa
Polk County 50315
Neighborhood comprises bungalows and ranch-style homes
While many Watrous Heights homes are midcentury bungalow and ranch-style, some older homes are also sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. Home prices are consistent, from $142,000 to $286,000. Lots are typically one-eighth acre or less, suitable for a small garden, and most houses have garages. "Homes do sell quickly here," says Jill Roghair, a Realtor with LPT Realty, LLC and West Des Moines resident for over 20 years. "It's because of the low price point and proximity to amenities."
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Parks provide picnic areas and places for boating
Families can drive 2 miles to Sayers Park, which is west of the neighborhood and has an accessible playground, basketball and tennis courts, a wading pool, picnic tables and restrooms. Grays Lake Park, located along the Raccoon River, is a scenic space with expansive lawns, a playground, boat and bike rentals, and trails that wind along the water's edge.
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High school offers a strong athletic program
Des Moines Independent Community School District serves Watrous Heights and permits enrolled students to change schools. Young people can start their education at Park Avenue Elementary School and move on to Brody Middle School, both of which receive a C-minus rating from Niche. One of the largest high schools in Iowa, the C-rated Lincoln High School has a robust athletics department with a variety of sports to choose from.
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Bus route along SW 9th Street
Downtown is a 3-mile drive, and U.S. Route 69 runs parallel to the neighborhood. Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART) bus stops can be found along SW 9th Street. Iowa Methodist Medical Center is nearby in case of emergencies.Locals can pick up a Coney
Hy-Vee is nearby for groceries and essentials. From May to October, residents can drive 3 miles to the Downtown Farmers Market, which sells fresh produce, flowers and other local goods. Several eateries are located just outside the neighborhood. Sam's Fine Foods & Egg Rolls is a family-owned restaurant serving favorites like fried rice and Lo mein. Jim's Coney Island has been serving "Coney" hot dogs, burgers and chili since 1971. Francie's Bar & Grill` is a local watering hole serving classic pub grub and drinks. This sports bar offers a "nostalgic feel with great aesthetics," according to Snover. For special occasions, residents can drive 2 miles to Skip's, a high-end restaurant that's run out of a remodeled home and serves gourmet American cuisine. Fleur Cinema & Cafe is a quaint movie theater for art, independent and current films. It also hosts a cafe serving beer and house-made snacks.
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Written By
Susan Pascal
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Paris Lape
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Chris Kew
Chris Kew
Responds QuicklyRE/MAX Precision
(515) 500-2960
250 Total Sales
1 in Watrous Heights
$147,450 Price
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Lyndsey Lamb
Lyndsey Lamb
Guardian Real Estate Group
(712) 208-8116
94 Total Sales
1 in Watrous Heights
$170,000 Price
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Jason Rude
Jason Rude
RE/MAX Precision
(515) 400-4122
376 Total Sales
5 in Watrous Heights
$167K - $243K Price Range
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Liz Lashier
Liz Lashier
NextHome Your Way
(515) 512-4526
122 Total Sales
1 in Watrous Heights
$160,000 Price
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Joanne May
Joanne May
RE/MAX Revolution
(515) 461-6816
218 Total Sales
1 in Watrous Heights
$224,900 Price
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Andrew Bruellman
Andrew Bruellman
RE/MAX Concepts
(515) 575-2183
241 Total Sales
2 in Watrous Heights
$87K - $250K Price Range
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- K to 5th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sayers Park
- Basketball
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Jordan Park
- Bike Trails
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Fort Des Moines Park
- Bike Trails
- Boating
- Fishing
Irving E. Stone Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Des Moines Water Works Park
- Bike Trails
- Fishing
- Grills
Columbus Park
MacRae Park
- Fishing
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Gray's Lake Park
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Watrous Heights | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 4 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 4 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 4 | 4 |
| Robbery | 4 | 4 |
| Burglary | 3 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 4 |
| Larceny | 3 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Watrous Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Watrous Heights, Des Moines sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Watrous Heights, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $184,900, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$191,500
Median Sale Price
$184,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$186,450
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
35
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$200
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
912
Number of Homes for Sale
7
Median Year Built
1954
Months of Supply
2.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,034
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,442
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,929
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
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Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,473
Median Age
37
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$69,899
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$77,763
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.9%
College Graduates
16.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.2%
% Population in Labor Force
75.6%
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®
37
/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
41
/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
31
/ 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
South Central DSM
Residents are welcomed into a growing South Side community
Ewing Woods-Evergreen
Quiet suburban neighborhood at the nexus of urban and rural Iowa
Greater South Side
Park-like neighborhood with a private golf course and proximity to an airport
Indianola Hills
Des Moines neighborhood is across the river from downtown
McKinley School
Historic riverside community within walking distance of downtown Des Moines
Watrous South
Small homes with nearby shopping and dining just minutes from downtown Des Moines
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