Neighborhoods of Des Moines IA

By BLAdmin | February 24, 2022 |

Des Moines is the capital and most populous city in the state of Iowa. It’s referred to as the home to major insurance companies and a significant political landscape. But the biggest question is: Is it a great place to live in?

Yes, it is!

It is a place where you can find great jobs, fantastic schools, friendly communities, short commutes, and affordable living. And if you want to know which neighborhoods would be the best for you and your family, take a look at our list below.

Accent

The Accent neighborhood has a population of around 3,995 people or more. The place offers a sparse urban feel that is quiet and comfortable, perfect for those who just want to live a simple life.

More than half of the population own their house and the average age of citizens are around 45 years old.

Here are some things that locals would say about Accent:

The place is dog-friendly
Yards are well-kept, making the neighborhood more beautiful and cleaner
It’s safe, allowing people to walk home alone at night and even let kids play outside

A lot of residents have stayed for more than 5 years and agreed that Accent, indeed, has a very peaceful community. Almost everyone is outgoing, friendly, and watches out for each other.

Beaverdale

Beaverdale is probably one of the best places to live in Des Moines, Iowa. The neighborhood has a population of around 8,984 residents. The place offers a dense suburban feel with many bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks around the area.

Some say it’s like a great small town inside a big city. Most of the residents own their homes, many of whom are young professionals.

Here are some things that locals would say about Accent:

The place is very dog-friendly
If you own a car, you wouldn’t have a hard time finding a parking space
Amenities are near each other, you can walk to restaurants and grocery stores if you want
The place is safe with well-lit streets that allow people to walk at night

Many also mentioned a variation in architecture, which may make staying in the area more interesting. If you love the holidays, then you’ll love the fact that there are holiday and community events held where everyone gets to gather together and celebrate.

You’ll meet a lot of happy and friendly people. And if you’re very particular with your health, you might find a lot of people who have common interests as you.

Capitol East

Capitol East is a small neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa with a population of around 3,423 residents. The place offers a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their place. Almost everything you need is close to you, making it perfect for those looking for convenience.

It’s one of the best neighborhoods in Des Moines for those who are looking for low-cost living. It’s also one of the most diverse in the city.

Here are some things locals say about the neighborhood:

There’s a great holiday spirit
Yards are well-kept, making the neighborhood clean and beautiful
There are community events where people can gather

The area has a great nightlife with bars and restaurants just around. And if you’re a professional who loves to chill on Friday nights, this might be the place for you.

Capitol Park

Capitol Park neighborhood has a population of around 3,434 residents. The place offers a dense suburban feel and more than half of the residents own their homes. It’s a great place for those with families, small or big.

It’s ranked to be one of the top neighborhoods with low cost living in Des Moines and a great neighborhood for young professionals to live in. There are bars, coffee shops, and parks around, making it a convenient and accessible area.

Here are some things locals say about the neighborhood:

The neighborhoods are clean, with well-kept yards
Streets are well-lit, making it a safe neighborhood to walk around at night
There’s a holiday spirit that just makes the place more lively

The area is located near some important landmarks like the Capitol, Marina, and Union Park. It’s a nice place for those who wish to grow their business, start a family, or looking for a great career opportunity.

Douglas Acres

Douglas Acres neighborhood has a population of around 4,067 residents. The area offers an urban-suburban mix feel, thanks to its accessibility to many restaurants, parks, and buildings. It’s a great neighborhood for families with kids, and more than half of the residents own their homes.

Here are some things locals have to say about the area:

For those visiting the area, you’ll be happy to know that parking is very easy
The neighborhood is clean and the yards are well-kept
Generally, the neighborhood is safe in that it still allows people to walk safely at night

Many residents here have lived for long years mainly because the neighborhood is quiet, well-lit, well-maintained, and has awesome people. There’s a great sense of community which may not be easy to find.

Downtown Des Moines

Downtown Des Moines has around 7,799 residents. It’s the central business district of Des Moines, making it a great place for working professionals to live.

Everything here is very accessible. You can make a short commute or walk towards grocery stores, restaurants, or even work. There are lots of things you can do here, like attending concerts, food hopping, attending festivals, etc. Holiday time is the best as neighbors tend to gather together for potluck and music.

It’s a nice area for professionals who also want to live a life on the weekends and Friday nights.

Drake

Drake is a large neighborhood with a population of around 15,917 residents. It is considered as one of the best places to live in Iowa and gives an urban-suburban mix feel to everyone who lives there.

It’s also considered to be one of the best places for young professionals to live because of easy access to workplaces, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. It’s also estimated that around 51% of the residents rent while 49% own their homes.

