Laurel Hill is a quiet neighborhood for at least 11 months of the year; however, all that changes when the Iowa State Fair comes to town in August. As next-door neighbors to the fairgrounds, residents experience over a million visitors. Taking this in stride, many resourceful community members rent out parking spots on their lawns to fairgoers. "Since the neighborhood is literally across the street from the state fairgrounds, it's a little bit louder, and residents do hear the festivities, especially the evening concerts, from their homes," says Des Moines Parks and Recreation Director Ben Page. "But overall, it's one of the quieter neighborhoods." Flat, tree-lined gridded streets with sidewalks traverse the neighborhood, giving way to flat, grassy lots with and without homes.
Laurel Hill offers plenty of quiet places
Laurel Hill Park is right near the fairgrounds and features a playground, toddler-friendly swing set, basketball court, walking path and picnic tables. A little over a mile west of Laurel Hill lies the newly renovated Chesterfield Park, which features a STEM-focused sprayground with multiple cause-and-effect elements unique to the area. The park also includes a playground and futsal court. Copper Creek Lake Park is easily accessible from Pleasant Hill and Des Moines. A lighted 1.22-mile trail surrounds the 40-acre lake area filled with a diverse selection of plants and wildlife. One of the more tranquil spots is the nearby historical 77-acre Laurel Hill Cemetery and arboretum, owned and maintained by the city, featuring sculpture monuments and mausoleums among flowering shrubs and shady tree canopies. There's also a great view of the downtown skyline. "I think it's one of the top five views in the city," Page says. "You can see the fairgrounds and the city skyline from here." Page says residents like to come here for passive recreation, like strolls and biking on paved streets.
Locals can grab pizza at a local favorite
Locals enjoy the state fair's fried and food-on-a-stick offerings each year; however, since the event is only for a few weeks each summer, folks must find other dining options. Bianchi's Hilltop Restaurant is a popular eatery for pizza and Italian food, according to Page. Now or Later Restaurant is a Des Moines staple with a varied menu featuring sandwiches, pasta and steak. For groceries, Aldi supermarket is on University Avenue and Hy-Vee is in nearby Pleasant Hill.
Budget-friendly homes
Laurel Hill predominantly comprises mid-century, traditional, split-level and ranch-style houses. Lots are about ¼ acre, suitable for a small garden, and most homes have detached garages or driveways for parking. Residence sizes range from 500 to 1,300 square feet with up to three bedrooms, and list prices fall between $75,000 and $180,000.
High school offers lots of academic programs
Laurel Hills is zoned for the Des Moines Independent Community School District, and most students can walk to and/or start their education at Willard Elementary School, rated a C by Niche. Hoyt Middle School has a C-minus. East High School, the oldest high school in Des Moines, has a C rating. Advanced Placement, Special Education, English Language Learners and SUCCESS are among its many programs.
Downtown is so close
Several hospitals and healthcare centers are nearby, including MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center and UnityPoint Health - Iowa Lutheran Hospital. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) buses do run in the area; however, most people use their cars. Laurel Hill is near Interstate 235 and Highway 5 and has easy access to other parts of the city, including Downtown Des Moines, a 4-mile drive via Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Des Moines International Airport is an 8-mile drive via M.L.K. Jr Pkwy and Fleur Drive.
Low crime
Crime in Laurel Hill is low, only a 3/10 on the CAP Index.
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
Stacey Carpenter,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Laurel Hill Park
Copper Creek Lake Park
Doanes Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Grills
Sunset Park
Picnic Area
Soccer
Parking Lot
Christie Lane Park
Bike Trails
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Strasser Woods State Preserve
Trails
Hiking
Chesterfield Park
Transit
Airport
Des Moines International
18 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Laurel Hill
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
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.
Excellent opportunity to buy 25 acres of Development Land with an excellent location and growth opportunities within the Pleasant Hill area and close to the By-Pass and so much more. Contact your agent for this Great Opportunity! Call now!
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Stacey Carpenter,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
703
Median Age
40
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$68,035
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$65,975
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
76.4%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
9.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.9%
% Population in Labor Force
72%
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®
31/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
7/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
0/ 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.
