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Beaverdale

Des Moines, IA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$251,000 (April 2025)
Median Home Price
62–70 (moderately walkable; errands can be accomplished on foot in core areas)
Walkability Score
Public schools are rated average to above average; strong community support for education.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Douglas Ave (north), MLK Jr Pkwy (south), 30th St (east), and Merle Hay Rd (west).

Zip Codes

5031050312

Market Data Summary

Price RangeRecent sales range from $251,000 to $355,000; typical home values between $251,000 and $258,617.
Price per Sq Ft$212 (April 2025)
Inventory Levels32 homes for sale as of May 2025; inventory remains tight but is expected to increase slightly in 2025.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesDuplexesOccasional small multifamily

Architectural Styles

Tudor RevivalCape CodColonialCraftsman bungalowsMid-century ranch

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.15–0.25 acres (typical urban lots)
Home Age Range1920s–1950s (majority), with some newer infill
Construction QualitySolid, well-built homes with mature landscaping; many have original hardwoods and period details.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse mix of young professionals, families, and retirees; strong sense of neighborhood identity.

Community Vibe

Tight-knit, historic, and prideful; active neighborhood association and annual festivals.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Families with children
  • Retirees
  • Long-term residents

Family Friendly

Highly family-friendly; walkable streets, parks, and community events.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • • Ashby Park
  • • Beaverdale Park
  • • Tower Park

Dining Options

  • • Christopher's
  • • Flying Mango
  • • Beaverdale Confections

Shopping Centers

  • • Beaverdale Shopping Center
  • • Local boutiques along Beaver Ave

Local Businesses

  • • Beaverdale Books
  • • Back Country Outfitters
  • • The Dam Pub

Education & Schools

Public schools are rated average to above average; strong community support for education.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • • Hillis Elementary
  • • Monroe Elementary

Middle Schools

  • • Meredith Middle School

High Schools

  • • Hoover High School

Private Schools

  • • Holy Trinity Catholic School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • • DART bus routes along Beaver Ave and Douglas Ave

Major Roads

  • • Douglas Ave
  • • Beaver Ave
  • • Merle Hay Rd
  • • MLK Jr Pkwy

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10–20 minutes to downtown Des Moines by car; 25–35 minutes by transit.
WalkabilityModerate; most errands possible on foot in central Beaverdale.
ParkingOn-street and driveway parking common; garages in many homes.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young families
  • Move-up buyers
  • Retirees seeking walkability
  • Investors (single-family rentals)

Key Selling Points

  • Historic architecture
  • Walkable to shops and dining
  • Strong community identity
  • Mature landscaping

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively; homes priced at or just below market value often attract multiple offers.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need updates or repairs.

Response Strategy:

Highlight recent upgrades, solid construction, and potential for customization; provide inspection reports up front.

Objection: Smaller lot sizes compared to suburbs.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize walkability, proximity to parks, and low-maintenance living.

Objection: Limited new construction.

Response Strategy:

Focus on unique character, established landscaping, and neighborhood stability.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Steady, moderate appreciation (2–4% annually); historic stability.

Rental Demand

Strong for single-family homes and duplexes; low vacancy rates.

Buyer Competition

High; multiple offers common on well-priced homes.

Best For

  • Owner-occupants
  • Long-term investors
  • Families

Potential Concerns

  • Older homes may need updates
  • Limited new construction
  • Competitive bidding

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on historic home maintenance and renovation costs.

2

Leverage community events and local business partnerships in marketing.

3

Stage homes to highlight period features and outdoor spaces.

4

Price competitively and prepare for multiple-offer scenarios.

5

Network with local lenders familiar with older home appraisals and renovation loans.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Waveland Park
  • Drake Neighborhood
  • South of Grand

Market Positioning

Premium historic neighborhood with strong community identity and moderate price point.

Competitive Advantages

  • Historic charm
  • Community events
  • Walkability

Price Comparison

Priced below South of Grand, above Drake; similar to Waveland Park.

Investment Metrics

5.5–6.2% for single-family rentals (2025 estimates)
Cap Rates
Gross yields 7–8% on well-located homes
Rental Yields
16–18
Price-to-Rent
Positive cash flow possible with 20% down; strong rental demand.
Cash Flow
2.5–4% annual appreciation expected through 2026.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Appealing due to price point, walkability, and community; may need education on older home maintenance.

Move-Up Buyers

Attracted by larger historic homes and neighborhood prestige.

Downsizers

Seek walkability and low-maintenance living; smaller homes and condos limited but in demand.

Investors

Strong rental demand and stable appreciation; limited multifamily options.

Relocators

Drawn by neighborhood charm, central location, and access to downtown.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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Des Moines, IA

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