Any feedback on these two areas of DM? (Des Moines, Johnston: apartments, houses)

[swlmc2]

I am relocating to Des Moines and have my home search narrowed down to two areas with good prospects in both. I wonder if any of you who know DM might have any feedback or thoughts on these areas? I do not know Des Moines well and am very nervous about this move.

The first area is bounded by Franklin and Hickman, between 30th-37th streets.

The second area is the Sheridan Avenue area between 30th-34th streets.

My main concerns are safety and neighborhood stability with regard to resale value.

Any thoughts, suggestions, comments, or caveats would be appreciated. Many thanks.

[DMRyan]

I would recommend scratching out the 30-34th and Sheridan area. There are a lot of apartments in that area, and a decent amount of crime. Property values are held down because of this. It is a pretty area topography wise, with lots of rolling hills and tree cover though.

You should be fine west of 35th Street, between Franklin and Hickman. Lots of 1930's and 1940's bungalow tracts in this area. I have several friends that live in this area, and they seem to like it just fine. You're close to a couple of nice commercial pockets that have most of the services you'll need, and a couple of bars and restaurants to boot. Still affordable, but much safer than the other area you asked about.

[swlmc2]

Thanks DMR. I am seriously considering a bungalow near 37th/Franklin, so it is good to hear that that is a decent area.

[swlmc2]

Is the green space behind the Beaverdale Library (Franklin St.) a park (I don't see this space marked on the map)? Is that Franklin Field? Would it be a good place to walk my dogs? Wilmer Park is closer, but it doesn't look large enough for a good hour dog walk and I am not sure we will have time to go up to Beaverdale Park every day.

Alternately, I keep hearing about DM' network of trails. Is there access to a hiking/running trail near this area that we might use?

[DMRyan]

Franklin Park is pretty much just a big field, but they've been adding some features like shelters and volley ball courts lately.

Witmer Park is smaller, but it's a nice piece of ground with rolling hills, a tennis court, trails, and a pond. Your nearest trail connection would the be trestle to trestle trail, which goes up to Johnston, or connects to the river greenbelt trails to downtown and beyond. It's not immediately in the neighborhood you're looking at, but only a couple of miles away.

[Luke9686]

Resale on the Sheridan address would probably be better. They are both decent areas. If you don't know Des Moines much, I would hold off on buying until you move out there.

I like the area around Ingersoll and 25th, and west. There are a lot of renovations going on in the Drake area. Specifically south of University and west of 25th Street. Older houses that are getting redone. A few years back you could buy in this area for less than $100K. Now some of them are going for over $300K.

The Beaverdale area is nice also. Really depends on budget, and what you're looking for.

You looking for a young, vibrant area. Cookie cutter suburbs (better schools). Is your budget $100K or $300K?

[swlmc2]

They obviously work for many people, but I like the charm and character of older homes. I grew up in an old colonial in New York and have always gravitated toward older homes (and yes, all the assorted 'issues' they come with... sigh)

I have been looking at a lot of homes in Beaverdale, which seems like a nice older established neighborhood, and the prices are within my range. The one bungalow I really liked is within walking distance of Witmer park, close to the library, and shops. I think I will like it there.

Thanks for the Ingersoll suggestion. I am looking forward to exploring the city and its various neighborhoods. I have heard good things about Ingersoll and also the south of Grand area, but I fear both of those areas are out of my budget right now.

[DMRyan]

There are affordable historic homes in a similar price range as the areas you're looking in the area north of Ingersoll, in neighborhoods called North of Grand (NOG) and Woodland Heights. The housing stock will generally be 20-30 years older than in most of Beaverdale. You're much closer to everything but a shopping mall at the Ingersoll location, but it won't be quite as tranquil as most of Beaverdale.