$446,744Average Value$256Average Price per Sq Ft1Home 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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joanne May,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Greenwood - Ashworth Park
Bike Trails
Grills
Lake
McCollum-Waveland Tennis Complex
Picnic Area
Tennis
Pickleball
Windsor Heights Dog Park
Dog Park
American Legion Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Grills
Frisbie Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Nellie Phenix Commons
Transit
Airport
Des Moines International
14 min drive
Bus
Grand Ave & 61st St (Far-Side), Dsm
Westwood Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Westwood, Des Moines sell after 122 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Westwood, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $200,000, down 55% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully updated and well maintained colonial home in the highly desired South of Grand neighborhood. Entering the home you will be welcomed by the charm and character we all love to see, with modern updates throughout! The updated kitchen features new quartz and marble countertops, a built-in wet bar, and custom built in seating perfect for dinner parties! The kitchen opens to
Welcome to your dream Tudor home, nestled in the South of Grand neighborhood, offering the perfect blend of historic charm & modern luxury. This meticulously renovated residence boasts 3 bedrooms & 2 bath w/an add'l 4th bedroom retreat in the finished attic area, providing ample space for your family's needs. Step inside to discover a chef's delight kitchen featuring a 15-foot island, abundant
Looking for something, cute, cozy, maybe lightly magical? Step through the storybook curved door into a home bursting with charm—original woodwork, a handful of cozy fireplaces, and just enough quirk to keep things interesting. Out back, you'll find an exterior fireplace, stone steps, and a yard with serious potential—all in a location that’s tough to top.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joanne May,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,090
Median Age
42
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$93,258
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$148,350
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.4%
College Graduates
68.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
22.4%
% Population in Labor Force
80.3%
Above the national average
65.1%
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®
28/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
4/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
17/ 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.
