Sherman Hill

Des Moines, IA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$236,273 (2024)
Median Home Price
77 (Very walkable; errands and dining can be accomplished on foot)
Walkability Score
Public schools rated C+ to B-; private options available for higher-rated academics.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Generally bounded by Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway to the west, Woodland Avenue to the north, 15th Street to the east, and Interstate 235 to the south. Adjacent to Downtown Des Moines.

Zip Codes

50309

Market Data Summary

Price Range$180,000 - $450,000+ (historic homes and renovated properties)
Price per Sq Ft$180 - $240 (varies by condition and historic status)
Inventory LevelsLow to moderate; limited new construction, most inventory is resale historic homes and converted apartments.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family historic homesVictorian mansionsRowhousesConverted apartments/condosModern lofts

Architectural Styles

Victorian (Queen Anne, Italianate, Second Empire)Colonial RevivalCraftsmanContemporary loft conversions

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.08 - 0.20 acres (urban lots)
Home Age RangeBuilt 1870s-1920s (majority); some modern infill 2000s-2020s
Construction QualityHigh for restored homes; some properties require renovation due to age.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Population ~2,188. Diverse, with a mix of young professionals, artists, families, and long-term residents. 83% renters, 17% homeowners. Median age skewed younger than city average.

Community Vibe

Urban, historic, artsy, and inclusive. Strong neighborhood association and active community events (e.g., Halloween on the Hill).

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Artists/creatives
  • Downtown commuters
  • Small families
  • Retirees seeking urban living

Family Friendly

Moderately family-friendly; new park (Myers Park) and community events. Some families prefer more suburban areas for larger yards and schools.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Myers Park (new in 2025, playground and green space)
  • Proximity to Pappajohn Sculpture Park
  • Access to downtown trails

Dining Options

  • Local cafes
  • Upscale restaurants on Ingersoll Ave
  • Bars and nightlife venues

Shopping Centers

  • Boutique shops within Sherman Hill
  • Short walk to downtown Des Moines retail

Local Businesses

  • Hoyt Sherman Place (theater/art gallery)
  • Coffee shops
  • Boutique retailers
  • Art studios

Education & Schools

Public schools rated C+ to B-; private options available for higher-rated academics.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Walnut Street School (Downtown)

Middle Schools

  • Callanan Middle School

High Schools

  • Roosevelt High School

Private Schools

  • Des Moines Christian School (nearby)
  • Holy Trinity Catholic School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • DART bus lines (multiple stops in/near Sherman Hill)

Major Roads

  • Interstate 235
  • Ingersoll Avenue
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times5-10 minutes to downtown by car or bike; 15 minutes to airport; 20-25 minutes to West Des Moines.
WalkabilityHigh; most errands, dining, and entertainment accessible on foot.
ParkingStreet parking is common; some homes have off-street parking or garages. Can be tight during events.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young professionals
  • Downtown workers
  • Investors
  • Empty nesters seeking urban lifestyle

Key Selling Points

  • Unique historic homes
  • Urban lifestyle
  • Strong community association
  • New Myers Park
  • Walkability and access to culture

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively for condition and updates; premium for fully restored homes with modern amenities.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need costly repairs or updates.

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports and highlight recent renovations or available renovation grants.

Objection: Limited parking and small yards.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize walkability, new park, and proximity to downtown; note off-street parking options where available.

Objection: School ratings are average.

Response Strategy:

Highlight private and magnet school options, and the neighborhood's cultural and educational amenities.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong, especially for restored historic homes and properties near new amenities.

Rental Demand

Very high; 83% of residents rent. Proximity to downtown and Drake University drives demand.

Buyer Competition

Moderate to high for move-in-ready and historic homes; less for properties needing renovation.

Best For

  • Young professionals
  • Investors seeking rental income
  • Buyers seeking historic charm
  • Downtown commuters

Potential Concerns

  • Older homes may require significant maintenance
  • Limited yard space
  • Parking constraints

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage historic district status and unique architecture in marketing.

2

Network with the Sherman Hill Association for hyperlocal insights and event-driven exposure.

3

Educate buyers on renovation resources and historic tax credits.

4

Stage homes to highlight period details and urban lifestyle.

5

Monitor inventory closely and act quickly on well-priced listings.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • East Village (trendier, more condos)
  • Ingersoll Park (more suburban feel)
  • Drake Neighborhood (student-driven rental market)

Market Positioning

Sherman Hill is positioned as Des Moines' premier historic urban neighborhood, appealing to buyers seeking character, walkability, and culture.

Competitive Advantages

  • Unique historic architecture
  • Proximity to downtown and arts
  • Strong community identity

Price Comparison

Generally more affordable than East Village condos, but higher per square foot than Drake Neighborhood due to historic value.

Investment Metrics

5.5% - 6.5% for well-maintained rentals
Cap Rates
6% - 7.5% gross yields on updated units
Rental Yields
~17-20 (reflects strong rental demand)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for updated multi-family or duplex properties; single-family homes may break even or yield modest cash flow depending on financing.
Cash Flow
5-7% annual appreciation projected through 2026, driven by urban revitalization and limited inventory.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Attracted by urban lifestyle and historic charm; may need education on maintenance of older homes.

Move-Up Buyers

Seek larger historic homes or fully renovated properties; value community and proximity to downtown.

Downsizers

Drawn to condos/lofts and walkability; appreciate low-maintenance living.

Investors

Strong rental demand and appreciation; focus on multi-family or well-located single-family homes.

Relocators

Appeal is high for those moving from larger metros seeking affordability and culture.

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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