$447,727Average Value$224Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
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.
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
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
North District
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
North District Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in North District, Johnston sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in North District, Johnston over the last 12 months is $392,000, down 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Very well maintained, with refreshed paint and upgraded flooring, 4 bedroom home with over 2500 sq ft of finish, 3 car garage, a perfect location and beautiful yard! The main level boasts a large kitchen with center island, updated stainless steel appliances and plenty of storage. It's open to the dining area and living room with beautiful built-in's. Sliders open to the professionally landscaped
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained home in Johnston Commons, conveniently located near shopping, dining, parks, and all the amenities Johnston has to offer. Enjoy the ease of low-maintenance living while still having plenty of space both inside and out. Step inside to find a welcoming formal dining room and new luxury laminate flooring throughout the main level. The spacious kitchen
Nestled in a desirable Johnston neighborhood on a very quiet street, this spacious two story home offers over 2,800 total square feet of comfortable living space with thoughtful updates throughout. Step inside to find new carpet in the living room and updates in the kitchen including updated lighting, newer appliances and granite counter tops. A formal dining area plus a separate breakfast nook
Step inside to a dramatic open 2-story entry that sets the tone for the spacious and inviting layout, excellent for entertaining. The main level features a formal dining room, an eat-in kitchen with deck access to a private back yard, laundry and family room w/fireplace. Finished basement with large family room, egress windows, possible 5th bedroom or office, game room, and a 3/4 bath with body
Set within the private Enclave of Johnston, this 2021-built ranch by Homes by DePhillips offers refined living on 1.5 timbered acres with exceptional privacy. With over 5900 finished sf, this home features 8' doors, hardwood floors, tray ceilings, and crown molding throughout. A stunning main-level office includes built-in lit shelving, custom desk, and peaceful views. The kitchen is designed for
Experience luxury living in this stunning, fully remodeled ranch in Johnston, ideally located near Hyperion & minutes from Saylorville Lake. Renovated from top to bottom since 2021, this exceptional home offers quality new construction features on a nearly 1-acre lot surrounded by mature trees w/breathtaking views & year-round beauty. Offering over 3600SF of thoughtfully designed living space,
Build your custom home on this 0.90-acre walkout lot in Carmel Hyperion, Johnston’s newest executive community. This walkout lot offers pond views and backs up to a wooded outlot. Carmel Hyperion is a thoughtfully planned 27-lot custom home community where Denton Homes is the exclusive builder. Located within the Johnston Community School District, the community is just minutes from Saylorville
Build your custom home on this 0.80-acre walkout lot in Carmel Hyperion, Johnston’s newest executive community. This wooded homesite is surrounded by mature timber, offering a private setting. Carmel Hyperion is a thoughtfully planned 27-lot custom home community where Denton Homes is the exclusive builder. Located within the Johnston Community School District, the community is just minutes from
Build your custom home on this 1.0-acre walkout lot in Carmel Hyperion, Johnston’s newest executive community. This wooded lot offers pond views. Carmel Hyperion is a thoughtfully planned 27-lot custom home community where Denton Homes is the exclusive builder. Located within the Johnston Community School District, the community is just minutes from Saylorville Lake, with convenient access to
Build your custom home on this 0.60-acre daylight lot in Carmel Hyperion, Johnston’s newest executive community. Backing up to the short game course, this lot is just a golf cart ride from Hyperion Field Club. Carmel Hyperion is a thoughtfully planned 27-lot custom home community where Denton Homes is the exclusive builder. Located within the Johnston Community School District, the community is
Build your custom home on this 0.60-acre lot in Carmel Hyperion, Johnston’s newest executive community. This wide open lot backs up to timber, providing a natural wooded backdrop. Carmel Hyperion is a thoughtfully planned 27-lot custom home community where Denton Homes is the exclusive builder. Located within the Johnston Community School District, with convenient access to shopping, dining,
Lot 8 is a stunning corner lot offering beautiful lake views overlooking a wooded ravine, creating a peaceful and private setting. Welcome to the metro's newest and most sought-after development, featuring exceptional walk-out lots that are heavily treed and range from 2/3 acre to nearly 3 acres.Located in the highly desirable Johnston School District, this community is within walking
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,
Located at Johnston Commons Brownstones!We have a beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Townhome available for rent.Johnston Common Brownstones offers spacious two and three-bedroom townhomes with open living spaces, primary suites, and an attached two-car garage. Our professional management and maintenance teams pride themselves on consistently delivering outstanding customer
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