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North of Grand

North of Grand

Historic Neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa

Polk County 50312

Neighborhood Reviews
3.5
$247,732 Average Value
$198 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes For Sale

From State Fair to scenic community

The North of Grand neighborhood began in the late 1800s as the site of the Iowa State Fair, but visitors shouldn’t expect Ferris wheels or carnival barkers when they arrive. At the turn of the century, they traded their balloons for bungalows, leading to the historic district it is today. Despite being set between the high-traffic thoroughfares of Interstate 235 and Grand Avenue, this residential community has developed a reputation among its residents as a peaceful, laid-back neighborhood with a discerning eye for maintaining its architectural beauty, something the city at large takes pains to support. “It’s a very diverse neighborhood,” says Micole Van Walbeek, a realtor with Remax Concept who’s served the area for over ten years. “And it’s just getting better with programs in Des Moines that help with restoration and tax abatements.”

Diverse historical homes

Arranged neatly in a grid of manicured lawns and sidewalk-lined streets, the well-maintained homes of the area offer a simple elegance without being ostentatious or snooty. Indeed, its accessibility is one of the factors that has made it so popular with potential homeowners. “The area’s known for historic homes with charm, but there are a lot of price points,” says Van Walbeek. “You can have a smaller, classic bungalow, or you can have a huge mansion.” Mature oaks offer summertime shade, and driveways keep the clutter of street parking to a minimum, providing a secluded atmosphere. Most single-family homes in the area were built between 1910 and 1940, and their styles reflect this, including bungalows, Arts and Crafts, Craftsman and Tudor homes. Prices begin in the low $100,000s for smaller homes and those needing restoration. Renovated historic buildings can reach mid-$200,000s while more extensive and elaborate houses peak in the low $400,000s. Estates with sprawling lawns occasionally become available, ranging from the low $800,000s to $1 million.

Creativity at the Des Moines Art Center

Built in the 1920s for cosmetics tycoon Carl Weeks, Salisbury House and Gardens is now a historic site open to tours and countless local events. With 11 acres of gardens and woodland, the estate features details crafted from 16th-century English oak and numerous antiques and works of art. Located in neighboring Linden Heights, the Des Moines Art Center collects modern and contemporary art from all over the world in various permanent collections and traveling exhibitions.

Shopping on Ingersoll Ave

Sporting a seasonal menu and extensive wine list, Oak Park offers a distinctly American fine dining experience set in a Prairie-style space reminiscent of the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Anyone who would prefer capicola to caviar need only visit Hansen’s Manhattan Deli, where they’ve been serving up a selection of sandwiches, soups and more in a classic diner atmosphere since 1982. Some of the most popular shopping in Des Moines can be found along Ingersoll Avenue, where locals can find everything from fast food to Walgreens and Price Chopper groceries.

Live music at the 80/35 Festival

Celebrated every summer since 2004, Ingersoll Live is a family-friendly block party replete with local vendors, food, live music, and even street dancing. The 80/35 Festival features a multi-performer lineup of artists like Killer Mike and OK Go at the Water Works Park south of the Linden Heights Historic District. For a quieter event, locals head to Salisbury House and Gardens every year for a chance to see the Iowa Stage Theatre Company perform the works of the Bard during Shakespeare on the Lawn.

Generational education at Greenwood Elementary

Iowa public schools offer an open enrollment policy, allowing students to attend any school they see fit, regardless of their district. A student could begin their education at Greenwood Elementary School, which scores a C-plus on Niche and is the oldest operating school building in the district, having taken its first classroom of children in 1901. “Many of our students are generational,” says principal Jenny Inman, who’s worked as a teacher and administrator in the area for over 18 years. “Many of their parents and grandparents came here, so we’re very close-knit with the families.” From there, they can attend Callanan Middle School, which scores a C-minus, before enrolling at Roosevelt High School, which has a B and specializes in the fine arts, offering courses in theatre, painting and more.

Take the DART downtown

Bordered on the north and south by Interstate 235 and Grand Avenue, respectively, the neighborhood provides a straight shot to downtown Des Moines, located 2.5 miles east. Sidewalks and bike lanes on Ingersoll Avenue and Crocker Street provide pedestrians with safe alternatives to auto travel. At the same time, the Des Moines Area Region Transit Authority (DART) offers bus lines all over the city at $1.75 a fare. For trips further afield, the Des Moines International Airport can be found 6 miles south in the neighboring community of Southwestern Hills.

Phil Keeling
Written By
Phil Keeling
Dylan Stowell
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Elia Faith Crianza
Video By
Elia Faith Crianza

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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 Shane Torres, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Des Moines International

13 min drive

Bus

Ingersoll Ave & #3220, Dsm

Bus

Ingersoll Ave & 39th St (Far-Side), Dsm

Bus

Ingersoll Ave & Crescent Dr, Dsm

Bus

Ingersoll Ave & 41st St, Dsm

Bus

Ingersoll Ave & 35th St, Dsm

Bus

Ingersoll Ave & 37th St, Dsm

Bus

Ingersoll Ave & 42nd St, Dsm

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.5 2 Reviews
4.0 Niche User
3/31/2016 Niche Review
Living in central Des Moines was a great opportunity for me. It will always be home no matter where "home" ends up changing to over the years. The atmosphere is wonderful. I live close to Downtown Des Moines, where there is always something going on. Also, I live not too far from the beautiful Gray's Lake and Water Works Park which are major attractions for walking. It has beautiful landscape.
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Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$246,500
Median Single Family Price
$237,750
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$220,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$194,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$198
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
42
Months of Supply
2.60
Median List Price
$249,950
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
28%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
803
Median Year Built
1916
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,392
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,153
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
2,026
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

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 Shane Torres, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,840
Median Age
40
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$48,383
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$66,532

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.9%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
47.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.4%
% Population in Labor Force
62.6%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
14°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
45''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

74 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

34 / 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

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
North of Grand