Des Moines

Every day is a vacation in the “Boating Capital of the Pacific Northwest,” Central Des Moines. Des Moines is an evolving area and is home to several great restaurants and retail stores. Residents here get the benefits of waterfront living and metro convenience. Central Des Moines homebuyers can find a variety of housing choices to fit their needs. “Along the marina, you’ll find mostly condos all down the Des Moines waterfront," says Mary Kay Horton, real estate broker at Windermere who specializes in condos and luxury homes in the area. “You can find prices from $550,000 and even over $1 million.” These modern Condos would bring natural sunlight and ocean breezes through your private deck. Wake up to the calming views of the Olympic mountains and watch the daily sunset in your contemporary four-bedroom home. As you move further inland of the neighborhood, you’ll discover more detached homes with modern, ranch or craftsman architecture. Most of them were built between the 1950s and 1970s. Some standard amenities around these parts include two-car garages and three bedrooms. Prices vary between $400,000 to $600,000. Central Des Moines offers over five miles of shorelines along Puget Sound, a big attraction to homebuyers. “That’s the nicest thing about Des Moines is the walking,” Horton says. “The marina and the views are a big attraction point. There are so many activities to do.” Take your boats and yachts for a day of sailing or walk to the Des Moines Marina Pier for a day of fishing. Take the dog or family for a sunset stroll along Des Moines Beach. Casual hikes and biking can be done along the 4 miles of the Des Moines Creek Trail or the 10 miles along the Barnes Creek Nature Trails. Des Moines Kiddle Park and Creek Park offer playgrounds and grass space for the kiddos to release their energy. Several activities can be enjoyed within the recreation spaces of the Des Moines Field House, including basketball, tennis, skating and soccer. Students can begin hitting the books at Midway Elementary School, which holds a C Niche Grade. This school recently increased its after-school programs for grades K through 5. Grades six through eight students go to the C+ Niche-rated Pacific Middle School. Students here can start taking career-based courses in higher demand, such as Design and Engineering and Computer and Tech Education. Diplomas can be earned from Mount Rainier High School, which holds a B Niche grade. Students can explore the after-school options of over 20 clubs. Additionally, the school offers over 20 career classes, including sports medicine, wood tech and photography. You’ll never go hungry with the cornucopia of local restaurants along the marina. A staple spot is Wally’s Chowder House Broiler. Enjoy the views of Puget Sound while slurping down on their award-winning clam chowder and fresh catch seafood specialties. Seafood is also on the menu at Anthony’s Homeport. Enjoy a three-course sunset dinner while overlooking Maury Island and the Olympic Mountains. Before spending your day along the marina, grab a cup of espresso and sandwiches from Auntie Irene’s. Marine View Drive is a happening spot for small businesses and gourmet stores, a must-see when along the marina. Every Saturday, during summer, catch the fresh produce and the craft work of local vendors at the Des Moines Farmers Market. If you have visitors coming into town, the Seattle International Airport sits only four miles north. This airport houses 31 airlines with travel ports to 120 spots domestically and internationally. Find the ideal paradise in the “boating capital of the Pacific Northwest.”

