Waterbury

Des Moines, IA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$421,158 (as of March 2025)
Median Home Price
62 (Somewhat Walkable)
Walkability Score
Generally above average; Roosevelt High and Greenwood Elementary are highly regarded.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Grand Ave to the north, Ingersoll Ave to the south, Polk Blvd to the east, and 63rd/64th St to the west.

Zip Codes

50312

Market Data Summary

Price Range$199,000 – $664,900 for active listings; typical sales between $350,000 and $450,000
Price per Sq FtApproximately $200–$240/sqft (varies by property age and finish)
Inventory LevelsLow to moderate; 12–13 active listings as of July 2025, with new inventory moving quickly in spring/summer.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesTownhomes (limited)Condos (very limited)

Architectural Styles

Tudor RevivalColonial RevivalCraftsmanMid-centuryTraditional brick homes

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.25–0.4 acres; mature landscaping common
Home Age Range1920s–1960s, with some newer infill; most homes 60–100 years old
Construction QualitySolid, well-built homes with historic character; many have original features and recent updates.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Predominantly established professionals, families, and retirees; higher median income than Des Moines average.

Community Vibe

Historic, upscale, and tranquil; pride of ownership is high; active neighborhood association.

Typical Residents

  • Established families
  • Young professionals
  • Retirees
  • Move-up buyers

Family Friendly

Very family-friendly; quiet streets, large yards, and proximity to parks and top schools.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Greenwood/Ashworth Park
  • Waterbury Park
  • Nearby bike trails

Dining Options

  • Ingersoll Ave restaurants and cafes
  • Local bakeries
  • Upscale dining within 5–10 minutes

Shopping Centers

  • Roosevelt Shopping Center
  • Ingersoll retail corridor

Local Businesses

  • Coffee shops
  • Boutique fitness studios
  • Local grocers

Education & Schools

Generally above average; Roosevelt High and Greenwood Elementary are highly regarded.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Greenwood Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Callanan Middle School

High Schools

  • Roosevelt High School

Private Schools

  • St. Augustin Catholic School
  • Des Moines Christian (nearby)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • DART bus routes along Grand Ave and Ingersoll Ave

Major Roads

  • Grand Ave
  • Ingersoll Ave
  • Polk Blvd
  • I-235 (access within 5 minutes)

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10–15 minutes to downtown Des Moines; 20–25 minutes to West Des Moines business parks.
WalkabilityModerate; walkable to parks and some shops, but car-dependent for most errands.
ParkingAmple street and driveway parking; no permit restrictions.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Move-up buyers
  • Young families
  • Executives relocating to Des Moines
  • Historic home enthusiasts

Key Selling Points

  • Historic architecture
  • Large lots and mature trees
  • Proximity to parks and top schools
  • Quick downtown access

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively for condition and updates; premium for move-in ready homes with modernized kitchens/baths.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need updates or repairs.

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports and highlight recent upgrades; offer home warranty for peace of mind.

Objection: Higher price point compared to other Des Moines neighborhoods.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize long-term value, school quality, and historic charm that retain value over time.

Objection: Limited walkability for daily errands.

Response Strategy:

Showcase proximity to parks, schools, and quick drive to Ingersoll amenities.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Moderate, steady appreciation due to historic appeal and limited inventory.

Rental Demand

Moderate; primarily owner-occupied, but strong demand for executive rentals and family homes.

Buyer Competition

Moderate to high for updated homes; bidding wars possible in spring/summer.

Best For

  • Families seeking top schools
  • Professionals valuing proximity to downtown
  • Buyers seeking historic homes

Potential Concerns

  • Older home maintenance
  • Limited new construction
  • Higher price point than some Des Moines neighborhoods

Professional Recommendations

1

Emphasize historic charm and recent updates in marketing materials.

2

Network with local relocation specialists and employers.

3

Host open houses during peak spring/summer weekends.

4

Educate buyers on maintenance of older homes and connect with trusted contractors.

5

Leverage professional photography and drone footage to showcase lot size and landscaping.

6

Stay informed on Ingersoll corridor developments to highlight future amenity growth.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • South of Grand
  • Waveland Park
  • Beaverdale

Market Positioning

Premium, established neighborhood for discerning buyers seeking character and community.

Competitive Advantages

  • Historic architecture
  • Larger lots
  • Top-rated schools
  • Quieter, more exclusive feel

Price Comparison

Higher than Des Moines average; similar to South of Grand, above Beaverdale and Waveland Park.

Investment Metrics

3.5%–4.5% for single-family rentals (limited data due to owner-occupancy)
Cap Rates
4%–5% gross yield for executive/family rentals
Rental Yields
18–20 (reflects premium ownership market)
Price-to-Rent
Modest; best for long-term appreciation and stable tenants
Cash Flow
2.5%–4% annually over next 3 years
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to price point, but possible for dual-income households; recommend targeting smaller homes or those needing cosmetic updates.

Move-Up Buyers

Ideal neighborhood for families upgrading from starter homes; strong value retention and community.

Downsizers

Appealing for those seeking character and walkability, but limited single-level options.

Investors

Limited short-term cash flow, but strong long-term appreciation and executive rental demand.

Relocators

Highly attractive due to schools, safety, and proximity to downtown; virtual tours and remote closings common.

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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