$280,187Average Value$207Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Secluded suburbia with lots of foliage
Tucked against the greenery and natural charm of Waveland Park, the little community of Waveland Woods offers residents the secluded charm of suburbia while keeping them close to creature comforts and local conveniences. “You’ve got well-maintained homes in an excellent neighborhood surrounded by amenities, like schools, aquatic centers and a theme park to the east,” says Ross Peterson, a lifelong Des Moines local and Realtor at Agency Iowa. All this and a reputation for safety have made Waveland Park very attractive to families and retirees in recent years.
Homes in Waveland Woods sit quietly among mature trees and well-kept residential streets.
Waveland Woods residents have access to a modern HyVee just down University Avenue.
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Beautifully restored historic homes
The streets of Waveland Park wind across gentle hills, cooled by the shade of steady thickets of mature trees that reach across sidewalks and driveways. Well-maintained historic and mid-century homes top carefully manicured lawns. “The real appeal is the bedroom community feel and atmosphere,” Peterson says. The most common styles include Tudor Revival, Prairie, Cape Cod and ranch-style, with skillful restorations hiding the fact that many of these buildings are over a century old. Despite this picturesque aesthetic, home prices trend lower than average for Des Moines, starting in the high $100,000s for smaller houses and reaching into the high $300,000s for larger classic homes. Sprawling estates and impeccably restored historic homes occasionally become available, generally falling between the high $600,000s and high $800,000s.
There are numerous Tudor-inspired cottages throughout Waveland Woods.
Brick ranch homes offer a quiet, affordable option for families looking to settle in Waveland Woods.
Waveland Woods features Cape Cod houses known for their compact design and classic appeal.
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Specialty high school courses in Japanese, aeronautics and biology
Students can begin their education at Windsor Elementary School, which scores a C-plus with Niche, before heading to Merrill Middle School, which has a C. Older students can enroll at Roosevelt High School, where they’ll have the opportunity to try out highly specialized coursework in subjects including Japanese, aeronautics and marine biology through the Central Academy. “We send more students to Central Academy than anyone else,” says Donna Adcock, executive secretary to Roosevelt High for almost 30 years. “It gives these kids opportunities they’re not going to get anywhere else.”
Younger students from Waveland Woods attend Windsor Elementary for early education.
Merrill Middle School serves Waveland Woods’ intermediate students in grades 6 through 8.
Waveland Woods' older students transition to Roosevelt High School, known for its architecture.
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Easy access to downtown and the airport
Interstate 235 creates the neighborhood’s southern border and provides a 5-mile route into downtown Des Moines. The Des Moines International Airport is 9 miles southeast via Iowa Highway 28. Those who prefer public transit can use the Des Moines Area Region Transit Authority (DART) for reliable bus transportation throughout the city.
Wavelave Woods residents are never too far from anything with Interstate 235 so close by.
Des Moines International Airport serves Waveland Woods commuters on daily outbound flights.
The DART bus system connects Waveland Woods to the rest of the city.
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The oldest golf course west of the Mississippi
Waveland Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course in neighboring Waveland Park. Built in 1901, this public course can boast to being the oldest municipal golf course west of the Mississippi. Located on steep hills and flush with copses of trees, Waveland has gained a reputation as a more challenging course, though that hasn’t stopped over 40,000 rounds from being played there annually. The McCollum-Waveland Tennis Complex features a dozen full-sized courts, ideal for tennis or pickleball games.
Waveland Woods hosts Iowa’s historic Waveland Golf Course, popular with local players.
Waveland Woods neighbors the century-old Waveland Golf Course in Des Moines.
McCollum Waveland Tennis Complex offers 12 courts nestled in Des Moines’ Waveland Woods.
Sports lovers gather at the McCollum Waveland Tennis Complex to enjoy its dozen tennis courts.
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Live jazz and steak at Simon's
Located in neighboring Merle Hay, Simon’s offers a classic steakhouse atmosphere with specialty cuts of meat alongside pasta, seafood and an extensive wine list. Live jazz is performed on Wednesday and Friday evenings, but be prepared to wait on busier evenings as they don’t accept reservations for parties smaller than six. Fast food like Burger King and Wendy’s can be found in surrounding neighborhoods, and the Walmart Supercenter is 1.5 miles west in Windsor Heights.
Simon’s Restaurant near Waveland Woods serves steak and live jazz in Des Moines’ Merle Hay.
The Walmart Supercenter near Waveland Woods serves residents' day-to-day needs.
Gilroy's Kitchen draws regulars from the neighborhood with its familiar charm and easy atmosphere.
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Follow the Peppermint Trail
Held yearly at the Avenues since 2004, Ingersoll Live is a block party that includes live music, dancing, local food and many family-friendly activities. During the winter holidays, the same venue becomes home to the Peppermint Trail, which takes locals on a festive journey through the city with festive entertainment and treats every step of the way.
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
Waveland Woods
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Waveland Woods Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Waveland Woods, Des Moines sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Waveland Woods, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $250,000, up 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Calling All Investors!This charming story-and-a-half home offers endless potential and is ready for you to earn some sweat equity and restore it to its former charm! Features include 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and laundry conveniently located on the main level. The spacious primary bedroom is also on the main floor, and the bonus room can serve as an additional bedroom, office, or playroom —
Welcome home to this beautifully updated charmer that blends modern stylewith cozy comfort! Step inside to a bright, inviting living space filled with natural light, warm hardwoods,and a welcoming vibe that instantly feels like home. The modern kitchen is a standout feature — crispwhite cabinetry, stylish backsplash, stainless-steel appliances, and a cheerful eat-in nook make it
This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a mature 0.218-acre corner lot and offers nearly 1,500 finished square feet of comfortable living. Inside, you’ll find a warm and updated kitchen with butcher block countertops, stainless steel appliances, gas range, and an extendable island. The front living room and all three bedrooms feature hard-surface flooring and white trim for a clean
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