Des Moines is the anchor of everything in Central Iowa — the state capital, the largest city in Iowa, and the job engine every surrounding suburb commutes into. I work this whole metro every day, and here's the honest read: Des Moines gives buyers something the outer suburbs can't — real character, walkable historic neighborhoods, and some of the most approachable price points in the region. If you want to be close to work, close to the action, and buy something with a story, the city itself belongs on your list.
The suburbs get a lot of the growth headlines, but the city core has its own pull. In my experience, three things bring buyers here:
Here's something I tell every buyer: Des Moines isn't one market. It's a collection of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own price band and personality — and knowing the difference up front saves you weeks of touring the wrong homes. Price bands below reflect mid-2026 conditions and move month to month.
East Village — The trendy district just east of the river, below the Capitol. Renovated lofts, condos, and close-in homes within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Roughly $250K–$450K+ depending on square footage and finish. Best for: buyers who want walkability and downtown energy.
Sherman Hill — The city's historic showpiece: grand Victorians, brick streets, an active preservation community. Wide range, roughly $200K–$500K+, from fixers to fully restored. Best for: buyers who want architecture and character, and don't mind older-home maintenance.
South of Grand / Ingersoll–Woodland Heights (50312) — Established, higher-end pocket west of downtown with mature trees and a walkable Ingersoll Avenue corridor. Prices run from the mid $200Ks well past $1M for the premier streets. Best for: move-up buyers who want established prestige near the core.
Beaverdale — Famous for its "Beaverdale brick" Tudors, a genuine neighborhood main street, and a strong community feel on the northwest side. Roughly $180K–$400K. Best for: buyers who want character housing stock at an approachable price.
Drake neighborhood — Around Drake University, a mix of older single-family homes, up-down duplexes, and student rentals (ZIP 50311). Roughly $130K–$350K. Best for: house hackers and investors who want built-in rental demand.
Downtown lofts & Gray's Lake area — Downtown condos and loft conversions run roughly $150K–$400K; the Gray's Lake/South Side area offers close-in single-family near one of the city's best parks. Best for: low-maintenance, lock-and-leave living or trail-and-lake access.
Des Moines in 2026 is a stable, affordable market — a real contrast to the frenzy of a few years back. A few patterns I'm watching:
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House hacking is one of my specialties, and Des Moines is genuinely one of the better markets for it in the metro. Three reasons:
If you're investment-minded and early in your career, this is a strategy worth running the numbers on. Full house hacking playbook here →
"We couldn't have asked for a better experience working with Jackson. He made both buying our new home and selling our previous townhome feel seamless. What really sets him apart is how much he genuinely cares."
— T.M., Central Iowa (Verified Zillow review)
Most of the city is served by Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) — the largest school district in Iowa, and the first in the state to offer the International Baccalaureate program. DMPS runs five comprehensive high schools: East, Hoover, Lincoln, North, and Roosevelt.
One important note for buyers: because the city is large, its edges touch other districts — including Southeast Polk, Johnston, West Des Moines Community, Saydel, and Carlisle. Attendance boundaries don't follow city limits, so always verify the district and attendance zone for a specific address. I keep a separate deep-dive on Des Moines schools if you want every detail.
Des Moines sits at the crossroads of the metro. I-235 cuts straight through downtown and connects to the I-35/I-80 beltway on the north and east sides, putting West Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, Johnston, Ankeny, and Altoona within a 15–25 minute drive. Downtown itself sits at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, a house hacker, or looking to move up, Des Moines rewards buyers who know the neighborhoods and can move with confidence when the right home shows up. I live and work this market every day, and I'm happy to help you get your bearings — no pressure. Let's set up a free 15-minute conversation:
Comparing the city to the suburbs? Urbandale sits just northwest with established neighborhoods and easy I-35/80 access. Clive runs along the greenbelt on the west side. Johnston is north of the city with a well-regarded district, and Altoona is on the fast-growing east side off I-80.
Jackson Krile is a REALTOR® on the Flanders Team at RE/MAX Real Estate Center. Licensed in Iowa #S66867000. DMAAR + CIBR member. Serving Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Johnston, Altoona, and surrounding Central Iowa communities.
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