$189,353Average Value$186Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes For Sale
Indianola Hills across from Downtown Des Moines
Across the Raccoon River from Downtown Des Moines, Indianola Hills lets residents access everything in the city. “Indianola Hills is located directly south of Downtown Des Moines, providing some of the best in affordable homes and convenience the area has to offer,” says Corah Webber, Realtor with eXp Realty Iowa, who grew up near the city. While people can enjoy one of the local restaurants in the neighborhood, they can also explore options across the river after visiting the weekly Downtown Farmers’ Market. Most students attend Des Moines Public Schools, which Niche gives a C. After class, they can get some energy out at Stone Park or ride their bikes downtown for more activities.
Meredith Trail along Raccoon River gives Indianola Hills
residents a great place to exercise.
Most Indianola Hills homes have large amounts of greenery to truly make it feel like home.
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Ranch styles and other homes fill Indianola Hills
A variety of architectural styles from the early and mid-20th century fill this neighborhood. Sidewalks are broken up by long, tan driveways that are next to tall trees and grassy lawns, sometimes decorated with bushes and minor landscaping. “Homes in the area are typically single-family ranch or bungalow styles,” Webber says. Mixed among those are Arts and Crafts, saltboxes and farmhouses. Single-family homes often cost between $150,000 and $225,000. Two-bedroom condominiums, built as recently as 2023, sit along Indianola Road, giving residents a view of Raccoon River and Downtown Des Moines. These properties can cost between $400,000 and $475,000.
Houses in Indianola Hills.
Typical home sin Indianola Hills are brick in strucutre.
Indianola Hills home.
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Independently owned restaurants in Indianola Hills
At Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery, locals can find a twist on American classics, including siracha-dusted goldfish. La Peña Mexican offers traditional Mexican meals, and locals sometimes travel into Downtown Des Moines to explore other dining options. While there, residents can visit the Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market for some fresh produce, meat and eggs. The market is open on Saturday mornings, rain or shine, from May to October. People can get the rest of their groceries at Hy-Vee Grocery, less than 1 mile away, and other essentials at Walmart and Home Depot, about 2 miles away.
Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery provides Indianola Hills residents with a great place to celebrate.
Kung Fu Tap & Taco offers Indianola Hills residents a eatery with a variety of options.
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Indianola Hills Neighborhood Association hosts events
The Indianola Hills Neighborhood Association organizes several events for residents throughout the year. There are several beautification programs, where people weed and clean up the area, and more fun events, including the National Night Out every August. Locals can travel about 5 miles to the fairgrounds for the Iowa State Fair, where they can enjoy rides and live music.
Des Moines Public Schools serves free meals
Indianola Hills is part of Des Moines Independent Community District, locally known as Des Moines Public Schools, which offers free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students. They can start at Howe Elementary School, which receives a C from Niche before attending Weeks Middle School, which receives a C-minus. At Lincoln High School, which scores a C, students can join the esports team, where they compete with other schools in League of Legends, Super Smash Bros and other competitive games.
Howe Elementary School is a historic school on Des Moines' south side, in Indianola HIlls.
South Park's Weeks Middle School has royal blue and silver as its school colors.
Lincoln High School in Greater South Side prepares its students for college and beyond.
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Stone Park at top of Indianola Hills
Stone Park sits at the top of the neighborhood, featuring a basketball court, open fields and one of the city’s accessible playgrounds. It is also home to the Pioneer Columbus Community Recreational Facility, which offers a gym, computer lab and meal site. The Meredith Trail connects Indianola Hills to MacRae Park, which borders the neighborhood. This recently updated park includes a fishing pond, sprayground and play structure made from recycled logs. For more activities, people can explore the museums in Downtown Des Moines, such as the Science Center of Iowa.
Children of Indianola Hills can enjoy the playground at Irving E. Stone Park.
There is a very spacious gym at Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center in Indianola Hills.
