Moving to DM in 3 weeks - are these apartments any good? (Des Moines: for sale, apartment complexes)

[ahdiya]

Hi guys, we're a couple in our early 30s (no kids) moving to Des Moines right after Christmas for a new job.

Our budget is ideally around $1k/m. We would LOVE to live downtown but we also really want a 2 bedroom as well as a fitness center, garage, and balcony. Doesn't seem possible with downtown prices.

So right now we're looking at Meadowlark Place (1250 SE 11th Street in Grimes) or Adam Ridge Condos (10520 Norfolk Dr, Johnston). Does anyone know about these complexes? Meadowlark seems very nice but there's almost no info on Adam Ridge which makes us nervous. Any input on these two is appreciated.

Also, on second thought, the skywalk system downtown is really cool - are there any apartments that let you use the skywalk easily so you can avoid transportation entirely if you work downtown? For example I found a place called The Equitable that looks really nice. Not exactly sure how it works, but would go with a 1 bedroom if it was that easy to get to work downtown.

Thanks!

[gearedtowardssalad]

Good luck with your move. I look forward to the replies - I'm moving down from Minneapolis at the end of January and need a place to live myself!

[capitalcityguy]

I"m not familiar with those apartment complex, but if your inclination is to want to live downtown, living in Grimes (especially) and Johnston would seem to be NOT the route to go...especially Grimes. I doubt you'll be very happy. There simply is no reason to live that far away from downtown (it sounds like that is where your job will be).

There are about 2300 units coming online now and within the next few months downtown so you should definitely look hard at this as an option.

Some apartments are on the skywalk system (many are close) so yes, you can leave your coat and rain gear in your apartment and walk to work assuming your office in on the skywalk as well.

[capitalcityguy]

The Equitable building is a beautiful building. I was thinking these were condos for sale, but maybe they are apartments? My guess is they'll be higher end though.

[capitalcityguy]

Finally, if downtown itself it too expensive for your budget, there are many nice apartment complexes just west of downtown in an area just recently renamed "The Avenues". (Ingersoll and Grand Avenues) as well as the Sherman Hill neighborhood.

You'll be less than 5 minutes from downtown.

[BetterCallPaul]

Have you thought about buying a house instead of renting? With interest rates creeping up, and expected to go higher over the next year, now might be the time. Obviously, duration of your planned stay in Des Moines and other factors play into that decision.

[javaboy]

I currently live in The Equitable and I must say I'm rather enjoying it. It has direct access to the skywalk, a coffee shop, potbellys on the first floor, full service deli bakery on the second floor in the skywalk all opening up within the next few months. Not to mention you may not even need to use your car much if you work downtown since there is a new full service groccery store (Hyvee) opening a few blocks away in Feb.

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by capitalcityguy

I"m not familiar with those apartment complex, but if your inclination is to want to live downtown, living in Grimes (especially) and Johnston would seem to be NOT the route to go...especially Grimes. I doubt you'll be very happy. There simply is no reason to live that far away from downtown (it sounds like that is where your job will be).

There are about 2300 units coming online now and within the next few months downtown so you should definitely look hard at this as an option.

Some apartments are on the skywalk system (many are close) so yes, you can leave your coat and rain gear in your apartment and walk to work assuming your office in on the skywalk as well.

This was my thought as well. Grimes and Johnston are both generally nice, often newer, areas and those apartments are probably fine, but they are far removed from the downtown, especially Grimes as you said. Great if you are wanting to raise a family with a smaller town feel, but not great if downtown living is what you desire.

[ahdiya]

Thanks everyone. We're still considering the Equitable and also now Park Place, which is pretty inexpensive. The skywalk is right across the street. Running into an issue where most complexes downtown are income restricted.

[capitalcityguy]

Originally Posted by ahdiya

Thanks everyone. We're still considering the Equitable and also now Park Place, which is pretty inexpensive. The skywalk is right across the street. Running into an issue where most complexes downtown are income restricted.

Almost anything that has opened in the past year or so are market rate, NOT income restricted. You may just be finding that the ones with openings are income-restricted. A lot of the newer place have waiting lists as soon as they open their doors.

Park Place will get you downtown....northern edge. You'll still have about a block and half/two block walk to the nearest skywalk entrance (which isn't bad).