South of Seattle and situated near the Puget Sound waterfront, North Hill is a small bedroom community and Des Moines suburb. Hilly streets make way for scenic views of the water, and some homes here even have a view of Mount Rainier in the distance. “North Hill is much more affordable than Seattle, so a lot of people who work in the city live in the neighborhood,” says Michelle Codd, real estate broker with Windermere Real Estate and a lifelong resident of the Seattle area. “This area is a great opportunity for first-time homebuyers – without traffic, commuters are about a 20-minute drive to Seattle and a 40-minute drive to Tacoma.” This neighborhood is also located less than a mile away from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, also called SeaTac, but doesn’t have the same levels of noise pollution as other Des Moines neighborhoods: “One of the benefits of North Hill is that it’s not on the flight path, so there’s not as much airplane noise,” Codd says. Single-family homes in North Hill reflect a mix of mid-century properties and newer construction, many of which sit along numbered streets in a grid-style pattern. “There are lots of ramblers here that were built in the 1950s and 60s,” Codd says, adding that a handful of these homes have seen recent renovations. Also common in this area are bi-level and tri-level properties built to accommodate the neighborhood’s hilly topography. Many of the new builds reflect contemporary-style architecture and feature elements such as low or flat roofs and asymmetrical compositions. Most homes here tend to range in price between $500,000 and $700,000, although newer constructions typically start higher at around $900,000. K-12 students here can attend public schools within the Highline School District, which receives an overall C-plus rating from Niche. The B-rated North Hill Elementary is located in the middle of the neighborhood and offers kindergarten readiness and middle school readiness programs for primary school students. Codd says that middle school students attend Sylvester Middle School, which is located in nearby Burien and receives a C rating. Secondary students might go to the B-rated Mount Rainier High School, which is situated in Des Moines and was ranked No. 11 on Niche’s 2024 “Standout High Schools in Washington” list. With proximity to Puget Sound, parks, hiking trails and beaches, residents of North Hill aren’t far from a variety of outdoor recreation activities. “Des Moines is a waterfront city with a yacht club and marina,” Codd says, adding that Marine View Park, a 27-acre natural land area along the shoreline, is a popular spot for its beachcombing and tide pools. Residents can also drive a couple of miles south to spend the day at Des Moines Beach, which serves as one of two trail endpoints for the Des Moines Creek Trail that stretches more than 2 miles. Water Tower Park is a small neighborhood green space with a playground and a shaded picnic area. Codd says that many locals also head to Saltwater State Park, a 3-mile drive away: “The state park has a large beachfront, forested trails and an underwater artificial reef that’s popular with scuba divers. It’s a great location for swimming, picnicking and exploring tidal pools.” “North Hill is right across the street from the Normandy Park commerce area, where Bistro Baffi is,” Codd says, referring to the Italian restaurant that features a full-service bar and two outdoor seating areas. This commerce area is also home to the Normandy Park Ale House, a family-friendly pub-style restaurant with classic American eats, TVs for watching sports and a patio. Residents can grab their morning coffee from North Hill Espresso, which also offers a drive-thru. For groceries, locals can drive approximately 2 miles to the Manhattan Village shopping center and do their weekly food shopping at QFC. For those who frequently have to catch flights, North Hill is conveniently located near the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which boasts more than 90 direct domestic flights in addition to dozens of international flights. Washington State Route 509, also known as 1st Avenue, runs along the neighborhood’s western boundary and travels north into Seattle and south into Des Moines. Residents are also close to Interstate 5 and Interstate 405, which “travels through the east Washington area,” Codd says. King County Metro operates a fixed bus route with numerous stops along Route 509. The North Hill Community Club hosts a number of seasonal events, including the June Community BBQ and a Christmas potluck. Every summer since 1959, Destination Des Moines, a local nonprofit organization, puts together an annual three-day celebration known as the Waterland Festival: “Parades, car shows, art exhibits, live music, food vendors and fun runs – the festival is a highlight of the summer in Des Moines, drawing in both visitors and locals for a festive atmosphere and beautiful waterfront setting,” Codd says.

Stretched between Interstate 5 and the commercial strip of Pacific Highway, Pacific Ridge is an enclave for commuters, shoppers and Mexican food enthusiasts in Des Moines. “There’s a large Mexican presence,” says Luke Richardson, Realtor with Windermere Real Estate, who sells in the area and grew up in nearby Kent. “The Hispanic influences are evident throughout the entire neighborhood.” Several Mexican restaurants line Pacific Highway, like California Burrito, a local staple serving fast-food Mexican staples 24/7, making this a popular spot for late-night snack runs. You’ll find small shopping centers up and down the road with more Mexican restaurants like Cemitas Tepeaca 2, known for its Cemitas sandwiches. When you want to hang out with friends and cheer on the Seahawks, head to La Familia, a lively sports pub and lounge that closes no earlier than midnight every day of the week. For groceries and other household products, you can shop at Safeway. One thing to note is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is just five miles north. Because of this, there are a lot of hotels on Pacific Highway. “You’re