Residential neighborhood between Camp Dodge and Saylorville Lake
The North District of Johnston, Iowa, is a small residential community between Camp Dodge and Saylorville Lake. Homes in the area are clustered in developments on either side of Beaver Drive, one of Johnston’s main thoroughfares. “The neighborhood is very visually appealing, with all the trees and Saylorville Lake,” says Elli Jennings, Realtor for Re/Max, who has lived in the Des Moines area all her life. “There are some really cool midcentury homes there too.” Locals have access to several city parks and bodies of water, as well as miles of trails.
North District area parks
Locals can visit nearby Morningside Park, which has a picnic area, playground and access to a loop of trails around Johnston. They can also visit Johnston Commons, a 14-acre park with amenities such as a basketball court and playground. To get up close and personal with military vehicles, people can pull into the overlook beside Camp Dodge, marked Tank Hill Park, where there are tanks, a fighter jet and a scenic vista. “We try to make sure that every development of homes has a park within a quarter mile,” says John Schmitz, the director of parks and recreation for Johnston. In addition, Saylorville Lake, a reservoir maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offers recreational opportunities such as boating, camping and fishing. Those with an interest in military history can visit the Iowa Gold Star Museum, located in the center of Camp Dodge, which offers tours of retired tanks and aircraft, as well as hands-on exhibits focused on these vehicles.
Playground at Morningside Park with slide.
The Johnston Commons features a massive park, pond, playground, walking trails, historical museum, and the Johnston Public Library
Bob Shetler Campground below Saylorville Lake features spaces for RV and tent camping, as well as activities like fishing and archery
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Variety of homes around the North District
There is a wide variety of homes in the North District, from three-bedroom midcentury ranch and farmhouse-style places to newly built homes near Saylorville Lake valued at around $1 million. “It’s a pretty sought-after area. It’s not unfriendly to first-time homebuyers, but it’s not the most affordable,” says Jennings. “There is less inventory, so when something comes up for sale, it goes quickly.” Median list prices are in the low-to-mid $400,000 range. Three-bedroom, traditional-style homes may list for around $400,000, but many of the newly constructed traditional-style homes are valued between $550,000 and $1 million.
Kites on the Green and Johnston Green Days
In Johnston Commons, on the first Saturday in May, there is an annual Kites on the Green event with bol racing, kite fighting and an inflatable obstacle course. In June, the city holds Johnston Green Days, a multi-day event with a carnival and live music. The festival also entails a coronation of the King and Queen of Green. This experience takes place in Terra Park, which is about 2.5 miles from the North District.
Grabbing a bite to eat near the North District
For shopping needs, Fareway Meat and Grocery and Hy-Vee Grocery are both along Merle Hay Road, about 1 mile south of the North District. There is also a Walgreens nearby and several locally owned restaurants. “Charlotte’s Kitchen and Flame are both very popular,” Schmitz says. Flame serves tacos and burgers, and Charlotte’s Kitchen is known for crispy fried chicken sandwiches. Members of the Hyperion Field Club can dine at the on-site restaurant.
North District residents have access to daily groceries and an amazing meat counter at Fareway Grocery
North District residents have access to groceries and other daily needs from HyVee on Merle Hay Road
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North District zoned schools
North District students may attend Henry A. Wallace Elementary School, which rates an A on Niche. Johnston Middle School also earns an A, and Johnston High School, an A-minus. Johnston High partners with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) to offer dual enrollment courses, including industrial technology and health occupations. They have a nationally ranked show choir, and their soccer and girls’ basketball teams made it to state championships in 2023.
Getting to and from home in the North District
Johnston is about 12 miles from downtown Des Moines. “The area has easy access to Des Moines, but there isn’t much pass-through traffic,” Schmitz says. “Also, there’s a trail system that allows you to get from place to place without having to get in your car.” Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) buses pick up riders along Northwest 70th Avenue and Merle Hay Road, taking them to the DART central station in Des Moines. Stops begin at 6:30 a.m., and the final stop is just before 8:00 p.m. on weekdays. Buses run on Saturdays and Sundays as well but with a more limited schedule. Des Moines International Airport, which offers nonstop flights to cities such as Austin and Phoenix, is 12.5 miles south.
Area considerations
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) most recent survey, Beaver Creek was assessed to be in good condition for aquatic life, but it is listed as impacted due to bacteria that may make it unsafe for swimming and boating. Saylorville Reservoir was listed as impacted due to murky water. Camp Dodge serves as the headquarters for the Iowa National Guard, the Midwest Counterdrug Training Center, the Fire Service Training Bureau and the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
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If you want amenities close by but still want privacy and is 20 minutes to downtown DSM, Ankeny, or Jordan Creek, this home is for you! Located at the end of a cul de sac, this home has very low traffic and a private backyard. From the front door you have a large family room with hardwood floors and a gorgeous fireplace. There is plenty of light with the doors going out to the backyard onto one
Tucked away among lush landscaping lies the Mansions at Hemingway. Representing the newest concept in luxury apartment living, your new home looks like a mansion from the inside and out. Using cultured stone and lap-siding, these beautiful homes are a stand-out. The Mansions at Hemingway afford you a distinguished urban address enhanced by the natural beauty of the nearby Saylorville Lake
The Avenue at Johnston Commons offers 2 and 3 bedroom apartment homes located in a serene community. Over half of our apartments are a townhome layout (with no other resident above or below you). Our community exudes all the charm of small town living with the excitement of Des Moines close at hand. We even have the Johnston library directly across the street! You will enjoy beautiful parks,
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,919
Median Age
35
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$100,139
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$144,569
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.7%
College Graduates
54.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
11°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
30''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
19/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
16/ 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.
