Moving back to the DSM area (Des Moines, Ankeny: apartment complex, homes, neighborhoods)

[downtownr]

I am moving back to the DSM area after 15 years. Here are a few questions...

-Does anyone have any recommendations regarding neighborhoods north of university and in the Grandview University area?

-What about the Norwalk area? Are there decent prospects for apartments?

[DMRyan]

Welcome back to DSM and good luck finding a location that suits you.

Norwalk has one decent apartment complex called High Pointe apartments located in a new development underway. Norwalk is convenient to both downtown and the western suburbs, which is its biggest attribute.

You'll have to be more specific about "north of University Avenue" because this street stretches across the entire metro area.

The Grandview area is one of the few places on the east side of Des Moines that seems decently livable. You'll find decent brick homes that you would see in the more popular Beaverdale Neighborhood, only priced much, much cheaper. The east side of Des Moines doesn't have much for retail and restaurants and the neighborhoods can be very hit or miss, but the Grandview area is kind of a diamond in the rough.

[downtownr]

Thanks for the post. Can you pick up the DART in Norwalk?

Grandview seems nice. Are there any nice places on the north side, but south of I35?

Originally Posted by DMRyan

Welcome back to DSM and good luck finding a location that suits you.

Norwalk has one decent apartment complex called High Pointe apartments located in a new development underway. Norwalk is convenient to both downtown and the western suburbs, which is its biggest attribute.

You'll have to be more specific about "north of University Avenue" because this street stretches across the entire metro area.

The Grandview area is one of the few places on the east side of Des Moines that seems decently livable. You'll find decent brick homes that you would see in the more popular Beaverdale Neighborhood, only priced much, much cheaper. The east side of Des Moines doesn't have much for retail and restaurants and the neighborhoods can be very hit or miss, but the Grandview area is kind of a diamond in the rough.

[Northern Traveler]

Originally Posted by downtownr

Thanks for the post. Can you pick up the DART in Norwalk?

Grandview seems nice. Are there any nice places on the north side, but south of I35?

Looks like DART stops it's route at Ft. Des Moines area. Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority • Area Route Map

Although not fitting your criteria, check out Ankeny on the north side, beautiful community ... it's on the DART route too.

[downtownr]

Thanks for feedback. The Norwalk/Ft. Des Moines looks promising.

Originally Posted by Northern Traveler

Looks like DART stops it's route at Ft. Des Moines area. Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority • Area Route Map

Although not fitting your criteria, check out Ankeny on the north side, beautiful community ... it's on the DART route too.

[dmguy30]

I'd also look at Sherman Hill (just south of I-235 and west of downtown) and Drake area (which is along University Avenue). Bus service in these areas is pretty good.

[Luke9686]

Also check out the Ingersol area. It's a nice area with shops/bars, etc within walking distance. I always liked that area.

Even though the Grandview area can be nice, it's surrounded by east side shadyness. I'd avoid it. I grew up on the east side, but wouldn't recommend it to anyone really. There are some nice parts, but unless you are pretty familiar with the area, I wouldn't live there.