right there in the business of the airport,” says Richardson, “So it comes with the territory, but it’s also a luxury to live just five minutes from the airport.” Not only that, but you also have easy access to Interstate 5, which can get you to Seattle about 15 miles north and Tacoma 15 miles south. The residential side of Pacific Highway is sandwiched between the highway and interstate, so it can be a bit noisy, especially with the airplanes flying overhead. You’ll find a lot of quadplex apartments along with single-family ranch-style houses on quarter-acre lots ranging from $550,000 to $600,000. If you’re looking to invest in one of the apartment complexes, they sell for around $800,000 to $1 million. You can also move into a mobile home community, with one-bedroom mobile homes selling for around $450,000 to $500,000. Midway Park is just steps away from the mobile home community, giving locals an escape from the busy roads. Stop by with family and friends to have a picnic under the pavilion, while kids run free on the playground and open grassy field. The park has a basketball court that serves as a hard-surfaced soccer field you can play on as well. There’s also a community garden where you can grow your own food and get involved in gardening classes with your fellow neighbors. Kindergarten through sixth-grade students attend Midway Elementary School, rated a C by Niche. They’ll go on to Pacific Middle School, which has a C-plus grade. Students then finish their degrees at B-rated Mount Rainier High School, ranked as Niche’s 11th-best standout high school in Washington. The high school offers the world-renowned International Baccalaureate program, allowing students to earn IB diplomas. Overall, Pacific Ridge is a convenient place to live, whether you’re commuting to Seattle or Tacoma from the interstate, heading to the airport to catch a flight or enjoying delicious food from one of the many Mexican restaurants.

Situated along the shores of Puget Sound, Redondo is a place for beach lovers and boaters alike. Renowned for its sandy beaches, coastline, and laid-back atmosphere at the local marina, residents of Redondo relish the blend of urban conveniences and small-town charm. “Here, it's tranquil, it's private, more secure. It’s a little jewel,” says Thomas Cameron, Real Estate Broker with John S. Realty. This coastal neighborhood is mostly filled with a blend of well-maintained single-family homes and condos. “There’s a wide range of homes, it's very eclectic, which I think makes it very charming,” says Cameron. “Many houses face the water; there are some old cabins and some more modernized ones facing the west.” Most homes were built in the late 1970s, with home prices ranging from $500,000 to $850,000. For those seeking more opulent options, beachfront properties range from $1 million to $3 million. These luxurious homes offer amenities such as spacious rooftop decks, direct access to Redondo Beach, skylights and breathtaking views of the sound. Many residences feature covered front porches and garages. Additionally, the neighborhood is characterized by fenced-in yards with charming small gardens and covered back decks. Encompassed with towering trees, residents enjoy privacy without obscured views. Wooton Park, just a short walk away from the neighborhood, features a gazebo overlooking the waterfront along with barbecue grills. It also boasts scenic trails, a rose garden and horseshoe pits. “People have weddings and other events there, and it’s a fun place to take the kids,” says Cameron. And just 4 miles away lies local favorite Saltwater State Park. A forested 137-acre space on Puget Sound, it's popular with scuba divers exploring the submerged artificial reef, hikers and overnight campers. Redondo Park offers its residents a pet-friendly beach accompanied by swimming, surfing and volleyball. The boardwalk is also a popular pastime. “You can walk the length of the beach,” says Cameron. “Couples, children and dog walkers take early morning strolls.” The Redondo Pier is an ideal spot to grab a bite, shop or visit MaST Center Aquarium, Highline College’s marine biology center. The aquarium is home to over 250 native Puget Sound species, a 38-foot Gray Whale skeleton and Hank, the Pacific Red Octopus. The pier is also a hot spot for fishing and boaters. “There’s a big place to launch your boat,” says Cameron. “Not many places in Des Moines are left where you can launch your boat.” Local students begin their education at Woodmont Elementary School for K-8 and Sacajawea Middle School, which offers 6-8 curriculum. Students then ascend to Federal Way Senior High School. Woodmont and Sacajawea Middle both receive a C ranking on Niche, with the latter being recognized as one of the most diverse schools in the state. Federal Way holds the No. 15 spot on Niche's list of standout high schools in Washington and received an overall grade of B. The high school offers various clubs, including a Native American Club and a Powerful Women’s Club, and features top-performing boys’ and girls’ basketball and track teams. For post-secondary education, students have the option to attend Highline College, which is located just 3 miles away. Established in 1961, this public institution offers over 100 degree and certificate programs, including five applied bachelor’s degrees. For waterfront dining, residents will have to venture north near Zenith and Central Des Moines. Although not on the water, there are a few restaurants in the community, including Verrazano’s, a family-owned restaurant that has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for over 20 years. Residents can start their day by grabbing a quick warm or iced coffee and snack from Dutch Bros Coffee’s convenient drive thru. More restaurants and eateries are located in Woodmont Beach or along State Route 99/Pacific Highway in Federal Way. The nearest shopping is just 2 miles away at Redondo Square, but residents can hop on State Route 99 to easily get to downtown Des Moines. A luxurious and relaxed lifestyle filled with outdoor fun and stunning views awaits in Redondo.

