Why Live in Capitol East
Capitol East in Des Moines is a historic neighborhood located just east of the state capitol complex. This urban area is characterized by its family-owned restaurants, boutique shops, and a variety of single-family homes, including traditional bungalows, ranch-style properties, and American Foursquare homes. The neighborhood's gridded residential streets are lined with homes that often feature paved driveways and attached garages, though street parking is common. Public transportation is accessible via the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART), with bus routes along East Grand Avenue and U.S. Highway 69. Capitol East is known for its walkability, with residents able to reach Downtown Des Moines, located 2 miles west, either by foot or a short drive. The neighborhood is bordered to the south by the East Des Moines Diamond Railroad Crossing and to the north by Interstate 235, providing access to other parts of Polk County and western Des Moines.
Local dining options include Rolling Wok Café for pan-Asian cuisine, Paleteria La Michoacana for Mexican food and ice cream, and Kelly’s Little Nipper, a bar and grill with live music and trivia nights. Shopping opportunities are available at Latin American grocery stores like Tienda Mexicana and Tapatia Grocery, as well as clothing shops such as La Bufa and Lupita’s Boutique. For outdoor recreation, Stewart Square Park, Ashfield Park, and Redhead Park offer playgrounds, picnic areas, and open green spaces. Capitol East is also home to Capitol View Elementary School, part of the Des Moines Independent Community School District. The neighborhood is safer than the national average, making it a practical choice for families and individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Capitol East a good place to live?
Capitol East is a good place to live. Capitol East is considered fairly walkable and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. Capitol East is a suburban neighborhood. Capitol East has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 7.1 people per acre and a median age of 33. The average household income is $41,460 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 5.6% of residents. A majority of residents in Capitol East are renters, with 56.5% of residents renting and 43.5% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Capitol East can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Capitol East neighborhood guide.
Is Capitol East, IA a safe neighborhood?
Capitol East, IA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 6 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Capitol East?
The median home price in Capitol East is $132,500. If you put a 20% down payment of $26,500 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.31%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $660 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $28K a year to afford the median home price in Capitol East. The average household income in Capitol East is $41K.
What are the best public schools in Capitol East?
The best public schools that serve Capitol East are:
What are the best private schools in Capitol East?
The best private schools that serve Capitol East are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Capitol East, Des Moines, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Capitol East, Des Moines, IA?
Are home prices dropping in Capitol East?
Yes, home prices in Capitol East are down 18% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Capitol East, IA
On average, homes in Capitol East, Des Moines sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Capitol East, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $114,000, down 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$114,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$125,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$167,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$119
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
31
Median List Price
$132,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-20%