The 7 Best Des Moines Neighborhoods To Call Home In 2025

Are you looking to put down roots in a city that blends affordability, opportunity, and charm? Des Moines, the capital of the Hawkeye State, is a vibrant Midwestern city that offers peaceful living, lovely public outdoor spaces, superb public schools, and a growing job market. Dubbed the “Hartford of the West,” Des Moines, Iowa, is attracting residents who work in various booming industries, including insurance, finance, ag-tech, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. With median home prices ranging from approximately $203,000 to $470,000, there's a home and neighborhood for every budget. A closer examination of some of Des Moines’ most sought-after neighborhoods will help you decide where you fit into this thriving city.

Waterbury

Celebrated as one of Des Moines' most desirable neighborhoods, Waterbury is a fabulous place to live. The neighborhood's appeal is reflected in its real estate prices, where the median home value is $470,000. However, residents find that the benefits of living on tree-lined streets and spacious home lots conveniently located near Grand Avenue and I-235 make the home prices worth it. Waterbury is near the Des Moines Art Center and Greenwood-Ashworth Park, as well as health care facilities like UnityPoint Health clinics, which all add value to the neighborhood. Because community engagement and safety are also high priorities in Waterbury, annual events like Oktoberfest and the Waterbury Neighborhood Association meeting help create a strong sense of community and cooperation among residents.

Downtown Des Moines

Downtown Des Moines offers an urban lifestyle and an excellent quality of life. Downtown also boasts a diverse culinary scene with local favorites including The Iowa Taproom, The Royal Mile, and many more. When residents want to appreciate the artwork in their neighborhood, they head to The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Des Moines Performing Arts Center, and the Principal Riverwalk. The Downtown Farmers' Market is a great place to buy local products and meet friendly neighbors. For families with children, this neighborhood is home to excellent private educational institutions such as The Downtown School and Walnut Street School. In Downtown Des Moines, the median home values are around $260,000, making it an attractive location for homebuyers seeking an urban environment at affordable prices.

Woodland Heights

Situated just two miles west of downtown, Woodland Heights is close to the heart of Des Moines but still offers a peaceful, community-oriented atmosphere. Living in Woodland Heights is financially accessible, with the median home value around $203,000, and there are also apartment complexes in the area for renters. Smouse Opportunity School and Ruby Van Meter School are both located in the neighborhood, and Drake University is located just a mile to the north. The Woodland Heights Organization works to improve the neighborhood and foster social connections. Residents can enjoy walking down well-kept sidewalks lined with large oak trees on their way to the Woodland Heights’ various restaurants and shops. GT Race Car Bar is a great place in the neighborhood to get a cool drink and play pool.

Westwood

Westwood, a neighborhood located at the western edge of De Moines, is surrounded by woodlands and parks. The tranquil environment and proximity to downtown Des Moines via Grand Avenue make it a highly sought-after place to settle down. With the average home value at approximately $376,000 and tons of green space, residents can enjoy a high quality of life. Families appreciate the quality education provided by the West Des Moines Community Schools district, as well as the easy access to public amenities such as Greenwood Park Playground, Ashworth swimming pool, and Claire and Miles Mills Rose Garden.

Greenwood Historic

Greenwood Historic is one of Des Moines' most distinguished neighborhoods. Located near Raccoon River, many of the area’s large homes were built in the 1800s and early 1900s, giving the neighborhood its signature historic vibes. The National Register of Historic Places lists places such as Plymouth Church and St. Augustin Catholic Church, which adds to the rich heritage of Greenwood Historic. Families love that Greenwood Elementary School, an institution that values high academic standards and a caring environment, is conveniently located in the neighborhood. Additionally, the Greenwood Historic Neighborhood Association is devoted to improving and maintaining the neighborhood’s aesthetic and community engagement.

Waveland Woods

Waveland Woods is an excellent place to call home for many reasons, including safety and a tight-knit community. Residents flock to Waveland Woods in search of well-maintained homes (with median values around $251,000) that border the historic Waveland Golf Course and Waveland Park. Proximity to lush green spaces and recreational amenities like the McCollum-Waveland Tennis Complex and the Drake Municipal Observatory is another feature of this highly desirable part of Des Moines. On the other side of Waveland Park is the beloved Waveland Cafe, a local diner serving breakfast staples for several decades.

Beaverdale

Beaverdale, known for its iconic "Beaverdale Brick" homes, has tree-lined streets, multiple public parks, and a strong sense of identity. Every autumn, the Beaverdale Fall Festival brings neighbors together and spreads joy throughout the community. Beaverdale is also packed with local restaurants, including Basic Bird, Flying Mango, and Snookie’s Malt Shop. The Calvin Retirement Community and the Independence Village of Des Moines, as well as the VA Central Iowa Veterans Hospital, are all located in Beaverdale, which may be important to seniors, people who have served in the armed forces, and their families. As far as real estate is concerned, the median home value is roughly $296,000, having risen in the last year due to the desirability of Beaverdale.

Now that you’ve explored the highlights of these unique neighborhoods, which one is calling your name? Is it Greenwood’s historic atmosphere, Downtown’s urban conveniences, Waveland Woods’s spacious outdoor areas, or something else that piques your interest? If something is drawing you to Des Moines, whether it’s a job opportunity, affordable housing, a well-run school system, or simply the friendliness of the Midwest, there is a neighborhood that fits your needs. Des Moines is not just a great place to live—it’s an excellent place for families and individuals to thrive.