Less than 5 miles south of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, South Des Moines offers a centrally located, commuter-friendly neighborhood that maintains a quiet atmosphere along its residential streets. “The only thing that’s a little noisy is the airplanes,” explains Duke Nguyen, an agent with Liberty Real Estate and resident of the area for over 35 years. A mile from the shore, the neighborhood comprises condos and single-family homes, many of which are hidden behind mature trees and thriving shrubbery. While sidewalks line some streets and connect to nearby parks, others are bordered only by grassy property edges. Many condos feature covered parking, and most homes include attached garages. Houses in South Des Moines move fast because, as Nguyen summarizes, “If you’re looking to commute, Des Moines is the way to go.” Condos in two- and three-story buildings range from $190,000 to $295,000, while single-family homes cost between $500,000 and $825,000. Contemporary homes in the Highline subdivision may cost $825,000, while ranch-style homes in Delrose Manor might cost only $559,000. Part of Highline School District, students gain access to the 12th most diverse school district in Washington, according to Niche. Students begin at Parkside Elementary before transitioning to Pacific Middle, both C-plus-rated schools. From here, students attend Mount Rainier High, a B-rated school that ranks 11th on Niche’s Standout High Schools in Washington list. Mount Rainier offers an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and Career and Technical Education pathways like retail management. For higher education, Highline College provides a walkable option. The college includes Associate of Arts and Science programs and applied bachelor's degrees in areas like cybersecurity, early childhood education and respiratory care. Because the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department plays a big role in the community, there’s no shortage of activities in the neighborhood. Grab your trowel and dig in the dirt at the Sonju Community Garden and Orchard, a volunteer-run operation that even helps to provide fresh produce to local food banks. For a renovated play area and walking trails, visit Salt Air Vista Park or Parkside Park, both only three blocks from Pacific Highway South. Steps from Saltwater State Park, the community also benefits from one of the area’s most popular park destinations. Central to Seattle and Tacoma, the park features trails, beach access along the Puget Sound, picnic spots and camping areas. “Des Moines is a really nice place for kids. It’s relaxing, it’s got the beach and it’s convenient,” Nguyen says. In fact, the city hosts Camp KHAOS for kids in the summer, and the YMCA offers childcare during the school year. With the commercial corridor along Pacific Highway South bordering the neighborhood, find all the essentials close to home. Gather fresh groceries at Fred Meyer, home improvement needs at Lowe’s and pet supplies at Petco. If you get hungry, chow down on a burger or sip on a milkshake at Dick’s Drive-In, a popular regional chain since the 1950s. Though a takeout spot intended for dining in the car, this restaurant gets jam-packed, its presence a staple in the Seattle metropolitan area. For dine-in options less than 5 miles away, Kent Station includes several restaurants and breweries, including Ram and Agave Cocina & Cantina. For a more extensive shopping trip and over a hundred stores to choose from, Westfield Southcenter includes national retailers like JCPenney, Estee Lauder, and Apple, less than 7 miles away. Centered between Valley Medical Center and St. Anne Hospital, the mall includes restaurants like Moctezuma’s Mexican, Duke’s Seafood and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. Of course, with Seattle and Tacoma equal distance from the neighborhood, you can also enjoy downtown shopping and restaurant options without even starting your car—as the A Line bus takes you in either direction. For morning commutes to tech hubs like Amazon and Microsoft, hop on Interstate 5 within minutes, a ramp less than a mile from Highline College and reach Seattle, Tacoma and Bellevue within 20 miles. For a smooth ride to work and a cozy place to relax, find a home in South Des Moines.

