Des Moines--the best neighborhood for us? (West Des Moines, Altoona: relocating, income, rent)

[ukusmom]

Hello, all!

Our family of four will be relocating to Des Moines as soon as we land a job, preferably at the end of the year. We have researched everything possible, but do not know which area is best for us to live in. We will be unable to buy a home for a couple of years and would prefer to rent where we buy. (Our children will start elementary school in the next few years.)

We are in search for an area in Des Moines (not on the far outskirts) that has good schools, low crime, and very affordable housing prices. Can you let us know what we are looking at as far as rent, and buying in the area that you recommend? We need a 3-bedroom, some sort of backyard, and garage. We also do not want to buy something that needs tons of repairs.

As far as school systems, can you attend a school that is out of your district? I only ask because what if we rent in an area and need to buy elsewhere once our kids have started school?

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Thanks.

[serate]

It really depends on where you work. Altoona is nice, as are some parts of West Des Moines. Altoona to West Des Moines is a 20 minute drive with Des Moines being in between. You need to check on flooding - not just from the rivers, but how your house is situated for run off.

School districts - SE Polk is a good one. It includes Runnels, Altoona, Mitchellville [this is where they got their mascot RAMS], parts of Pleasant Hill and parts of Des Moines.

[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Polk_Community_School_District]Southeast Polk Community School District - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/url]

[url=http://www.se-polk.k12.ia.us/]Southeast Polk Community School District[/url]

Iowa has open enrollment state wide but it depends on each individual school district. If you aren't white you shouldn't have to much trouble going anywhere you want no matter where you live. Des Moines school district is having problems keeping the balance, although they are trying to come up with a configuration not based on race.

[URL]http://www.iowa.gov/educate/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=649&Item id=636[/URL]

Another link

[url=http://www.dmps.k12.ia.us/whatsnews/kiplingerranking.htm]Press Release, Des Moines Public Schools, Iowa[/url]

[CrazyHorsePete]

Within the Des Moines city limits, I would check out the Beaverdale neighborhood.

[pepe1]

Most areas in Des Moines meet the criteria you have given. Are there other amenities you find important that may help narrow down your search? Do you prefer urban neighborhoods or suburban? Newer housing stock, older housing? Is housing in close proximity to retail important? Would you be willing to pay a little more for housing that is in close proximity to retail? Modest single family housing in Des Moines Ranges from 100K to 300K - is there a price range your more comfortable with?

[Prairie Dweller]

If you're living in the Des Moines School District and want to transfer out of it - it may not be as easy to open enroll as previously. They have issued new "income" requirements so people won't leave their district. Just beware because there are some not so good schools in the city of Des Moines.

[ukusmom]

Thanks for your reply. Do you know which schools I should avoid? This would help me a lot in my search. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Prairie Dweller

If you're living in the Des Moines School District and want to transfer out of it - it may not be as easy to open enroll as previously. They have issued new "income" requirements so people won't leave their district. Just beware because there are some not so good schools in the city of Des Moines.

[ukusmom]

Thanks for your reply. You made some great points. I appreciate you helping in this matter. We would like to be close to retail, but affordability, safety, and good schools take priority. My husband does not want to live on the outskirts of Des Moines, so we are searching within the city limits only. We are a low income family and will not be able to afford over $179,000. We would prefer a brick home, basement, 3 bedroom, that is not in a cookie cutter neighborhood. I hope this helps you out and that you are able to help us in our search.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by pepe1

Most areas in Des Moines meet the criteria you have given. Are there other amenities you find important that may help narrow down your search? Do you prefer urban neighborhoods or suburban? Newer housing stock, older housing? Is housing in close proximity to retail important? Would you be willing to pay a little more for housing that is in close proximity to retail? Modest single family housing in Des Moines Ranges from 100K to 300K - is there a price range your more comfortable with?

[El Rhino]

Originally Posted by ukusmom

Thanks for your reply. You made some great points. I appreciate you helping in this matter. We would like to be close to retail, but affordability, safety, and good schools take priority. My husband does not want to live on the outskirts of Des Moines, so we are searching within the city limits only. We are a low income family and will not be able to afford over $179,000. We would prefer a brick home, basement, 3 bedroom, that is not in a cookie cutter neighborhood. I hope this helps you out and that you are able to help us in our search.

Thanks.

$179k can get you a good brick three bedroom in a nice neighborhood on the South of East sides of Des Moines, easily. I'd check the SW side around Lincoln High, I know there are plenty of homes that fit that description around there. I can't think of exactly where a lot of homes like this would be on the East side, but they're out there. Maybe Beaverdale too.

[SharpHawkeye]

I've said the exact same thing in other threads, but it's applicable here.

Back when I was growing up in Des Moines the southeast side ( we lived on S.E. 5th then) was a decent working-class neighborhood, where a nice house could be had for a reasonable price, the schools were pretty good, and the neighborhoods were safe. The area around Easter Lake is also a nice area--I would give that area some thought.

Beaverdale is a nice area as is Ingersoll, both are a little more expensive than the south side, but $179k should get you a nice house if you look around.

[MastermindDSM]

Beaverdale is rated the best neighborhood in the metro year after year. Most residents are in their late 20's to late 30's. [URL="http://www.beaverdale.org/"]Beaverdale Neighborhood Association [ Home ][/URL]

This will give you an idea of where Beaverdale is exactly.
[URL="http://www.beaverdale.org/home/Boundaries.php"]Beaverdale Neighborhood Association [ Boundaries ][/URL]

Cityview's "Best of Des Moines" will give you a better idea about the community. [URL="http://www.dmcityview.com/bestof.shtml"]Cityview Online (Best Of)[/URL]