I'm Sekou Mtayari, a licensed REALTOR® working across Des Moines. This is the rundown I give buyers who ask "where should I actually look?" — what each area feels like, who it fits, and what homes are currently selling for. Prices come from the same public market data behind my Des Moines pricing guide.
| Neighborhood | Median sold | Per sq ft | Days on market | Closed sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnston | $400,000 | $200 | 20 | 163 |
| Waukee | $380,000 | $195 | 70 | 457 |
| Urbandale | $359,450 | $185 | 30 | 474 |
| Ankeny | $348,950 | $180 | 27 | 810 |
| West Des Moines | $325,995 | $185 | 21 | 540 |
| Beaverdale | $270,000 | $200 | 34 | 180 |
| Downtown / East Village | $260,000 | $240 | 30 | 95 |
| Des Moines - South Side | $210,000 | $195 | 20 | 300 |
| East Side (Des Moines) | $195,000 | $150 | 22 | 420 |
| Drake | $185,000 | $145 | 25 | 120 |
Data through December 2025 (DMAAR / Des Moines Register)
Best for: Families prioritizing schools
Data through December 2025 (DMAAR / Des Moines Register)
A northwest suburb built around the Johnston Community School District, Saylorville Lake recreation, and quick access to I-80/35. Housing skews newer and larger, which is why it carries one of the highest medians in Des Moines.
Best for: New construction buyers
Data through December 2025 (DMAAR / Des Moines Register)
One of Iowa's fastest-growing cities. Expect newer subdivisions, the Waukee and Waukee Northwest high schools, and the Kettlestone development for dining and retail. Lots of inventory means more negotiating room than the price tag suggests.
Best for: Balance of established and new
Data through December 2025 (DMAAR / Des Moines Register)
Runs from older mid-century pockets near Merle Hay to newer builds on the west edge. Walker Johnston Park, the Urbandale trail network, and a short commute downtown make it a steady middle-ground pick.
Best for: First-time and move-up buyers
Data through December 2025 (DMAAR / Des Moines Register)
Des Moines' busiest submarket by closed sales. Two high schools, the District at Prairie Trail, and a wide price range from starter ranches to new two-stories. High volume means homes move quickly — be ready to tour same-week.
Best for: Amenities and walkability
Data through December 2025 (DMAAR / Des Moines Register)
Valley Junction's historic shops, Jordan Creek Town Center, and Raccoon River Park in one city. Housing runs from 1950s Valley Junction bungalows to new construction west of Jordan Creek, so the median hides a very wide range.
Best for: Character homes in the city
Data through December 2025 (DMAAR / Des Moines Register)
Known for the Beaverdale brick — 1920s–40s Tudor-style homes on tree-lined streets, with Beaverdale Farmers Market and Franklin Avenue's small business strip. Charm comes with older mechanicals, so budget for inspection findings.
Best for: Condo and lock-and-leave living
Data through December 2025 (DMAAR / Des Moines Register)
Lofts and condos near the Capitol, Court Avenue, and the East Village's independent shops and restaurants. Highest price per square foot in Des Moines because you're buying location and finish, not lot size. Watch HOA dues closely.
Best for: Value and first purchases
Data through December 2025 (DMAAR / Des Moines Register)
The most affordable entry point in this guide, with strong Italian-American roots along Indianola Avenue, Ewing Park, and Gray's Lake nearby. Good option if you want to buy under the Des Moines median and build equity.
Best for: Affordable square footage
Data through December 2025 (DMAAR / Des Moines Register)
Everything east of the Des Moines River, from Capitol East and the Hubbell Avenue corridor out toward Easter Lake and the Highland Park and Union Park pockets. Solid post-war housing on bigger lots than you'll find west of downtown, plus the Iowa State Capitol grounds, the state fairgrounds, and East High. This is where the city's best price per square foot usually lives, and it's a smart look if your budget is tight but you still want a yard and a garage.
Best for: Walkable character near campus
Data through December 2025 (DMAAR / Des Moines Register)
Built around Drake University on the near west side, so the streets stay busy year-round with students, faculty and long-time owners. Expect early-1900s foursquares and brick apartment buildings, Dogtown's shops and restaurants along University Avenue, the Drake Fine Arts and Knapp Center events, and easy access downtown or to Beaverdale. It's one of the few genuinely walkable pockets in Des Moines at an entry-level price, and rental demand makes it a common pick for house hacking or a first investment property.
Tell me your price range and timeline and I'll narrow it to two or three neighborhoods worth touring — no pressure, no obligation.
Price figures are drawn from publicly reported Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS® / Des Moines Register market data through December 2025 and are not licensed MLS data. Individual homes vary — reach out for an address-specific opinion of value.