Section Image

Lower Beaver

Lower Beaver

Suburban Neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa

Polk County 50310

$252,691 Average Value
$209 Average Price per Sq Ft
13 Homes For Sale

Scenic and convenient

Lower Beaver is an established neighborhood that bridges convenience with a tranquil, green setting. Tucked away on the north side of Des Moines, the community has a population of roughly 6,500 people, most of whom are homeowners. Clean, low-traffic streets are hallmarks of this enduring community, as are the stunning views of the Des Moines River that many residents view from home. It's common to see neighbors taking an evening stroll or walking their dogs along the tree-lined sidewalks. "I love the trees," says Jeremy Geerdes, president of the Lower Beaver Neighborhood Association and pastor at Debra Heights Wesleyan Church for 22 years. "My yard has a variety like Birch, Maple and Oak." A major advantage to living here is its proximity to a variety of amenities in downtown Des Moines and surrounding areas. Whether it's the bustling commercial hub of Beaverdale, the shops and restaurants of Merle Hay Mall, or the outdoor appeal of nearby parks, all are within proximity of the community.

Just minutes from Downtown Des Moines, Lower Beaver is convenient and accessible.
Just minutes from Downtown Des Moines, Lower Beaver is convenient and accessible.
The Lower Beaver Neighborhood is a proud and diverse neighborhood along the Des Moines River.
The Lower Beaver Neighborhood is a proud and diverse neighborhood along the Des Moines River.
1/2

A home for every budget

The homes in the neighborhood were built in stages, according to Geerdes. "There are three pockets that reflect different eras. "The first was built in the 50s, the second in the 70s, and the third is made up of newer homes." Architectural styles include split levels, bungalows and foursquares, which range in price from $161,000 to $477,000. Lots run 1/8 to 1/4 acres, suitable for a small garden, and most homes have garages.

Many split-level homes in Lower Beaver provide a bit more square footage in a small footprint.
Many split-level homes in Lower Beaver provide a bit more square footage in a small footprint.
Small ranch homes often have a detached garage behind the home.
Small ranch homes often have a detached garage behind the home.
1/2

Built on coal mines

"Our area is built over old coal mines," Geerdes says. "You can see some of the entrances down by the river." He assures that the openings are sealed and that there have never been any issues, like sinkholes, in the neighborhood.

High school offers advanced classes

Lower Beaver residents are zoned for Johnston School District and Des Moines Independent Community District, both of which offer open enrollment. Students can walk to and/or start their education at Samuelson Elementary School, which has a C grade from Niche. Meredith Middle School has a C-minus grade. Hoover High School, which has a C-plus grade, offers Advanced Placement classes.

Samuelson Elementary School serves students in Lower Beaver and the surrounding areas.
Samuelson Elementary School serves students in Lower Beaver and the surrounding areas.
Meredith Middle School serves the local community and surrounding areas.
Meredith Middle School serves the local community and surrounding areas.
Lower Beaver students attend Hoover High School just to the west.
Lower Beaver students attend Hoover High School just to the west.
1/3

Kids have a "sprayground"

Lower Beaver has an array of recreational facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Two parks are within the neighborhood boundary: Woodlawn Park, which features an accessible playground, a sprayground, basketball and tennis courts, and more, and Westchester Park, which offers similar amenities. Beaverdale Park and Witmer Park are within 3 miles via local streets.

Woodlawn Park offers a little something for everyone and is surrounded by Lower Beaver homes.
Woodlawn Park offers a little something for everyone and is surrounded by Lower Beaver homes.
The spryaground of Woodlawn Park is the perfect spot to stay cool in the summer.
The spryaground of Woodlawn Park is the perfect spot to stay cool in the summer.
1/2

Dining with an international flair

For grocery runs, residents can visit Hy-Vee market, a mile's drive on back roads, and Casey's, a convenience store chain that sells fuel, drinks and food, including pizza, sandwiches and baked goods. Lower Beaver does have a few restaurants within the neighborhood. Patience's African Cuisine is known for its Fumbwa, smoked beef and Makayabu/smoked fish. Taste of China offers an extensive lunch and dinner menu, and the highly-rated food truck El Taco Guapo is famous for flautas in a cup and steak street tacos.  "Locals typically leave the neighborhood for the bulk of the shopping and dining," Lashier says. Merle Hay Mall is a popular retail destination and a 2-mile drive on local streets.

El Taco Guapo is a favorite local food truck that parks along Douglas Ave.
El Taco Guapo is a favorite local food truck that parks along Douglas Ave.
Patience's African Cuisine serves up homemade and authentic African food on Douglas Ave.
Patience's African Cuisine serves up homemade and authentic African food on Douglas Ave.
1/2

Night out with the neighbors

Every year, the Lower Beaver Neighborhood Association (LBNA) puts on several community events. Held at Woodlawn Park in July, the Summerfest celebrates the diversity of the community. "There are cultural exhibitions, government agencies providing resources, vendors and activities," Geerdes says. The Neighborhood Rummage Sale is held in September and is organized by the residents. The association then promotes with signage and maps.

Hospitals are nearby

In case of medical emergencies, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, Broadlawns Medical Center and Iowa Methodist Medical Center are all within 4 miles via back roads. Interstates 35 and 80 run just north of the suburb. U.S. Route 6 cuts across the southern border, and Interstate 235 is a bit further south, making commuting convenient for residents. The neighborhood has Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DARTA) bus stops along Lower Beaver Road and Beaver Avenue; however, Geerdes says most people rely on their cars. Downtown Des Moines is a 4-mile drive taking Martin Luther King Jr Parkway, and Des Moines International Airport is an 8-mile drive via M.L.K. Pkwy and Fleur Drive.

Susan Pascal
Written By
Susan Pascal
Conar McDaniel
Video By
Conar McDaniel

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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 Liz Lashier, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Des Moines International

20 min drive

Bus

Lower Beaver Rd & Twana Dr, Dsm

Bus

Douglas Ave & Lower Beaver Rd (Far-Side), Dsm

Bus

Lower Beaver Rd & Douglas Ave (Far-Side), Dsm

Bus

Lower Beaver Rd & Lindlavista Way, Dsm

Bus

Douglas Ave & #2833, Dsm

Bus

Douglas Ave & 42nd St, Dsm

Bus

Lower Beaver Rd & Madison Ave, Dsm

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Lower Beaver US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$258,500
Median Single Family Price
$254,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$280,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$209
Number of Homes for Sale
13
Last 12 months Home Sales
97
Months of Supply
1.60
Median List Price
$264,950
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,151
Median Year Built
1958
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,222
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,735
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,365
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
1,128
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,712

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Liz Lashier, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
6,033
Median Age
39
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$72,142
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$87,724

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
84%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
35.6%
Advanced Degrees
9.5%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.7%

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®

29 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

26 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Lower Beaver neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Lower Beaver