Here are some things locals say about Drake, Des Moines:

It’s a very dog-friendly neighborhood where almost all homes own a dog and walk them around
Yards are well-kept, making the whole place clean and beautiful
For visitors, there’s easy access to parking
A very diverse neighborhood of young professionals, middle-aged professionals, and retirees
has a lot of great shade thanks to the trees around

One of the locals even mentioned that it’s the perfect neighborhood for the right people. The area is quiet all week, almost everything is accessible, and there’s no traffic.

East Village

East Village, Des Moines is a small neighborhood with only around 1,599 residents where a huge portion of them are renting their homes. It offers an urban feel and is one of the best places to live for young professionals because of easy access to work.

According to locals, everything is accessible and you can sometimes just walk to reach some place. There are many restaurants, grocery stores, and other shops surrounding the area, and when you want to relax, there are parks, too.

It’s generally very quiet but things can get lively when there are events and festivals happening. But overall, it’s a safe area that is pretty much in the center of everything.

Fairground

Fairground neighborhood has a population of around 4,828 residents where most of them own their homes. It offers a sparse urban feel and is considered as one of the neighborhoods with the lowest cost of living.

Here are some things local has to say:

It’s a clean and beautiful neighborhood with well-kept yards
A car is needed to move around but parking is fairly easy
It’s a dog-friendly place
There are lots of restaurants and shops, making it an accessible and convenient place to live in

Many people have lived here for years and are testament to how quiet and warm the whole area is. Neighbors are friendly and look out for each other. It’s great for families and will make your children feel safe.

Fairmont Park

Fairmont Park neighborhood has a population of around 7,564 residents. It’s also one of the neighborhoods in Des Moines that has the lowest cost of living and most of the residents own their homes. The place offers a dense suburban feel with easy access to the things you need.

Here are some things locals say:

The whole area is beautiful, clean, and well-maintained
Parks are nearby and sidewalks are wide, making it a good place for those who love to jog in the morning and dog owners who want to walk their fur babies
Neighbors are warm and friendly
Well-patrolled by police, making it a safe place for children, too

If you want to live in a quiet neighborhood with easy access to lots of things, Fairmont Park can be a nice choice.

Frisbee Park

Frisbee Park neighborhood has a population of around 4,242 residents where more than half of them own their homes.

It is considered to be one of the best places to live in Iowa. The place gives off an urban-suburban mix feel, with lots of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops in the area.

Thanks to its accessibility to parks and above-average public schools, Frisbee Park, Des Moines is considered to be one of the best neighborhoods to raise a family. There’s also great diversity in the area, as young professionals also stay here because of the many work opportunities.

There’s easy access to what’s needed and great importance for safety. So, if you’re looking for an area that is quiet and with warm and friendly neighbors, this would be a great place to live in.

Gray’s Woods

Gray’s Woods, Des Moines has a population of around 10,993 residents, wherein most of them own their homes. It’s named as one of the best neighborhoods to buy a house and raise a family.

The place offers a dense suburban feel with lots of parks. So if you have kids or dogs, there will be a lot of room for walking and playing. You would need a car to reach some places, especially in the busier areas of the neighborhood, but you won’t have any problems with parking.

You have great neighbors around you and the police patrolling the area makes the people feel safer.

Greater Southside

Greater Southside, Des Moines is a bigger neighborhood that has a population of around 13,911 residents. Most of the residents own their homes and have a very diverse population. It’s a great place for families and young professionals.

The area offers a sparse suburban feel where bars, coffee shops, and parks are just around the area. Reaching places can be easy, thanks to great accessibility. It’s also generally quiet the whole week, but can be busy at night, especially on the weekends.

Greenwood Historic

Greenwood Historic is a small neighborhood with a population of around 2,020 residents. It’s considered as one of the best neighborhoods to live in Des Moines, which makes it also a great neighborhood where you can buy a house.

The place offers an urban feel to its residents and most of the people here own their homes. The area is picturesque, making it a great place to raise a family. And the fact that it’s in the heart of the city makes the place a joy to live in while also giving you a great sense of calm.

There are lots of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks around that are pretty accessible, whether you’d use a car or just walk. Neighbors are warm and friendly, the neighborhood is quiet, and you’ll also feel the holiday spirit with the many events happening in the community.

Highland Park

Highland Park, Des Moines has a population of around 9,755 residents with a big portion of them owning their homes.

