Des Moines - Roosevelt / NOG Neighborhoods? (Grant, Beaver: renting, houses, school district)

[tptvosox]

Hi everyone. We moved with our 2 y.o. back to Des Moines after being gone nearly 16 years, most recently living and working in NYC. We're renting in WDM because it's close to family, which was the driving force of this move (which surprised many in our family). Now that we're talking about getting a house (in the next 6 mos to 2 years? just gathering info), we're looking at the Roosevelt / North of Grand Ave neighborhood -- specifically the area between I-235 and Grand Ave and between 42nd and 35th Streets. But really, I'm open to anything in the Hubbell Elementary / Roosevelt HS area (not that that's a huge area, I know)

For those who live there or know a lot about it, what do you love / dislike about it?

A few things to know about us:

* We're upper 30-somethings with careers in foreign language education, music (jazz instrumental), and Quality Assurance testing.
* We've rented our entire lives, believe it or not, so home shopping is new to us.
* Need a family friendly neighborhood with access to parks, biking, other recreation for kids.
* We miss the diversity (ethnic, professional, orientation, whatever), energy, cool greenspaces, and the arts & live music of NYC. Obviously we won't find those things to that degree here, but we want to be in an area that appreciates these things, too.
* Another great thing about NYC was the walking access to everything we'd need -- groceries, restaurants, outdoor fests, gyms, library, bookstores, quirky bars, etc.
* I grew up with basement water problems in Beaverdale and NW Des Moines. Not looking to repeat that...but then maybe most people have to deal with that to some extent all over Des Moines (?).
* Never had to worry before about lead paint, but now we do. Houses around here were built in early 1900s, but many renovated in last 20 years. Can you expect with renovations, lead paint is no longer much of an issue?

This is way long, sorry. Bring on the info!

Thanks in advance!
-Dave

[capitalcityguy]

great neighborhood!

You might want to check out this thread as it speaks to many of the things it sounds like you're looking for in a DSM neighborhood.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/iowa/...hborhoods.html

[Luke9686]

You really can't go wrong in the entire area you listed. The houses are older with more character that the cookie cutters like the western burbs.

I like the area around Ingersol and 28th. Lots of restaurants, bars, etc. The area south of Grand is very nice, but more laid back. Not as young and vibrant.

You might also check out the area near University and Polk/42nd streets. Also nice, especially north of University.

I also wouldn't rule out the Drake neighborhood. A lot has changed since you left, especially south of University. You'd be surprised at what some of those houses are going for now. When I left Des Moines they were selling for less than $100k, now some are selling for $300K plus.

[El Rhino]

Originally Posted by tptvosox

* Need a family friendly neighborhood with access to parks, biking, other recreation for kids.
* We miss the diversity (ethnic, professional, orientation, whatever), energy, cool greenspaces, and the arts & live music of NYC. Obviously we won't find those things to that degree here, but we want to be in an area that appreciates these things, too.

Realistically this neighborhood would be your best bet. Greenwood Park is right there, which would be nice for the kids and there's bike trails between there and waterworks park, which would be a nice afternoon bike outing.

The people of that neighborhood are GENERALLY going to be the more "cultured" types. Your neighbors are probably more likely to invite you over for imported wines and cheeses than beer & brats and to watch the game. I view that neighborhood as being more like "old money" in culture than their counterparts in the suburbs.

As far as ethnic diversity, that neighborhood is pretty WASPy but with a noteworthy amount of Jews. I used to work a job that had me in that neighborhood quite a bit and to be honest, I never saw a Mexican that wasn't behind a lawnmower and no black people. I don't remember any Asians. The Roosevelt school district is/was the most diverse in the city though, including some of the worst neighborhoods in the city and some of the wealthiest.

[Pearlbob]

Not sure about how it is now, but I grew up there and loved it. Tons of young families and older grandparents alike. Granted it was a long time ago, but we rode bikes and played outdoors all the time, no worries. The parks are gorgeous and I still go back to see the art center, science center, and the trails/parks when I go back. Very nice area. Huge old historic homes with character.

Now....we had water in our basement everytime it rained hard, but it was a 100 year old house...what do you expect? I'm sure my family could have done something about it if they really cared.

[El Rhino]

Originally Posted by Pearlbob

Not sure about how it is now, but I grew up there and loved it. Tons of young families and older grandparents alike. Granted it was a long time ago, but we rode bikes and played outdoors all the time, no worries. The parks are gorgeous and I still go back to see the art center, science center, and the trails/parks when I go back. Very nice area. Huge old historic homes with character.

.

Did you know that they moved this downtown a few years ago? I'm not sure what they're doing with the old science center building these days, but it was a cool place, I liked how it was tucked away back there. The new science center looks a lot nicer and has some new things, but it doesn't seem as adult friendly as the old one.

[capitalcityguy]

Originally Posted by El Rhino

Your neighbors are probably more likely to invite you over for imported wines and cheeses than beer & brats and to watch the game.

True, but don't hold that against them.

[Pearlbob]

Well, I lived in downtown Memphis a few years ago I moved out of Des Moines a long time ago, but still have family and friends there. Now that I think of it, you're right...the science center is downtown now, right? I think I have been there once. I grew up with the old one back in the woods though.

[tptvosox]

Originally Posted by capitalcityguy

True, but don't hold that against them.

I second that. Whatever the hang is, as long as it's with good people, I'm there -- wine / cheese / fruit; a game, grillin' and some brews outside; or even just pop / chips y salsa / veggies, with the kids runnin' around. Lots of quality people make occasions to do all those things.

Thanks, everyone, for the helpful comments in general. I'm feeling even better about focusing on that area. Now that the snow is nearly gone (can't believe that much can disappear this fast!), it's fun to get a better look at everything. Can't wait to move away from WDM water...soapiest tasting water I've ever had. Nasty.

So, does the "Roosevelt Cultural District" do anything to herald that distinction? Maybe as we go through Spring/Summer, the outdoor events will happen (?).

[tptvosox]

Is it an area where kids should feel safe Trick-or-Treating? Actually, do people still do that? (that should tell you we've been gone a long time)