Meredith Trail is one of many bike trails in Indianola Hills.
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Bike trails cross bridge into downtown
The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority offers bus stops throughout the neighborhood, carrying passengers into Downtown Des Moines. Many residents ride their bikes into the city, taking advantage of the nearly 70 miles of trails. Others will drive their cars, with U.S. Route 69 running along the eastern edge of Indianola Hills and connecting with Interstate 235. Des Moines International Airport is about 4 miles away and services nearly 30 direct U.S. flights and connections to international destinations.
Recumbent trikes on one of Indianola Hills many paved trails and paths.
Rollerblading in Indianola Hills.
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Reducing water pollution in Raccoon River
In 2021, the environmental advocacy group American Rivers named the Raccoon River an endangered river because of runoff bringing pollutants into the water. Des Moines encourages residents to take individual steps to help with stormwater management, including redirecting roof drains and using phosphorus-free fertilizer to reduce further water pollution. Larger projects, such as installing a rain barrel or implementing native landscaping, are eligible for 50% rebates, up to $2,000, from the city.
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
Chris Kew,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Pioneer Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Playground
Irving E. Stone Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Trails
Columbus Park
MacRae Park
Fishing
Grills
Picnic Area
Gray's Lake Park
Meredith Trail
Transit
Airport
Des Moines International
11 min drive
Bus
Indianola Ave & E Creston Ave, Dsm
Bus
Indianola Ave & SE 5th St, Dsm
Bus
SW 9th St & Gray St, Dsm
Bus
Indianola Ave & Hartford Ave, Dsm
Bus
SW 9th St & #2417, Dsm
Bus
Indianola Ave & E Kirkwood Ave (Far-Side), Dsm
Bus
Indianola Ave & E Bell Ave, Dsm
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Indianola Hills
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Indianola Hills Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Indianola Hills, Des Moines sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Indianola Hills, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $189,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Opportunity is wide open at 619 Palmer Place. This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home features a functional layout with a bright mudroom, tons of storage, and a large deck and patio area — perfect for outdoor living and future tenant appeal. Vacant and ready for immediate occupancy, whether you're looking to place a tenant, move in, or make light improvements to boost value. Located just off University
Investor opportunity in the heart of Des Moines! Located at 2400 SE 8th St, this multi-family property offers strong rental potential with three separate units—two 1-bed/1-bath units and one 2-bed/1-bath unit—spread across 2,140 sq ft of living space. The property has a masonry foundation, an unfinished basement for additional storage, and off-street parking potential. With each unit already
Move-in ready, affordable bungalow. 2 BR 1 full bath, partially fenced nice corner lot. New paint, LVP flooring throughout. Also has current rental certificates if you're thinking of investing.
**Income Restricted** Southern Meadows Homes consists of 38 3-bedroom Single-Family townhomes consisting of 10 ADA accessible ranch units and 28 two-story units. Features include master bedroom suite with private bath, central air conditioning, laundry room, and two car attached garage. Southern Meadows Homes is located directly across the street from Howe Elementary School, two blocks from the
Property Id: 1989828This duplex has been fully renovated and is perfect for 2 or 3 people. The kitchen has a refrigerator with an icemaker, a built-in microwave, a built-in dishwasher, and a stove with a self-cleaning oven.This duplex has a 95% energy efficient furnace which translates to lower utility bills; it also has real hardwood floors thru out except the kitchen and bathroom
Located right off Indianola Ave just south of downtown Des Moines, this 2 bedroom 1 bathroom home has update LVP hardwood flooring throughout. The home has a large living room with big windows that let in great natural light. The galley style kitchen includes a fridge, gas stove, microwave, dishwasher, and plenty of countertop space. Both bedrooms are standard size and there is a full bathroom
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Chris Kew,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
7,143
Median Age
36
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$59,420
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$81,387
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.6%
College Graduates
18.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.5%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
14°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
45''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
17/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
35/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
31/ 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.