Here are some of the things locals have to say about the area:

Parking is fairly easy for those who have cars.
The neighborhood is clean and the yards are well-kept, making the neighborhood beautiful.
Restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores are near each other making it very accessible and convenient, even if you have to walk

Some locals also mentioned how quiet, safe, and clean the neighborhood is, making it an ideal community for those who plan to raise a family. You’ll also have warm and friendly neighbors that make living in the neighborhood lively and unique.

Indianola Hills

Indianola Hills neighborhood has a population of around 9,501 residents where a great number of people own their homes. The place offers a dense suburban feel and has great ethnic and economic diversity.

One of the top things residents love is the fact that the place is dog-friendly, the yards are well-kept and beautiful, and when there are huge events, you’ll be able to feel the great holiday spirit.

It’s also accessible and convenient as you have easy access to almost anything you’d need. You can also raise a family here without any worries because the area is quiet and generally safe.

Lower Beaver

Lower Beaver neighborhood has a population of around 8,688 residents. It is considered one of the best neighborhoods to live in and even raise a family. Most than half of the population own their homes and have been living in the area for 5 years and more.

The place offers a dense suburban feel, thanks to the many trees lined up in the streets. The yard is also well-kept, the streets are clean, and there are old homes that add a sort of variety, style, and character to the area.

Here are some things locals have to say:

For those who have pets, this is a great place to be
Sidewalks are wide that even kids can play outside safely
Car is needed to access some stores but parking is fairly easy
The surroundings are quiet
The streets are well-lit, making it safe for people to walk home at night

Overall, this is a beautiful and quiet neighborhood that can be a great home where someone can raise kids.

Linden Heights

Linden Heights, Des Moines is a small neighborhood of around 1,885 residents. The place offers a dense suburban feel and most of the residents own their homes.

The area is considered to be the #1 neighborhood to live in and raise a family, according to Niche. It’s quiet, clean, and safe, great for when you have kids or even pets. The area is pretty accessible to bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

Everything you need is just around you. The neighbors are warm and friendly, making your stay here, worthwhile.

MLK Jr. Park

MLK Jr. Park, Des Moines has a population of around 2,684 residents where most of them own their homes. It is considered as the #1 neighborhood with the lowest cost of living in Des Moines, according to Niche, and is one of the most diverse neighborhoods, too.

The place offers a dense suburban feel with lots of trees around and well-kept yards. There are many places to eat nearby, but most locals say that you’d have to go to the next neighborhood so you can do any shopping.

There’s also a great level of safety, but you’d have to be careful when walking out and passing through some blocks. Sidewalks are wide enough so you can take a jog in the morning, but when it comes to reaching places, a car may be needed most of the time.

Overall, this is a quiet neighborhood with warm and friendly neighbors.

McKinley School/Columbus Park

McKinley School/Columbus Park neighborhood has a population of around 2,741 residents where most of them own their homes. The place offers a dense suburban feel and the cost of living is generally low.

Here are what locals say about the area:

For visitors who’ll visit and have cars, parking is easy
Sidewalks are wide, great for those who walk their dogs in the morning or go out for a jog
Safe with well-lit streets

Most of the residents have been here for years, and it’s said to be a great neighborhood, even for those with kids. There are lots of nice places to eat and going out for groceries can be pretty convenient.

Nightlife is great, too. There are lots of bars in the area, perfect for those working and just want to unwind during a Friday night or the weekends.

Neighbors are warm and friendly, making the community a lively place.

Meredith

Meredith, Des Moines has a population of around 7,275 residents where most of them own their homes. It is considered as one of the best places to live in Iowa, thanks to the urban-suburban mix feel it offers that makes the area more comfortable and safer.

Here are some things locals say about the area:

You’ll need a car to access some areas
Sidewalks are wide, making it a great place for you to jog in the morning
It’s safe for kids to play outside
Yards are well-kept

Most locals feel safe here, thanks to the fast response of police officers whenever they’re needed. Even neighbors are warm, friendly, and willing to give an extra hand when you need them the most.

Overall, living here is comfortable as you have convenient access to everything you need – grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, and parks. It’s great for raising a family with kids and pets.

Merle Hay

Merle Hay is one of the bigger neighborhoods in Des Moines with a population of around 15,658 residents, most of whom own their homes. It’s also one of the best places to live in Iowa, offering a dense suburban feel to those who live there.

One of the things locals love about the place is the fact that it offers safety. There’s a low crime rate, there are police officers everywhere, and everyone is just nice.

Here are more things locals talk about the place:

It’s a safe neighborhood for dogs and many other pets
Sidewalks are wide, making it a great place for those who love to jog
Streets are clean and yards are well-kept
Lots of local coffee shops, ice cream shops, grocery stores, and other businesses nearby and within a walking distance

It’s a nice and quiet neighborhood, most of the time, but can be noisy when there are events, loud music, or it’s the weekends. Neighbors are very warm and friendly, yet can also be very private.

