$176,727Average Value$203Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
Accessible living with access to community center and the great outdoors
Brimming with natural beauty, Gray’s Woods is a scenic community in Des Moines that is home to Strasser Woods State Preserve and Copper Creek Park. Partitioned by the meandering waters of Fourmile Creek, Gray’s Woods offers abundant recreation and water access within walking distance of area homes. The neighborhood is also in proximity to shops and restaurants on University Avenue, making the community accessible to both entertainment and outdoor options. “This is an accessible neighborhood with shops and restaurants right in the area,” says Jenn Ho Goh, Realtor at Realty ONE Group Impact with 5 years of experience.
The neighborhood of Gray's Woods sits on the eastern border of Des Moines.
Front porches on Gray's Woods homes promote conversations with neighbors.
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Homes in Gray's Woods
Residential properties in Gray’s Woods include small bungalows with front porches and ranch-style homes of around 1,000 square feet. Slightly larger 1,500-square-foot houses are often built in Colonial Revival, bi-level and split-level styles. The homes range from $100,000 to $250,000, with several 3,000-square-foot properties priced at around $400,000. “The majority of the properties here are 100 years old,” Goh adds. The yards are often quite spacious and leafy, complemented by extended driveways and detached garages.
Gray's Woods residents are not afraid of adding some pops of color to their homes.
Gray's Woods.
Quaint bungalows are surrounded by mature trees in Gray's Woods.
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Des Moines Independent Community School District
Prospective primary schools include Stowe Elementary School and Brubaker Elementary School, both of which rate a C-minus by Niche. Stowe Elementary offers an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program for advanced students. Young learners may continue to Hoyt Middle School, which scores a C-minus, and finish secondary education at East High School. East High rates a C and is ranked on the University of Iowa’s Advanced Placement Top 50 Index for the state of Iowa.
Stowe Elementary School in Gray's Woods was originally built in 1915.
Brubaker Elementary School serves the students in Gray's Woods.
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Abundant recreational options around Gray's Woods
Located at the heart of the community, Strasser Woods State Preserve offers a scenic pathway that winds along Fourmile Creek and pristine woodlands. Residents may explore the area for the wildflowers that bloom in spring, go mushroom hunting or birding and watch the foliage in autumn. Copper Creek Park is right next to Copper Creek Lake Park, which has a 40-acre lake with a catch-and-release guideline for anglers. Fourmile Community Recreation Center has an indoor gym and a senior center, which offers a variety of social activities for elderly residents. “This is a very close-knit community,” Goh says. “Many Des Moines residents retire to this area, and people go to the community center for events and just to hang out.” In addition, Fourmile Park has a playground and a skate park for area residents. The Gay Lea Wilson Trail offers a serene escape and stretches between Easton Blvd and William Streed, leading to Copper Creek Lake, the Oralabor Gateway Trail and the High Trestle Trail. Golfers may perfect their par at Bright Grandview Golf Course and Copper Creek Golf Club.
There is over half a mile of trails through the Strasser Woods State Preserve in Gray's Woods.
Copper Creek Lake hugs the eastern border of Gray's Woods and is visited by many locals daily.
Fourmile Park has a community center that is very popular with Gray's Woods locals.
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Restaurants on University Avenue
Local restaurants and grocery stores, Aldi and Fareway, are situated along University Avenue. Area eatery, Now or Later Restaurant, features classic American fare in a homey setting. La Feria Mexican Restaurant offers authentic dishes such as birria tacos and steak con camaron. The local bar, April’s Sunrise Tap, has karaoke on Friday nights, a great bar menu and a delicious breakfast meal at a bargain price. Outlets of Des Moines and big-box retailers, Target and Walmart, are in Altoona, which is north of the neighborhood.
Now or Later in Gray's Woods serves American and Italian favorites.
Gray's Woods.
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Navigating Des Moines
While area residents enjoy taking strolls or hiking around the locale, Gray’s Woods remains a car-dependent neighborhood. UnityPoint Health - Iowa Lutheran Hospital is about 5 miles west of the community, and downtown Des Moines is about a 6-mile drive via Easton Boulevard. Residents may also explore the city’s metropolitan area with the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART). Major highways, Interstate 35 and Interstate 80, are closely situated for commuting into Minneapolis and Chicago. For flights to New York or Los Angeles, Des Moines International Airport is about 17 miles to the south.
Gray's Woods.
Gray's Woods.
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Community events around Gray's Woods
Polk County Senior Center organizes various activities for the community’s senior members, including bingo days, line dance lessons, disco dance parties, craft workshops, bowling and card game days and health information sessions. The community at Copper Creek hosts the annual Art on the Lake festival, providing local artists an opportunity to showcase their artwork in the local community. Pleasant Hill organizes Summer Fest with family-friendly activities and fireworks. The Iowa State Fair takes place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, which is a few blocks away from Gray’s Woods. Additional notable events in Des Moines include the World Food and Music Festival and the Des Moines Art Festival.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ginger Atcheson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Copper Creek Lake Park
Sheridan Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Tennis
Grandview Park
Basketball
Bike Trails
Disc Golf
Fourmile Park
Baseball/Softball
Skateboard
Playground
Christie Lane Park
Bike Trails
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Strasser Woods State Preserve
Trails
Hiking
Transit
Airport
Des Moines International
23 min drive
Bus
E 33rd St & Mahaska Ave, Dsm
Bus
E 33rd St & E University Ave (Far-Side), Dsm
Bus
E University Ave & E 35th St, Dsm
Bus
E University Ave & E 40th St, Dsm
Bus
E University Ave & E 36th Ct (Far-Side), Dsm
Bus
E University Ave & E 41st St, Dsm
Bus
E University Ave & Winegardner Rd (Far-Side), Dsm
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Gray's Woods
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Gray's Woods, Des Moines sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Gray's Woods, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $179,000, up 4% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Sweet Home in the Heart of Des Moines!Step into this charming and move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home featuring fresh, neutral paint throughout and a clean, welcoming feel. The spacious living areas flow perfectly for both everyday living and entertaining. You’ll love the oversized two-car garage—plenty of room for vehicles, storage, or a workshop.Enjoy morning coffee on the front porch
Affordable and move-in ready, this beautifully remodeled 2-bed, 2-bath home sits on a spacious 0.29-acre double lot. Enjoy modern updates throughout, including all new appliances (2024) and a brand new water heater (2025), and brand new back deck (2025). The open layout features a stylish kitchen, updated baths, and a versatile walkout basement. With room to grow, entertain, or garden, this
This move in ready ranch is spacious and was remodeled in 2020. So many upgrades in the last few years including roof, furnace and A/C, and concrete driveway replacement. New LVP flooring has been installed in the main living spaces 2024. The 3 bedrooms are all good sized along with a large bathroom. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances! There is a 3 seasons porch on the back
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ginger Atcheson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,672
Median Age
36
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$54,193
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$64,938
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
85.3%
College Graduates
13.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.1%
% Population in Labor Force
77.5%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
14°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
26''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
40/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
12/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
26/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
