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I work at a Real Estate office, and the average price of a single family home right now is approximately $180k to $220k. You're definitely in the right area.
You might want to consider buying a home on contract. I know of a few realtors in my office that work with investors, buy the house that YOU want, and let you do a 'rent-to-own' essentially.
As far as the best/worst areas of town. It's all about what you want. If you want the suburb life, the people with big houses and fancy cars, move yourself to the West Des Moines/Jordan Creek area. This will be the best fit for you, as there are really nice schools, shopping districts, etc. Keep in mind, you will be PAYING to live in this area and your home won't have much character. It's all new developments, and with one of the largest home builders going bust in the area, you might have some vacant homes as 'neighbors' until the legal process is finished.
If you're looking for a more established community...here are a few to consider (and the area of Des Moines proper, that it's located)
Beaverdale - central - N of I235 (which runs right through the city) but S of I80. it's almost a city within a city, the homes there are known as 'Beaverdale Bricks' because most of the homes were built in the 30's to 50s and are all brick. very charming, great school system
Ingersoll - central (where I live) - S of I235 by a few blocks...basically from MLK (on the east side) to approximately 42nd St (on the west side). The homes are as diverse as the people. Lots of small specialty shops, and a local grocery store that is expanding. Homes are cheaper towards the east side, and go up as you head west. For instance, I pay $600/month for a 2 bedroom apartment, 1000+ sq. ft. I was looking at homes for sale in this area, about $80k to $150k. School system is the best for being in Des Moines. The Roosevelt school district. It has so many extra-curricular activities, and tons of diversity.
Sherman Hill - western edge of 'downtown'. This is an up and coming neighborhood, but was one of the first 'elite' neighborhoods in Des Moines. It IS on a hill, and the homes are magnificent old Victorians with lots of character. This area is being revitalized so homes are still fairly low considering the amount of character and charm for the neighborhood. This is also situated just S of I235, and on the N side of the beginnings of the 'bad' part of town. Don't get me wrong, Des Moines isn't as bad as some other state capitals, but if you had to characterize a certain part of town as being bad, just N of Sherman Hill would be it.
Drake - this area is right around Drake University and is another up and coming neighborhood. Again, beautiful older homes, but higher property taxes. Kingman Blvd is considered one of the most beautiful and established streets in town. I believe this is part of a Roosevelt School District. This area is just N of I235 between 24th and 31st street basically. Again, right near the 'bad' part of town, but still is very charming and eccentric.
Please keep in mind that you can open enroll your children anywhere within Des Moines.
Des Moines is fairly inexpensive compared to other places too, but I would encourage you to check out craigslist for apartment/house for rent.
That's just my opinion, because I do like Des Moines better than its suburbs, but I also don't have children to think about.
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