If you love the Big City – Small City atmosphere, you’d love it here. But this time, everything is cleaner, easier to get around, and more affordable.

North of Grand

North of Grand, Des Moines has a population of around 4,323 residents, where most of them rent their homes. It’s considered as one of the best neighborhoods for young professionals and is a great place to live in Iowa.

It offers an urban feel, which is great for those who love living in the city. There are lots of great restaurants, grocery stores, bars, cafes, and shopping centers nearby, and most of them are within a walking distance from the residents’ homes.

Here are some things locals have to say about the neighborhood:

It’s a dog-friendly neighborhood
Car may be needed to reach some places, but parking is easy
It’s safe as streets are well-lit at night

North of Grand is in the center of Des Moines, making it close to everything but still having a neighborhood feel. Some pros: neighbors care about each other, the place is clean and beautiful, and the atmosphere is calm and quiet.

Oak Park

Oak Park has a population of around 6,138 residents and most of them own their homes. The cost of living is low and the place offers a sparse suburban feel with many nearby bars and parks.

Here are some things locals say about the area:

Wide sidewalks, perfect for when you love to go out for a run in the morning
Well-kept yards that keep the place beautiful
Dog-friendly and kid-friendly neighborhood

It’s a great place to raise a family. It’s very quiet and you’ll have wonderful neighbors who look out for each other.

River Bend

River Bend, Des Moines has a population of around 6,085 residents where around half of them rent their homes and the other half own them. It’s one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Des Moines, ethnically and economically.

The place offers an urban-suburban mix feel to its residents, where you can enjoy the buzzing life of the city without the noise.

Here are some things locals say about the place:

There are wide sidewalks, making it safer to jog in the morning
Yards are well-kept, making the whole place clean and beautiful
Great holiday and community spirit

It’s super close to everything you need – restaurants, shopping center, hospital, coffee shops, etc. That means you’ll have lots of places to go to when you have free time. Locals also guarantee that the food served is delicious.

The employment rate is pretty good. There are lots of career opportunities, making it a great place for young professionals, too.

Raising a family here won’t also be a problem. Neighbors are warm and friendly, there are fun festivals and events, and community spirit is undeniably felt.

Salisbury Oaks

Salisbury Oaks has a population of around 3,905 residents and is considered one of the best places to live in Iowa. Most of the residents here own their homes, which is not surprising considering that this is also one of the best neighborhoods to raise a family.

The place offers an urban-suburban mix feel where you get to enjoy the many cafes, restaurants, grocery stores, and parks available around you and still get the peace and calm you need.

Everything is pretty accessible as it’s a pretty established area. Schools are excellent and neighbors are warm and friendly.

Sherman Hill

Sherman Hill, Des Moines has around 3,485 residents where about 98% of them rent their homes. It’s also considered as one of the best places to live in Iowa and is a great area for young professionals to be.

It’s a pretty diverse neighborhood of professionals and non-professionals of different ages. If you’re looking for a great career opportunity, then you might just find it here. Another thing you’ll love here is that it’s very easy to get around places. Even if you don’t have a car, there’s an easy commute.

The yards are well-kept, with majestic trees growing, making the whole place clean and pleasing to the eyes. The place is full of history, and the beautiful homes level up the whole beauty of the place.

South Park

South Park, Des Moines has a population of around 8,192 residents where most of them own their homes. There’s a great diversity in the area, both ethnically and economically.

The place offers an urban-suburban mix feel. There are many restaurants, groceries, and parks around that give you lots of activity options to do during your free time.

Here are some things locals say about the area:

Yards are well-kept, making the neighborhood clean and beautiful
There’s a great holiday and community spirit, making living here worthwhile
Dog-friendly neighborhood as there’s lots of space where you can walk him out
A car may be needed to reach places but parking is easy

Overall, everything in this place is well-kept and well-maintained. Neighbors are warm, friendly, and truly look out for each other.

Southwestern Hills

Southwestern Hills, Des Moines has a population of 9,341 residents where most of them own their homes. It’s also considered one of the best places to live in Iowa, especially if you’re planning to raise a family.

The place offers an urban-suburban mix that makes you enjoy the busyness of the city but in a more quiet way. Here are some things locals say about the area:

It’s a very dog-friendly neighborhood
A car may be needed to reach places but parking spaces are available wherever you go
Wide sidewalks, making it safer to walk the dog or go out for a morning jog
Have well-lit streets, making it safer to walk alone at night
Has great community spirit, especially during festivals and events

There are lots of things to love about the place. Number one is that everything you need is easily accessible. There are lots of nearby cafes, restaurants, grocery stores, parks, and shopping centers for you to chill on when you need some break.

