$204,865Average Value$193Average Price per Sq Ft33Homes 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
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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 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Watrous South, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $199,950, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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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.
