by EJ Young

Created on: January 24, 2011

The capital city’s 60+ neighborhoods reflect its distinctive character.  Des Moines’ unique downtown scene is the center for an eclectic mix of diverse neighborhoods throughout Polk County and beyond.

With a lake situated downtown, an extensive trail system looping in and around the metro and miles of sky walks linking the business district, the downtown metro area is hardly typical. Each Des Moines neighborhood claims its own personality. 

From the Greater South Side to Mondamin Presidential to Waveland Park, communities contrast from urban settings, a sense of suburbia or a small-town vibe. Yet, they all seem to share a common characteristic—neighborhood pride. 

With the housing market faring better than most of the country during the recent mortgage fiasco, almost any of the neighborhoods offer housing value to fit any budget. From high rise condominiums, lofts, townhouses, apartments or single family units, any house hunter should be able to find the right fit. Des Moines neighborhoods offer newer housing developments with custom builds and century old stately homes shaded by mature trees.  

For people who enjoy historical homes, look at neighborhoods closest to downtown north of the river. Victorians, Queen Anne and a host of architectural styles line the streets in some neighborhoods. For visitors who want to soak up history, Sherman Hill boasts tours of historical mansions, offers the cultural outlet of Hoyt Sherman Place and claims a teahouse inhabited by ghosts.

For those considering Des Moines as home, this neighborhood has listing for sale or rent or restored properties as well as new apartment buildings. It’s just one of many areas aided by the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. 

If shopping is important a few neighborhoods surround shopping malls or strip malls. Meredith neighborhood is an example. Located close to Merle Hay Mall, residents enjoy big box stores, specialty shops and the restaurants and other amenities of a mall development.  If visitors are searching for exciting nightlife, clubs or edgy music venues go to the up and coming neighborhood of the trendy East Village. National political figures have endorsed restaurants and shops in this local hot spot.

For perspective residents looking for a tight-knit community, check out Beaverdale. Known for its classic brick 1950’s homes, the neighborhood seems insulated from the metro. It's also a great place to go for a beer and brat. The annual Beaverdale Festival draws big crowds.

 If close proximity to public transportation is high on the must have list, DART (Des Moines Area Rapid Transit) provides wide coverage of bus and shuttles services. Bus stops tend to pop up near schools and business centers. For example, the Drake neighborhood—home to Drake University, has convenient pick up sites scattered throughout the area. The nationally recognized Drake Relays attracts world-wide athletes and fans.

For those planning to move to Des Moines, finding a good neighborhood match for similar lifestyles, type or price of housing, shopping, schools and a host of other amenities should not be a difficult task considering Des Moines’ vibrant neighborhoods.  The difficult part will be narrowing down choices and hooking up with the community that feels like home.

For visitors or future residents, check out http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/places/neighborhoods / Des_Moines_IA  for a list of all the Des Moines neighborhoods. Check feedback on community boards to find out neighborhood calendars of events and places of interest.

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