Second, there’s very low traffic, making transportation more convenient. Reaching places is also safe for those who walk or use a bike to move around. To add, the neighborhood is well-maintained. Yards are well-kept, making the surroundings look cleaner.

Lastly, it’s quiet, perfect for those who want to live in a relaxing place. With warm and friendly neighbors, you won’t have any problems with raising a family here. Schools are close by, and there’s a very low crime rate, too.

If you’re a young professional, there are lots of career opportunities waiting for you.

Union Park

Union Park neighborhood has a population of around 7,947 residents, most of whom own their homes. The place offers a dense suburban feel with a beautiful history.

There are many restaurants and shopping centers, but you might need a car to move around. Fortunately, parking is easy. One of the things people love here is the great Union park where you can also relax and chill on the weekends, or whenever you want.

Here are some things locals say about the place:

It’s a dog-friendly neighborhood
Wide sidewalks for a better jogging experience
Well-kept yards, making the streets cleaner and more pleasing to the eye
A safe neighborhood where kids can play outside

Most residents have lived here for years, and they don’t have any complaints. The cost of living is low, neighbors are friendly, and the homes are nice. The population is also very diverse. Whether you’re single, a couple, with a family, a young professional, or a retiree, you can live here without any worries.

There’s a huge opportunity wherever you turn.

Waveland Park

Waveland Park, Des Moines has a population of around 3,770 residents and a huge portion of them own their homes. It’s considered as one of the best places to live in Iowa and a great neighborhood to buy a house or even raise a family.

The place offers a dense suburban feel that is quiet and comfortable. There are lots of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and parks around, and schools are great. And if you’re a young professional, finding a job opportunity here is no problem at all.

Here are some things locals have to say about the place:

It’s 100% dog-friendly
There are wide sidewalks for morning jogs
It’s safe where you can even walk alone at night
Well-kept and well-maintained streets that beautify the neighborhood

If neighbors are a deal-breaker for you, you’ll be happy to know that residents here are very warm and friendly. There’s a community spirit that you might not find in most neighborhoods. There are even yearly block parties, so if you love having fun, there are lots of events you can join in.

Westwood

Westwood, Des Moines has a population of 5,271 residents where more than half of them own their homes. It’s one of the best neighborhoods to live in Iowa, especially if you plan to raise a family.

The place offers an urban-suburban mix, perfect for those who are looking for quieter and more comfortable city life. There’s great accessibility to everything you need, from grocery stores, shopping centers, schools, and even restaurants.

It’s a very dog-friendly neighborhood and you’ll literally see lots of dogs everywhere, it’s amazing! The historical homes add some sort of classiness to the area, and with mature plants and trees, the place just became even more beautiful.

If you’re a young professional, you might also find great career opportunities here.

Waterbury

Waterbury, Des Moines has a population of 5,463 residents where a huge percentage of the population own their homes. The neighborhood is considered one of the best places to live in Iowa, and a great place to buy a house and even raise a family.

The area offers a dense suburban feel that is peaceful, quiet, and comfortable. But don’t worry, there’s great access to everything you need.

There are lots of places to eat, grocery stores, shopping centers, and parks. Schools are at walking distances, and in cases when you’d want to use your car, you won’t have any problems with the parking.

Two things that you’d love here are the fact that it’s dog-friendly and a clean and nice-looking neighborhood. Everything is well-maintained, and the streets are well-lit, making it safe to walk alone at night.

Many residents have lived here for more than 20 years and none of them have complained about the neighbors. Everyone seems to be very warm, kind, and friendly. You’ll even love them more during events or holidays as you’ll be feeling more of the holiday and community spirit.

Woodland Heights

Woodland Heights has a population of 3,644 residents and more than half of them rent. The place offers an urban feel, making it one of the best neighborhoods for young professionals to live in.

Because the area offers more of the city life, you can expect access to almost everything you need. There are many bars, cafes, and restaurants around, perfect for when you just want to chill on a weekend.

Here are some things locals say about the place:

It’s 100% dog-friendly
Walkable grocery stores and restaurants
Wide sidewalks, great for morning jogs
Easy parking for car owners

Despite the urban feel, the neighborhood is mostly peaceful and quiet. There are a variety of houses, adding more character to the area. But most importantly, the neighbors are really nice. And if you’re a young professional, career opportunities are everywhere here.

Posted in Uncategorized