About Laurel Hill
Laurel Hill in Des Moines is a generally quiet neighborhood, except during August when the Iowa State Fair brings over a million visitors to the adjacent fairgrounds. Residents often rent out parking spots on their lawns to fairgoers, and the festivities, including evening concerts, can be heard from homes. The neighborhood features flat, tree-lined streets with sidewalks and grassy lots. Laurel Hill Park offers a playground, toddler-friendly swing set, basketball court, walking path, and picnic tables. Nearby, Chesterfield Park has a STEM-focused sprayground, playground, and futsal court, while Copper Creek Lake Park provides a lighted trail around a 40-acre lake. The historical 77-acre Laurel Hill Cemetery and arboretum offers scenic views of the downtown skyline and is popular for strolls and biking. Dining options include Bianchi's Hilltop Restaurant for pizza and Italian food, and Now or Later Restaurant for a varied menu. Grocery stores like Aldi and Hy-Vee are conveniently located nearby. Homes in Laurel Hill are primarily mid-century, traditional, split-level, and ranch-style, with lots around ¼ acre and sizes ranging from 500 to 1,300 square feet. The area is zoned for the Des Moines Independent Community School District, with Willard Elementary, Hoyt Middle, and East High School serving local students. Healthcare facilities such as MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and UnityPoint Health are nearby. The neighborhood is accessible via Interstate 235 and Highway 5, with Downtown Des Moines just 4 miles away and Des Moines International Airport 8 miles away. Crime in Laurel Hill is lower than the national average.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laurel Hill a good place to live?
Laurel Hill is a good place to live. Laurel Hill is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with minimal transit options. Laurel Hill is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 2, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. Laurel Hill has 7 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 1.2 people per acre and a median age of 40. The average household income is $65,975 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 9.3% of residents. A majority of residents in Laurel Hill are home owners, with 19.6% of residents renting and 80.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Laurel Hill can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Laurel Hill neighborhood guide.
Is Laurel Hill, IA a safe neighborhood?
Laurel Hill, IA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 2 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Laurel Hill?
The median home price in Laurel Hill is $179,950. If you put a 20% down payment of $36,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.83%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $940 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $40K a year to afford the median home price in Laurel Hill. The average household income in Laurel Hill is $66K.
What are the best public schools in Laurel Hill?
The best public schools that serve Laurel Hill are:
- East High School has a C Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 22:1 and an average review score of 3.7.
- Willard Elementary School has a C Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 12:1.
- Hoyt Middle School has a C- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 17:1 and an average review score of 3.7.
What are the best private schools in Laurel Hill?
The best private schools that serve Laurel Hill are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Laurel Hill, Des Moines, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Laurel Hill, Des Moines, IA?
Home Trends in Laurel Hill, IA
On average, homes in Laurel Hill, Des Moines sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Laurel Hill, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $163,975, up 40% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Price (12 Mo)
$175,450
Median Single Family Price
$175,450
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$178
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median List Price
$179,950
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
60%