$361,008Average Value$199Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Fine suburban living in city of Johnston
Located about 4 miles south of Saylorville Lake and bordering Beaver Creek to the west, Central Johnston is a tranquil residential community that is in proximity to the city of Des Moines. Cited by Money Magazine as the “top suburb in Iowa,” this neighborhood has often received accolades for its reasonable cost of living, top-rated schools and quality of life. “This is a neighborhood north of the city with a small-town feel; it’s got good transportation, outstanding schools, lots of boating and recreational options and big employers such as DuPont, John Deere and Iowa PBS,” says Jerry Steenhoek, a local agent serving the Dallas County area at Iowa Realty Waukee.
Quiet suburban streets in Central Johnston.
Many yards are landscaped and come with mature trees.
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Residential homes in Johnston
Primarily comprised of ranch-style and Colonial Revival homes, properties in Central Johnston sit on sizeable, landscaped front lawns with leafy trees that shade the sidewalks. A 2,700-square-foot, single-family home with three bedrooms can be listed from about $400,000 to $550,000. “The home value in the Johnston area continues to trend upward; although the homes have longer days on the market, we are still seeing multiple offers coming in for listings,” says Steenhoek.
Central Johnston homes often adorn two car garages.
Many modern houses sit within Central Johnston.
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Johnston Community School District
Prospective schools include Henry A. Wallace Elementary School and Johnston Middle School, both of which have an overall A score from Niche. Johnston High School has an A-minus rating and, with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), offers a dual-enrollment program for students interested in careers such as business, health sciences, design and engineering.
Young students attend Henry A Wallace Elementary School
Johnston Middle School is located in the Northwest Johnston neighborhood of Johnston, IA.
Johnston Senior High School welcomes students.
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Area parks in Johnston
The 200-acre Terra Park is at the heart of Central Johnson, providing residents with scenic trails, a grassy outdoor event space for concerts and celebrations, a playground and a fishing pier at Terra Lake for anglers. Lew Clarkson Park, which is adjacent to Beaver Creek, is connected to the Green Meadows West Trail and the Beaver Creek Greenbelt Trail for casual strolls or hikes. There is also a nine-hole disc golf course near the park’s wooded area for enthusiastic players.
Anglers take to Terra Park Fishing Pier.
Terra Park trails lead to a playground.
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Shopping and dining on Merle Hay Road
The neighborhood’s nearest grocery store Hy-Vee is along Greendale Road, and staple restaurants like the upscale Trostel’s Greenbriar are on Merle Hay Road. For casual fare, visit the Cactus Bob’s BBQ Corral, which is often praised for authentic briskets and longhorn barbeque dishes. For shopping and entertainment, head 2 miles south to the Merle Hay Mall, which is complete with a movie theater, a bowling alley and over 90 fashion labels and restaurants. Big-box retailers such as Target and Kohl’s are also at the mall.
Cactus Bob's BBQ restaurant entrance for a good night out.
Residents grab groceries at HyVee in the Merle Hay shopping center.
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Local celebrations in Johnston
Johnston Green Days is an annual festival that takes place at Terra Park with carnival rides, parades and a business Expo. The Green Festival at Johnston Commons Park is another yearly celebration featuring kite-building, kite flying, live music and fun for the entire family. Closer to the city, the 11-day Iowa State Fair takes place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds with carnival rides, live performances and shows, nearly 100 food vendors and 1 million visitors. Additional celebrations include the World Food and Music Festival offering cuisine from 26 countries, the two-day 80/35 Music Festival featuring artists from around the world and the Des Moines Arts Festival.
Navigating Johnston and Des Moines
While the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) provides bus routes for areas of Des Moines, not every neighborhood has an accessible bus stop. Central Johnston remains a car-dependent community for daily and work commutes. Medical clinics such as UnityPoint Health – Johnston and Mercy One – Johnston are in the neighborhood, and UnityPoint Health – Iowa Lutheran Hospital is about 10 miles away. The Des Moines International Airport is about 15 miles to the south, and Interstate 80 and Interstate 35 lead into Chicago and Minneapolis, respectively.
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 Central Johnston neighborhood?
