East Village (Historic East Village)

Des Moines, IA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$257,433 (Zillow, March 2025); $178,000–$300,000 (Redfin, May 2025); $513,970 (Rocket, Jan 2025—possible outlier or luxury skew)
Median Home Price
High (East Village is one of Des Moines’ most walkable neighborhoods)
Walkability Score
No schools within East Village boundaries; families typically use schools in adjacent neighborhoods. School quality varies by district, generally average to above average in Des Moines.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by the Des Moines River (west), East 14th Street (east), Interstate 235 (north), and Court Avenue/Des Moines River (south).

Zip Codes

50309

Market Data Summary

Price Range$172,000–$525,000+ (recent listings and sales)
Price per Sq Ft$175 (Redfin, May 2025)
Inventory Levels13 homes for sale as of Jan 2025 (Rocket); inventory remains tight, especially for luxury and new construction.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

CondosLoftsTownhomesMixed-use residential

Architectural Styles

Historic brick buildingsConverted warehousesModern infill developments

Property Details

Typical Lot SizesMostly multifamily/condo; limited single-family, small urban lots or no lot (condos/lofts)
Home Age RangeEarly 1900s (historic conversions) to new construction (2020s)
Construction QualityHigh, especially in luxury and recent developments; many buildings feature modern amenities and historic charm.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a strong presence of young professionals, creatives, and urban dwellers. Lower proportion of families with children compared to suburban areas.

Community Vibe

Trendy, artsy, urban, walkable, and lively. Known for its cultural events, nightlife, and creative scene.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Artists/creatives
  • Empty nesters
  • Urban renters

Family Friendly

Moderate—more suited to singles, couples, and empty nesters; limited single-family homes and no elementary schools within the neighborhood.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Principal Riverwalk
  • Civic Center
  • Nearby riverfront parks

Dining Options

  • Upscale restaurants
  • Trendy bars
  • Cafés
  • Food halls

Shopping Centers

  • Local boutiques
  • Specialty stores
  • No large malls within neighborhood

Local Businesses

  • Boutique shops
  • Art galleries
  • Coffee shops
  • Fitness studios

Education & Schools

No schools within East Village boundaries; families typically use schools in adjacent neighborhoods. School quality varies by district, generally average to above average in Des Moines.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

    Middle Schools

      High Schools

        Private Schools

          Transportation & Accessibility

          Transit & Roads

          Public Transit

          • DART bus lines (multiple routes through downtown/East Village)

          Major Roads

          • E Grand Ave
          • E Locust St
          • I-235 (northern boundary)

          Commute & Walkability

          Commute Times5–10 minutes to downtown core; 15–20 minutes to West Des Moines/Urbandale; easy access to I-235 for regional commuting.
          WalkabilityExcellent—most errands, dining, and entertainment can be accomplished on foot.
          ParkingMixed—street parking can be limited during events; some buildings offer private or garage parking.

          Marketing Intelligence

          Target Buyer Types

          • Young professionals
          • Investors
          • Empty nesters
          • Urban lifestyle seekers

          Key Selling Points

          • Walkable urban lifestyle
          • Historic architecture with modern updates
          • Proximity to dining, arts, and entertainment
          • Strong rental demand

          Pricing Considerations

          Price competitively given recent volatility; highlight unique features and upgrades to justify premium pricing.

          Common Objections & Response Strategies

          Objection: No schools within walking distance or in neighborhood.

          Response Strategy:

          Highlight proximity to reputable schools in adjacent neighborhoods and the urban lifestyle benefits for non-family buyers.

          Objection: Noise from nightlife and events.

          Response Strategy:

          Emphasize soundproofing in newer buildings, and the vibrant community atmosphere as a positive for many buyers.

          Objection: Limited parking.

          Response Strategy:

          Point out available garage or reserved parking options, and the walkability/public transit access reducing need for a car.

          Objection: Price volatility and recent value drops.

          Response Strategy:

          Frame as a buying opportunity in a revitalizing market with long-term upside and strong rental demand.

          Investment Insights

          Investment Potential

          Appreciation Potential

          Moderate—recent volatility, but long-term prospects supported by ongoing downtown revitalization and limited new supply.

          Rental Demand

          Strong, especially for luxury and modern units; high demand from young professionals and urban renters.

          Buyer Competition

          Moderate—inventory is tight, especially for unique or updated properties.

          Best For

          • Investors seeking rental income
          • Young professionals
          • Empty nesters
          • Buyers seeking urban lifestyle

          Potential Concerns

          • Price volatility
          • Limited family-oriented housing
          • Noise and nightlife
          • Parking constraints

          Professional Recommendations

          1

          Emphasize lifestyle and walkability in marketing materials.

          2

          Leverage professional photography to showcase historic and modern features.

          3

          Educate buyers on downtown living (noise, parking, HOA fees).

          4

          Network with local businesses and event organizers to highlight community involvement.

          5

          Monitor inventory closely for unique or value-priced listings.

          6

          Prepare for objections about schools, parking, and noise with data and solutions.

          Competitive Analysis

          Comparable Markets

          • Downtown Des Moines
          • Western Gateway
          • Sherman Hill

          Market Positioning

          Best suited for buyers seeking an urban, walkable lifestyle with access to culture and nightlife.

          Competitive Advantages

          • Superior walkability
          • Unique historic character
          • Concentration of dining and arts venues

          Price Comparison

          Priced above Des Moines median ($216,801 in June 2025) but below some luxury downtown submarkets.

          Investment Metrics

          Estimated 5–6% for well-located rental units (2025, based on strong rental demand and moderate prices)
          Cap Rates
          Gross yields of 6–7% typical for condos/lofts
          Rental Yields
          Moderate—favorable for investors compared to national urban averages
          Price-to-Rent
          Positive cash flow possible, especially for units purchased below median value or with value-add potential
          Cash Flow
          Modest near-term, stronger long-term as downtown revitalization continues
          Appreciation

          Buyer Journey Insights

          First-Time Buyers

          Attractive for those seeking urban living and lower-maintenance condos; may need education on HOA fees and downtown lifestyle.

          Move-Up Buyers

          Appeals to those upgrading from suburban apartments to urban condos/lofts with more amenities.

          Downsizers

          Popular for empty nesters seeking walkability and cultural amenities; smaller units and low maintenance are draws.

          Investors

          Strong rental demand and moderate prices make for attractive entry; focus on units with unique features or views.

          Relocators

          Urban professionals relocating for work will value proximity to downtown employers and amenities.

          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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