$451,233Average Value$249Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Where suburban comfort meets nature
Situated at the furthest western boundaries of Des Moines proper, the community of Westwood is a unique blend of classic suburban comfort and bucolic greenery. Bordered on three sides by woodlands, rivers and public parks, historic residential zones are cupped in a palm of nature, creating a sense of seclusion from the busier, more developed sections of Des Moines. Despite this, the neighborhood avoids isolation with straightforward thoroughfares that connect residents to downtown and beyond. "It has access to some of the best bike trails in the country, and the trails make for connectivity throughout the city," says Jarod Snover, a lifelong Des Moines resident and a local agent at Iowa Realty Mills Crossing. "Westwood is within walking distance of the Val-Gate District, an entertainment sector with lots of new shopping and dining." This atmosphere has attracted many families and retirees looking to take advantage of the area's safety, beauty and access to amenities.
Westwood is a proud and historic neighborhood on the western edge of Des Moines.
Westwood is quiet and quaint, but still minutes from Downtown Des Moines.
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Historic homes surrounded by woodlands and the Raccoon River
Avoiding the crowded grid system of other neighborhoods, the residential sections of Westwood are spaced out to offer fuller lawns and a greater sense of privacy. Sidewalks aren't typical, and when they are included, a full lawn dotted with mature trees separates the street from the homes themselves, creating a sequestered, stately atmosphere. Housing styles and accents are distinct, with accouterments to match, including stone fences, sprawling driveways and eccentric color palettes, to name a few. "The unique Victorian and Craftsman homes have maintained their value," says Snover. "The properties are smaller than the houses in neighboring Salisbury Oaks, but big estate homes are still peppered through." Centennial Cape Cod, Tudor and Colonial-style homes are popular, with midcentury split-levels and ranch-style buildings also appearing. Prices begin in the mid-$100,000s for fixer-uppers and smaller buildings, reaching the high $300,000s for newer construction generally found on the northern part of town. Restored and renovated historic homes start in the low $600,000s, while large, elegant estates creep into the high $900,000s.
Some of the larger homes can be found on the north and east sides of Westwood.
Smaller brick homes with ornate rooflines are a great starter home option in Westwood.
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Schools that have served Des Moines for generations
Students in the area can begin their education at Hanawalt Elementary School, which has a C-plus on Niche, before attending Merrill Middle School, which has a C. From there, older students can enroll at Roosevelt High School, which specializes in the fine arts and offers theatre, vocal performance, visual art, band and dance coursework. Civic pride in local schools is a big part of the local experience, as many families have multiple generations attending the same elementary, middle or high schools over decades. "We've been here since 1923," says Donna Adcock, who's worked as the executive secretary for Roosevelt High for nearly 30 years. "We're a footprint in this community. So many people have walked these halls." Iowa's open enrollment policy allows students to choose the public school that best suits them, regardless of district.
Young Westwood students attend Hanawalt Elementary School for grades K-5.
Merrill Middle School serves students in grades 6-8.
Roosevelt High School is known for it's academic and athletic excellence.
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Art classes at the Des Moines Art Center
Greenwood Park's 80 acres of scenic nature and recreational facilities are a mainstay for residents all over Des Moines. The warmer months bring visitors eager to take advantage of its spray park, rose gardens and the Ashworth swimming pool. As the year gets colder, locals sled on the park's gentle slopes or test out their ice skates on the frozen pond. The Des Moines Art Center is a repository of modern and contemporary art from all over the world, including portrait photography, experimental ceramics and landscape paintings. Classes in a wide variety of fine arts are also offered for adults and children as young as 3.
Greenwood & Ashworth Parks are a central highlight of the Westwood neighborhood.
The Ashworth Pool is always popular during hot summer days in Westwood.
Modern art and architecture is featured in the Des Moines Art Center near Westwood.
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Korean cheesesteak at Either/Or
Upscale eatery Either/Or offers cosmopolitan-inspired cuisine with selections like the Korean Philly cheesesteak, Parisian gnocchi and Mexican cheese curds. Outdoor seating is available on their covered patio, complete with fire pits. Make sure to call ahead one hour, as they don't accept reservations. Familiar food franchises like Wendy's and Pizza Hut gather in the neighborhood's northwest corner, along with the Fareway Meat Market and Grocery Store. Trendy shopping, food and entertainment are located along the West Des Moines-based shopping corridor known as the Val-Gate District, 1 mile west.
Westwood takes pride in having a great restaurant like Either/Or in their neighborhood.
The unparalleled outdoor space at Either/Or lets patrons enjoy the beautiful warmer months.
A local Fareway Meat & Grocery is just west of Westwood along Grand Avenue.
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A quick drive to the Des Moines Airport
The neighborhood's northern border of Grand Avenue provides a straight shot into downtown Des Moines, located less than 4 miles east. The Des Moines International Airport is 8 miles southeast, allowing for more extensive travel. Public transportation is available through the Des Moines Area Region Transit Authority (DART) bus line, which provides access to most locations within the city limits for $1.75 a fare.
Follow the Peppermint Trail in the winter
Celebrated every summer in the shopping corridor known as The Avenues, Ingersoll Live is a family-friendly block party that's been providing locals with music, food, dancing and more for twenty years. During the winter holidays, the Peppermint Trail takes locals all over the community, finding festive entertainment and treats along the way.
Important to know
Flooding risk increases in the southern reaches of Westwood, peaking along the Raccoon River. The city of Des Moines offers several resources for flooding awareness and insurance.
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
Are you familiar with the Westwood neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Westwood
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Westwood Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Westwood, Des Moines sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Westwood, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $366,500, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This fully redone, move-in-ready South of Grand stunner blends timeless charm with modern style, steps from Des Moines’ best walking/biking trails, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Inside, enjoy a beautifully remodeled kitchen with new appliances, newly refreshed bath with modern fixtures, refinished hardwood floors, updated lighting, and fresh paint throughout. The upstairs renovation
Come visit this split foyer home in one of the most sought out neighborhoods south of Grand in Des Moines. 3 bedroom with hardwood floors and LVP, a large living room and dining area that leads to an open patio and a backyard. Updated kitchen with painted cabinets and stainless steal appliances. Downstairs has an additional family room with a half bath and plenty of storage. Roof replaced in
This property, Park Life, is a stunning luxury renovation of a classic South of Grand residence. It is located in the beautiful Greenwood-Ashworth Park neighborhood, and the home is elevated on the lot to provide fantastic views of this densely wooded area. Over the years, the home's layout became compartmentalized and dated. Alair Homes has reimagined and reworked the property inside and out,
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.
