Linden Heights is tucked into a deep elbow of the Raccoon River and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Much of the community comprises homes mostly built between 1912 and 1956. The community is surrounded by lush woodland and parks and is accessible only along 42nd Street, adding to the neighborhood's provincial charm. "It is a very walkable neighborhood," says Renee Shaffer, former treasurer of the Linden Heights Neighborhood Association and current resident. "I always see people taking walks or out with their dogs." The community is close enough to Interstate 235 to enjoy a quick commute yet far from the distant din of traffic.
Spacious homes for with stories to tell
"Linden Heights is easily among the most desirable neighborhoods in Des Moines," says Liz Lashier, the owner/broker at NextHome Your Way, with over 110 closed sales in the area. "It's totally secluded, and yet it's also right in the middle of the city. Houses sit far back on lots that start at ½ acre, hidden behind mature oak, pine and magnolia trees. Wide streets with clean and level sidewalks wind throughout the neighborhood. Street parking is prohibited, but most homes have long driveways leading into attached garages. The Linden Heights Historic District features Tudors, Colonial revivals and Federal-style homes, carefully maintained with original period accents. The newer areas include contemporary and modern Prairie architectural styles. Homes in Linden Heights sell for a wide range of prices. For $348,500, buyers can get a five-bedroom, 2,200-square-foot South of Grand home on 3/4 acre. Also South of Grand, a 5,000-square-foot, five-bedroom mansion on 2 acres sells for $2.6 million.
Kid have sprayparks in the summer
Residents don't need to leave the neighborhood to enjoy strolls in the woods, but the nearby Bill Riley Trail provides an additional 6 miles of multi-use paths along the banks of the Raccoon River. Children enjoy cooling off at the Dan and Mary Spraypark, which has three water features spread out to avoid overcrowding. The Greenwood-Ashworth Park sits on the neighborhood's western edge, featuring two large playgrounds, a splash pad, a rose garden and the Sylvan Outdoor Theater, a popular spot for outdoor weddings and summer evening concerts. At the entrance to the park is the Des Moines Art Center, a free-admission museum and education center featuring modern art exhibits and studio art classes. Residents can book a tee time at the nearby Waveland Golf Course or learn more about the history of Linden Heights at Salisbury House & Gardens, a 1920s stone mansion modeled after the King's House in Salisbury, England.
No shortage of retail
Linden Heights is devoid of commercial space, so residents must drive to access the nearby dining, shopping and entertainment options. Price Chopper is the closest spot for everyday grocery items. The Shops at Roosevelt on 42nd Street are a popular retail destination. Eateries here include La Mie Bakery and The Cheese Shop. Swell, a trendy shop for babies, and Worn, a modern resale boutique, are two popular boutiques. Linden Heights is close to Ingersoll Avenue, a cultural and commercial artery along the neighborhood's southern edge. Manhattan Deli is a sandwich shop that offers generous portions to accompany their homemade soups and desserts. Locals come here for an eclectic variety of art galleries, salons and boutiques. Linden Heights is the second planned community in Des Moines, established in 1912. "We have lots of families who remain in the neighborhood," says Steve Davis, president of the neighborhood association who has lived here all his life. As part of an annual celebration in the fall, the neighborhood holds Party on the Pie at a local green space shaped like a pie. The event includes food trucks, live entertainment, local officials and activities for the kids.
Party on the Pie
Linden Heights is the second planned community in Des Moines, established in 1912. "We have lots of families who remain in the neighborhood," says Steve Davis, president of the neighborhood association who has lived here all his life. As part of an annual celebration in the fall, the neighborhood holds Party on the Pie at a local green space shaped like a pie. The event includes food trucks, live entertainment, local officials and activities for the kids.
Hospitals and downtown are close
Linden Heights is 3 miles from downtown business and arts districts via local streets. The community has several nearby hospitals, including MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center and Broadlawns Medical Center. There are a few Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) bus stops in the area; however, most residents rely on their cars. With its proximity to Interstate 235, Linden Heights has easy access to other parts of the city, including Des Moines International Airport, a 6.2-mile drive via Grand Avenue and Fleur Drive.
High school offers AP classes
The Des Moines Independent Community School District, which offers open enrollment, serves Linden Hills. Students attend Greenwood Elementary School, which has a C-plus-rated grade from Niche. Callanan Middle School has a C-minus. Roosevelt High School, a B-rated school on Niche, offers Advanced Placement classes.
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
Katey Farrell,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Greenwood - Ashworth Park
Bike Trails
Grills
Lake
McCollum-Waveland Tennis Complex
Picnic Area
Tennis
Pickleball
Arie Den Boer Arboretum
Bike Trails
Trails
Des Moines Water Works Park
Bike Trails
Fishing
Grills
American Legion Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Grills
Frisbie Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Transit
Airport
Des Moines International
16 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Linden Heights
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Linden Heights, Des Moines sell after 129 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Linden Heights, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $1,384,500, up 30% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,030,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,030,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$328
Last 12 months Home Sales
7
Median List Price
$1,100,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
14%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
19%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
119
Median Year Built
1933
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,285
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
28,967
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Katey Farrell,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
268
Median Age
43
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$96,022
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$155,363
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.5%
College Graduates
72.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.4%
% Population in Labor Force
81.2%
Above the national average
65.1%
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®
41/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
6/ 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.