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Central Johnston
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Central Johnston Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central Johnston, Johnston sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Johnston, Johnston over the last 12 months is $315,000, down 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This stunning 11,000 sq ft Mediterranean-style estate seamlessly blends luxury, comfort, and sustainability on a private 3-acre lot. The open floor plan features exquisite hardwood floors throughout, an updated kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a spacious walk-in pantry. The home boasts two main-level suites with attached baths, four generously sized upper-level
Nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and surrounded by mature trees, this inviting Johnston townhome offers the best of both worlds — serenity and convenience. Located just minutes from Merle Hay Road, you'll enjoy quick access to shopping, dining, and all things Johnston has to offer.Step out onto the spacious back deck and take in the peaceful view of the walking trail that leads
PRICE REDUCED on this beautiful townhome backing to Terra Park in Johnston! Affordable living with a scenic setting in this well-maintained two-story townhome in the desirable Homestead development in Johnston. Spacious townhome features two bedrooms upstairs plus additional finished space in the basement, perfect for a second living area, office, or simply a place to retreat. Main level offers a
Meticulously maintained ranch offering over 3,450 finished sf and backing to the Johnston Greenbelt! This spacious home features a lg family room with built-in cabinets and a striking double-sided gas fireplace shared with the primary suite. Double doors lead to a 4-season room with access to the composite deck?perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The kitchen offers an island, dining space,
Move-in ready 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhome in the heart of Johnston! Located on a cul-de-sac, just steps from scenic Terra Lake and walking paths, Open-concept main living area with natural light and access to a south-facing deck, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The kitchen has been thoughtfully remodeled with quartz countertops and storage, plus all appliances stay. Upstairs is the primary
This well maintained ranch style townhome was built in 1980 was fully updated in 2023. It features 1468 sqft on the main floor and is conveniently located in the popular Crown Point in Green Meadows neighborhood in Johnston. Close to Terra Park, bike and walking trails, shopping and many restaurants. This cozy and comfortable townhome has a new kitchen (eat-in), newer LVP and interior paint, a
This beautifully designed ranch townhome features two main-level bedrooms and a full bath. One bedroom includes custom built-ins, a desk area, and laundry hookups—perfect for a home office or hobby room. The open kitchen flows into a vaulted living room with laminate flooring and a gas fireplace. Enjoy outdoor living on the spacious deck overlooking expansive green space. The lower level offers
This one is SPECTACULAR!!! Completely remodeled from top to bottom inside and out. You'll love the beautiful kitchen with a huge island, new backsplash and pot filler, WOLF appliances, double ovens and commercial grade refrigerator. All new flooring throughout with heated floors in the sunroom and primary bath. Dining area with tons of built-ins w/roll out shelving. The newly finished lower level
One-owner Johnston home tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, featuring backyard access to local trails and just minutes from schools, parks, shopping, dining, and interstate access. Recent updates include a new deck and exterior paint (2023) and a water heater (2020). Inside, you’ll find spacious rooms and abundant storage throughout, including a well-appointed kitchen, walk-in primary closet, and
Welcome to 6194 Terrace Drive, Unit #3, a beautifully renovated 3-bedroom townhome nestled in the Green Meadows Neighborhood of Johnston. The home boasts 1,800+ square feet of stylish, functional living in a location that keeps you close to everything Central Iowa has to offer including a direct connection to the bike trails!From the moment you step inside, you'll appreciate the fresh, modern
Wonderful location for this 2-bedroom walk-out ranch offering maintenance-free living!The open floor plan features a kitchen, dining area, and family room with a fireplace and sliders to the deck, perfect for enjoying the fabulous view. The yard gently slopes down to the bike path, trees, and plenty of open space where you can often watch deer.There are two bathrooms, including one off
Welcome home to this beautifully located Johnston condo, just steps from a scenic walking path and only a couple blocks from Terra Park—one of the area’s true gems. Enjoy easy access to fishing, playgrounds, peaceful walking trails, and picnic areas right in your neighborhood.Inside, the inviting living room features vaulted ceilings, newer carpet, and a cozy wood-burning fireplace, creating
Overlooking the city of Johnston, Residences at 62W ascends above all that has come before. Modern design within minutes of city luxuries, matched with the tranquility of the suburbs, creates a unique lifestyle. Featuring market leading amenities, upscale apartment finishes, and superior customer service, Residences at 62W offers an unparalleled living experience.*Offers and prices
Brand New Apartments in Johnston IA offering spacious 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes. We are located off of Merle Hay Road with easy access to I35 to get to downtown Des Moines or West Des Moines. Conveniently located by grocery stores, employment, restaurants, and the Johnston schools. Pets Welcome!
Winwood Apartments is nestled in the peaceful surroundings of Johnston's Green Meadows community. Offering a variety of studio, one, and two bedroom luxury apartment homes, Winwood Apartments include such amenities as a washer/dryer in every unit, vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, and outside storage. Many unique features make living at Winwood an exclusive, luxurious experience, and on-site
With 30 different floor plans to choose from, you're bound to find just what you're looking for in Cadence. Whether you're looking for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartment or townhome, we have something for everyone. Come browse our photo gallery and see our contemporary, open-concept homes, or book a tour so that you can get a better feel of how our community and apartment amenities will fit
$1,799 per month
One Month FREE Rent - New 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Ranch Twin Home!
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