$152,403Average Value$168Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Accessible suburban living in a Des Moines neighborhood
As a former coal-mining community in the late 1900s, Martin Luther King Jr. Park has developed into an accessible, family-oriented community with affordable homes and locally owned restaurants. “This is a lowkey residential neighborhood that is centrally located to the city,” says Jarod Snover, a local real estate agent at Iowa Realty Mills Crossing who has sold over 45 homes in Des Moines. “It has some nice little parks and access to grocery stores.” Martin Luther King Jr. Park is home to many generational and long-term residents who seek homecoming to where they grew up. Locals feel a strong connection to the pulse of the neighborhood and value their familial roots.
The entrance to MLK Park welcomes many local families daily.
The Martin Luther King Jr Park neighborhood is located just minutes from downtown Des Moines.
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Modest Craftsman homes in Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Prospective homeowners may choose from a selection of historic Craftsman houses built between the late 1800s and the mid-1900s. Modest bungalows with pointed roofs and front porches are often complemented by mature, shaded trees and grassy landscapes. Properties tend to be about 800 to 1,200 square feet, and are priced around $100,000 to $200,000. “Area homes usually have higher ceilings, slightly smaller bedrooms, but bigger living rooms and family rooms,” says Des Moines-area Realtor Natasha Ratliff.
Tree-lined streets feature many ranch homes in Martin Luther King Jr Park.
Small bungalows with front porches are a popular style in Martin Luther King Jr Park.
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Navigating Des Moines
While some locals may walk to nearby restaurants or stores, the neighborhood is still car-dependent for shopping trips and commutes to the city. For public transportation, residents can take the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) and access downtown Des Moines. The area’s major highways, Interstate 35 and Interstate 80, lead into Minneapolis and Chicago, respectively. Des Moines International Airport is about 8 miles away, and UnityPoint Health - Iowa Lutheran Hospital is 1 mile west of the neighborhood.
Explore local taco trucks on University Avenue
Many area restaurants are located along University Avenue, including Thai Flavors, which is a popular eatery featuring Southeast Asian dishes like curried duck. In nearby Accent, Latin King Italian Dining serves up authentic Italian dishes in an old-school Italian dining room. Alongside traditional restaurants, plenty of taco trucks such as Taqueria Veracruz and Tacos Villanueva offer small-time and authentic spots for tasty tacos. Additionally, the neighborhood has many ethnic Mexican and Asian grocery stores all around. For daily groceries, Hy-Vee is about 3 miles to the south, and Walmart is 5 miles farther south in Des Moines.
Authentic Southeast Asian cuisine can be found at Thai Flavors in Martin Luther King Jr Park.
Residents of Martin Luther King Jr Park love to have Tacos Villanueva in the neighborhood.
Tacos La Papa is another popular food truck in Martin Luther King Jr Park.
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Recreation at Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Located at the heart of the community is the area’s namesake park. Martin Luther King Jr. Park’s onsite shelters, picnic tables and charcoal grills make it a great spot for a community cookout. “It’s a good gathering place that’s centrally located,” Ratliff says. “Since it is easy for people to utilize that area, residents come together to have barbecues and entertain during the summer.” The park also has basketball courts with a mural highlighting the neighborhood’s emphasis on unity, while an accessible playground and a splash pool are available for the area’s younger residents to enjoy on warmer days.
The entrance to MLK Park welcomes many local families daily.
The MLK Park splashpad is a great way for neighboring residents and children to cool off.
The expansive playground offers hours of fun for MLK Park visitors.
The pavilions and picnic tables of MLK Park are popular for summer get-togethers.
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Des Moines Independent Community School District
Area primary schools include Garton Elementary School and Capitol View Elementary School, both of which have a C-minus Niche score. Hiatt Middle School scores a C-minus, and East High School receives a C rating and is known for its expansive sports programs.
Garton Elementary is one of several elementary schools in the area.
Capital View Elementary has a great view of the golden-domed State Capitol.
Hiatt Middle School serves students in grades 6-8 in Martin Luther King Jr Park.
East High School serves students in grades 9-12.
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Events in Des Moines
Some of Des Moines’ most anticipated events include the Iowa State Fair and the World Food and Music Festival. These celebrations are highlighted by food trucks from local vendors and live performances. The 80/35 Music Festival features international acts and 3 days of music shows, and the annual Des Moines Arts Festival is another notable event in June.
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
Darson Grantham,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Crowley Park
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
MLK Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Fairmont Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Grandview Park
Basketball
Bike Trails
Disc Golf
Ashfield Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Stewart Square Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Pocket Park
Playground
Transit
Airport
Des Moines International
16 min drive
Bus
E 14th St & Cleveland Ave, Dsm
Bus
E University Ave & Easton Ave, Dsm
Bus
E University Ave & E 16th St, Dsm
Bus
E University Ave & E 17th Ct, Dsm
Bus
E University Ave & E 15th St, Dsm
Bus
E 14th St & E University Ave (Far-Side), Dsm
Bus
E University Ave & Sampson St, Dsm
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Martin Luther King Jr Park
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Martin Luther King Jr Park, Des Moines sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Martin Luther King Jr Park, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $140,068, down 4% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-In Ready 2-Bed, 2-Bath Home!Built in 2006, this home is newer than most in the area. Freshly painted walls and new tile flooring flow through the open living room into the kitchen and dining area. The kitchen comes fully equipped—including a brand-new refrigerator and dishwasher (2024)!The primary bedroom features brand new carpet, spacious closet and attached full bath. The laundry room
Take a look at this wonderful 2-bedroom ranch house located in the northeast area of Des Moines! Featuring 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 large full baths, a full kitchen with plenty of space to walk around, this house has it all. Maintained flawlessly, the homeowner has taken care of this house with love and features a newer roof, HVAC, water heater and AC unit. Take a look today at this gem of a house
Don't miss this beautifully built home on a the desirable east side with a 9 YEAR TAX ABATEMENT! This thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a spacious and functional open layout, ideal for modern living.Enjoy LVP flooring throughout the kitchen and living area, highlighted by vaulted ceilings that enhance the open feel. The kitchen features rich maple cabinetry, stainless steel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Darson Grantham,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,810
Median Age
34
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
29.6%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$37,242
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$47,021
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
67.1%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
11%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2%
% Population in Labor Force
61.9%
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®
45/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
48/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
36/ 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.
