Why Live in Union Park
Union Park in Des Moines is a historic neighborhood named after one of the city's oldest parks, Union Park, established in 1894. The area features homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s, including Victorian-style houses, Foursquares, Craftsmans, and bungalows, all set on grassy lawns with mature trees. The neighborhood is a blend of lifelong residents and young families, fostering a strong sense of community through events like Shiver at the Park and the annual Dam to Des Moines Half Marathon. Union Park itself is a hub of activity, with open spaces for sports, the Heritage Carousel, and the iconic Rocket Slide playground. Adjacent Birdland Park offers additional recreational opportunities with playgrounds, open spaces, and a walking path along the Des Moines River, home to the Des Moines Rowing and Boat Club.
Local dining options include Captain Roy’s at Birdland Marina, serving American classics and hosting concerts on a pontoon-turned-stage. Nearby chain restaurants and grocery stores like Fareway Meat and Grocery and Hy-Vee are within a few miles, while larger retailers such as Target and Walmart are about 6 miles away. The neighborhood is served by the Des Moines Independent Community School District, with schools like Findley Elementary, Harding Middle, and North High School. Grand View University, located at the top of the neighborhood, offers various undergraduate and graduate programs and encourages community involvement.
Union Park is bicycle-friendly, with access to nearly 70 miles of paved trails, and has several bus stops along East 14th Street leading to Downtown Des Moines. Des Moines International Airport is approximately 9 miles away, providing direct flights to numerous U.S. destinations. The closest emergency room is about 1 mile away at UnityPoint Health. The neighborhood benefits from Des Moines Water Works' efforts to ensure safe drinking water, despite some pollution concerns in the Des Moines River.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Union Park a good place to live?
Union Park is a good place to live. Union Park is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. Union Park is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Union Park has 5 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly dense in population with 13.4 people per acre and a median age of 33. The average household income is $64,391 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 12% of residents. A majority of residents in Union Park are home owners, with 30.2% of residents renting and 69.8% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Union Park can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Union Park neighborhood guide.
Is Union Park, IA a safe neighborhood?
Union Park, IA is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Union Park?
The median home price in Union Park is $181,500. If you put a 20% down payment of $36,300 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.31%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $900 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $39K a year to afford the median home price in Union Park. The average household income in Union Park is $64K.
What are the best public schools in Union Park?
The best public schools that serve Union Park are:
- North High School has a C+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 22:1 and an average review score of 3.7.
- East High School has a C Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 22:1 and an average review score of 3.7.
- Cattell Elementary School has a C Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 11:1.
What are the best private schools in Union Park?
The best private schools that serve Union Park are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Union Park, Des Moines, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Union Park, Des Moines, IA?
Are home prices dropping in Union Park?
Yes, home prices in Union Park are down 1% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Union Park, IA
On average, homes in Union Park, Des Moines sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Union Park, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $174,500, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$174,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$179,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$135,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$164
Number of Homes for Sale
22
Last 12 months Home Sales
90
Median List Price
$181,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%