$200,029Average Value$240Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
A community that's "Iowa nice"
Backed up to the Des Moines International Airport and a 15-minute drive from Downtown Des Moines, Watrous South is a neighborhood known for its convenience, budget-friendly housing and “Iowa nice” residents. The neighborhood has easy access to Highway Iowa 5 and U.S. Route 69, making traveling anywhere a breeze. “There’s a lot of shopping, a lot of restaurants,” says Lance Martinson, a Realtor at RE/MAX Revolution with 20 years of experience selling in Des Moines. Many homes in the neighborhood sit atop hills, sporting neatly kept front lawns. Narrow streets, some with sidewalks, are lined with maple and oak trees, providing plenty of shade for daily walkers and bikers.
The neighborhood of Watrous South offers quiet residential streets and proximity to everything.
Zoo Brew at Blank Park Zoo is a great opportunity for Watrous South adults to enjoy the zoo.
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Small and budget-friendly
Watrous South has a variety of architectural styles, including Cape Cods, ranch-style, and bungalows. The houses tend to be smaller—often measuring around 1,000 square feet or less—and were built between the 1940s and 1960s on less than a quarter of an acre, making them budget-friendly. The price range of these homes, between $104,000 and $452,000, is a significant draw for first-time homebuyers and those looking to downsize, according to Realtor Jordan Graves with Coldwell Banker Mid-America and a life-long Des Moines resident.
Traditional housing styles such as ranches and bungalows are common in Watrous South.
Watrous South residents take pride in their city and neighborhood.
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Recreation opportunities in abundance
Watrous South is not just about convenience and affordability, it also offers a variety of recreational activities. Sayers Park features tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, a playground and a wading pool for children. During the summer, Nahas Aquatic Center is a popular destination for its public swimming pool with water slides. Just outside the neighborhood, Blank Park Zoo is a destination for animal lovers. In addition to lions, tigers, red pandas and penguins, the zoo offers train rides, a petting zoo, a carousel and regular special events. South Side Library offers a wide range of entertainment, from reading to events like scavenger hunts and story times.
Blank Park Zoo in Watrous South is a popular destination for families all over the metro.
Watrous South residents can ride their bikes along the shores of Gray's Lake Park.
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Locals love the staples
Hy-Vee or Fareway Meat & Grocery are nearby for grocery runs. Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop has been a community staple since 1952, featuring its renowned tenderloin sandwich and onion rings. Bordenaro’s Pizza & Pasta is another local hotspot that’s been around for nearly 50 years. “People come from all over to go and grab a pizza there,” Martinson says. Those looking for evening entertainment can head to Cinema & Cafe for a movie, beer and house-made snacks.
HyVee is one of a few grocery store options for residents of Watrous South.
Bordenaro's Pizza and Pasta is a Watrous South staple.
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High school offers AP classes
The community is served by the Des Moines Independent Community School District, which has open enrollment. Students can attend Wright Elementary School, which has a C score from Niche. McCombs Middle School has a C-minus. Lincoln High, one of the largest schools in the state, with over 2,400 students, offers Advanced Placement classes and received a C from Niche.
Students on the north side of Watrous South attend Wright Elementary School.
McCombs Middle School serves Watrous South students in grades 6-8.
Lincoln High School in Watrous South prepares its students for college and beyond.
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Coca-Cola is a big employer
Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company is a major employer in the area, a 3-mile drive via back roads. The closest hospital is UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Downtown Des Moines is a 6-mile drive via Fleur Drive, and the Des Moines International Airport is a 1.5-mile drive via local streets. There are some DART bus stops in the community, but most residents use their cars to commute. “If you’re looking for lower-priced living in a great neighborhood close to amenities like the airport, downtown, the zoo and golf courses, this is a good place to be,” Martinson says.
Many restaurants and other small businesses can be found along SW 9th St on Watrous South's east side.
Watrous South is a bustling residential neighborhood just south of Downtown Des Moines..
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Moderate crime
Moderate crime is reported in the area, with a 4/10 on the CAP Index.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrew Bruellman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sayers Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Arie Den Boer Arboretum
Bike Trails
Trails
Jordan Park
Bike Trails
Grills
Picnic Area
Fort Des Moines Park
Bike Trails
Boating
Fishing
Des Moines Water Works Park
Bike Trails
Fishing
Grills
MacRae Park
Fishing
Grills
Picnic Area
Gray's Lake Park
Transit
Airport
Des Moines International
7 min drive
Bus
SW 14th St & Geil Ave, Dsm
Bus
SW 14th St & Amos Ave, Dsm
Bus
SW 9th St & Emma Ave, Dsm
Bus
Army Post Rd & SW 14th St (Far-Side), Dsm
Bus
SW 14th St & Mckinley Ave (Far-Side), Dsm
Bus
SW 9th St & Randolph St, Dsm
Bus
SW 14th St & Leland Ave, Dsm
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Watrous South
US
Homicide
4
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
Watrous South Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Watrous South, Des Moines sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Watrous South, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $345,000, up 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This is a great turnkey rental property. Consists of a 964 sqft 2 bedroom raised ranch home with afinishable 3rd bedroom in the basement and a duplex each side consists of 1 bed 1 bath units. The single-family home does have a full basement with separate furnaces and a very nice two-car garage! Total rentis 2600 and Landlord pays for utilities. Both of the properties have a newer roof
This well-maintained 3-bedroom 2 bath ranch offers an inviting open floor plan and a beautifully equipped kitchen with all appliances included. You'll love the abundance of windows that flood the home with natural light.The finished lower level features a spacious family room perfect for entertaining guests. Large laundry area with a utility sink and plenty of storage throughout. Step outside to
Nestled in Des Moines' Southwest side, this 4 bedroom home has both character, and potential with just over 1400 square foot of finished space this home has the space to spread out in, and call your own. Step inside into a flexible living/dining area, just off the kitchen, with another dedicated living room in the front of the home. This home has 4 total bedrooms with two bedrooms and a full
Welcome to Wakonda! Our community offers modern apartment living and amenities for your lifestyle. Our studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment homes include contemporary features like plank flooring and ceiling fans. Our amenities are the best in the market including a recently updated fitness center, large resort-style swimming pool and deck and a bark park to coincide with our pet friendly
Willow Bend Apartments are conveniently located on Southwest 9th Street, just across from Blank Park Zoo in southwest Des Moines. The property is just minutes from downtown Des Moines, West Des Moines, and the Des Moines International Airport. It is located on the busline, has easy access to the Highway 5 By-pass, interstate access to all parts of Greater Des Moines and is close to restaurants
Welcome to Valley Acres, where quality and comfort meet.Enjoy such amenities as central air, walk in closets, and private entrances. Valley Acres is a hidden gem that is tucked away in a quiet southside residential neighborhood near Blank Park Zoo.Our on-site management will meet your needs in a friendly and efficient manner. Valley Acres offers a mixture of comfort, style and
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrew Bruellman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
9,143
Median Age
39
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$61,992
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$72,703
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.5%
College Graduates
16.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.7%
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®
42/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
47/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
27/ 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.
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.
