South Des Moines

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.

Written By

Alicia Swain

Photography Contributed By

Landon Gauthier

Video By

Bill Jennings