Woodmont is a coastal neighborhood in Des Moines, situated on the shores of Puget Sound. Initially, this area served as a summer retreat with cabins and campsites. “There’s really nothing like this neighborhood,” says Matt Small, Realtor for Coldwell Banker Danforth and longtime resident. “There are great views and a relaxed vibe. People tend to stay here for a long time, and there’s a great sense of community.” <br><br>The neighborhood features a mix of established homes, ranging from ranch-style to cottages, alongside newly constructed two-story homes. “Since some homes started as summer cabins and have been upgraded over time, it’s a little bit of an eclectic feel,” says Small. Many of these residences feature decks that overlook the waterfront. “Some houses are very elaborate and smaller, but still nice.” Most homes in Woodmont were constructed in the mid-1960s and are priced between $500,000 and $800,000, while waterfront properties cost up to $2 million. Woodmont homes typically come with well-maintained yards and garages. <br><br>Within walking distance, residents enjoy easy access to the beach, where they can watch ships passing by against the stunning backdrop of the Olympic Mountains. “There is a long stretch of beach that’s not overly crowded,” says Small. “And there’s a private beach club, with no HOA so you can join by choice. The club provides kayaking and tennis facilities.” An amenity that is appreciated by locals, which is reflected by the growing membership.<br><br>Woodmont is home to several parks. One notable green space is the 137-acre Saltwater State Park, favored for its beach area and the McSorely Creek Loop Trail, a hiking spot with naturally worn, gravel and wooden paths. Within walking distance from the neighborhood, residents can camp overnight at Woodmont Park or one of the 15 campsites within Saltwater State Park. Additionally, Glenn Nelson Park is just 2 miles away and offers locals the chance to practice tennis, play pickup soccer or let the kids enjoy the playground.<br><br>In addition to enjoying the beach, residents of the neighborhood share a fascination with extraterrestrial phenomena. Each year, they come together for the "Burning Saucer," an annual UFO event held at the Woodmont Country Club. The event includes a ceremonial burning of a saucer, a special craft ale and live music. This event commemorates "The Maury Island Incident," an alleged UFO sighting over Puget Sound in 1947. Adding to the intrigue, a mysterious obelisk appeared in Woodmont in 2021. <br><br>Local students begin their education at Woodmont Elementary School for K-8 and Sacajawea Middle School, which offers a 6-8 curriculum. Students then ascend to Federal Way Senior High School. Woodmont and Sacajawea Middle both receive a C ranking on Niche, with the latter being recognized as one of the most diverse schools in the state. Federal Way holds the No. 15 spot on Niche's list of standout high schools in Washington and received an overall grade of B. The high school offers various clubs, including a Native American Club and a Powerful Women’s Club, and features top-performing boys’ and girls’ basketball and track teams. For post-secondary education, students can attend Highline College, located just 2 miles away. Established in 1961, this public institution offers over 100 degree and certificate programs, along with five applied bachelor’s degrees.<br><br>In addition to the expansive parks, the Des Moines Marina Pier is located north in Central Des Moines and has several waterfront restaurants and shops. Residents can stroll along the pier, observe yachts and small fishing boats coming and going, and pick up fresh produce at the weekend farmer’s market. While there, visitors can indulge in fresh seafood at Wally’s Chowder House Broiler or explore the home goods store, Marina Mercantile. <br><br>Along Pacific Highway are shops and eateries including Mexican cuisine at Birrieria Apatzingan, classic pub fare and game day eats at Stimpy’s Sports Bar and Grill and teas and expresso drinks from Bubble Loves Boba. Small recommends Quarterdeck, a waterfront restaurant also located in Central Des Moines that provides craft beer for events in town, including the UFO event. “The Quaterdeck serves wine, beer and sandwiches, and they have a large outdoor seating area, overlooking the marina, so you can always see sailboats and sunsets.” For shopping, Woodmont residents frequent Redondo Square, which features anchor stores like Safeway, Gravity Coffee, Tattered Cover Bookstore and Papa Murphy’s Pizza. Additionally, Small recommends checking out the annual Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Festival, organized by The Rotary Club of Des Moines. And for those curious, there's always The Woodmont Club’s yearly UFO event. <br><br>Here in Woodmont, a beachy oasis and peaceful small-town vibe awaits.