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Watrous Heights

Watrous Heights

Suburban Neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa

Polk County 50315
$192,882 Average Value
$192 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes For Sale

Colorful murals throughout the community

Nestled in the heart of Des Moines, Watrous Heights is a thriving neighborhood that balances urban living and suburban tranquility. Just 6 miles from downtown, the neighborhood offers easy access to shopping, dining and parks, plus it's within walking distance of many schools." It is an all-around good middle-class neighborhood," says Jarod Snover, a local agent at Iowa Realty Mills Crossing who has been servicing the greater Des Moines area with 5 years of experience. Not all of the narrow streets are tree-lined but most have sidewalks for dog walks and evening strolls. Colorful murals brighten streets, like the one at the corner of Rose Avenue and SW 9th Street. It's important to note that residents experience noise from Des Moines International Airport, which is only 2 miles away.

Watrous Heights sits minutes south of downtown Des Moines, with small-town charm.
Watrous Heights sits minutes south of downtown Des Moines, with small-town charm.
The Downtown Farmers Market is a short hop from Watrous Heights for fresh finds.
The Downtown Farmers Market is a short hop from Watrous Heights for fresh finds.
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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."

Ranch homes in Watrous Heights sit close together, offering wide driveways for easy parking.
Ranch homes in Watrous Heights sit close together, offering wide driveways for easy parking.
Modest Watrous Heights bungalows often come with larger lawns for play and gardens.
Modest Watrous Heights bungalows often come with larger lawns for play and gardens.
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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.

Hy-Vee near Watrous Heights makes stocking up on everyday essentials simple.
Hy-Vee near Watrous Heights makes stocking up on everyday essentials simple.
Sam's Fine Foods & Egg Rolls is a family-owned Watrous Heights institution.
Sam's Fine Foods & Egg Rolls is a family-owned Watrous Heights institution.
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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.

Sayers Park brings a playground, walking trails, and picnic space minutes from Watrous Heights.
Sayers Park brings a playground, walking trails, and picnic space minutes from Watrous Heights.
Gray's Lake Park, near Watrous Heights, offers picnic tables and riverside views for visitors.
Gray's Lake Park, near Watrous Heights, offers picnic tables and riverside views for visitors.
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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.

Lincoln High School offers robust academics and athletics for Watrous Heights teens.
Lincoln High School offers robust academics and athletics for Watrous Heights teens.
Brody Middle School supports Watrous Heights students with clubs and enrichment.
Brody Middle School supports Watrous Heights students with clubs and enrichment.
Park Avenue Elementary serves Watrous Heights with a well-rounded, community feel.
Park Avenue Elementary serves Watrous Heights with a well-rounded, community feel.
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Susan Pascal
Written By
Susan Pascal
Drew Davis
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
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Paris Lape

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

7 min drive

Bus

SW 9th St & Marion St, Dsm

Bus

SW 9th St & Trowbridge St, Dsm

Bus

SW 9th St & Mckinley Ave (Far-Side), Dsm

Bus

SW 9th St & Watrous Ave (Far-Side), Dsm

Bus

SW 9th St & Jarvis St, Dsm

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Watrous Heights 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

Watrous Heights Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$179,900
Median Sale Price
$171,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$171,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
29
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-13%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$192

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
914
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Median Year Built
1954
Months of Supply
3.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,036
Significantly below the national average
1,927
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,442
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,147

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
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
Below the national average
$79,601
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
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®

37 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

49 / 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

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
Watrous Heights