Unique Housing Options in Greater Des Moines
Spend some time in Greater Des Moines (DSM) and it won’t take long to find some truly welcoming and creatively developed housing options. From a local agrihood to a district that’s an ode to veterans, what DSM has to offer will have you packing your bags and traveling to your next home. Live amongst other artists in West Des Moines or near amenities at Norwalk Central. Whatever you choose, we think you’ll find living in DSM to be an investment in your future self.
If you fall in love with one of these neighborhoods, you'll love DSM. Get on our list to learn more about DSM.
Plain Lakes
After Costco in Ankeny opened in 2022, the land near 36th Street and I-35 became an ideal location for those wanting more amenities and housing. Thanks to the D.R.A. Properties, the developer of The District at Prairie Trail, Plain Lake Estates is joining the selection for housing in Ankeny. Plans for Pine Lake Estates include more than 300 lots and a 12-acre lake with a walking bridge and waterfall feature. The first phase of the development will include 80 single-family lots.
Learn more about Pine Lake Estates.
Grain District in Bondurant
Bondurant's plans to redevelop their downtown into the Grain District will see grain silos repurposed into a hotel, condo and retail space. This new vision will also include an extension of the Chichaqua Valley Trail, a new distillery and an arboretum, transforming the area for potential residents. This project is in the planning phase but already has widespread support from the community and received the Economic Development Planning Award during the American Planning Association Iowa Chapter’s (APA Iowa’s) annual conference.
Learn more about the Grain District Downtown Redevelopment Plan.
The McCoy at 8035 in Clive
Converted from a hotel to affordable living apartments, The McCoy in Clive is an opportunity for young professionals in the region to take advantage of living in a central location in DSM that’s also affordable. When you live in one of The McCoy’s studio apartments, you’re also getting a Genesis Health Club membership, where you can enjoy group fitness classes and personal training. It should be noted that these newly renovated studio apartments are pet-friendly and offer complimentary internet.
Learn more about The McCoy.
Middlebrook in Cumming
What amenities can you find in the Middlebrook community? From a town center to a community garden, living in Iowa's first agrihood means you’ll enjoy the comfort of family and neighbors, local agricultural businesses, walkable trails in the Middlebrook Town Center and more. Housing options include townhomes, villas, homes and cottages. Amenities like the Middlebrook Meadow, Market Hall and Town Center are the newest additions, but you can find the Great Western Bike Trail, Iowa Distilling Company and Wilson’s Orchard & Ciderhouse nearby, too. Middlebrook Mercantile also holds events, including live music, trivia, workshops and more.
Learn more about Middlebrook.
Governor's District in Grimes
Eight new apartments will be added to the Governor’s District in downtown Grimes, and according to the City of Grimes, those will be the only apartments in that area on Main Street. The two-story building is expected to be completed by next spring and will also feature retail space on the first floor. Walk to nearby Waterworks Park, Heavenly Delights Ice Cream, Dragon Pho & Boba or Stevie C’s Grill.
Learn more about the Governor’s District.
Veterans District in Knoxville
The former VA Hospital is being repurposed into Veterans District, a 152-acre neighborhood that will include housing, a Veterans Park featuring a meadow and splash pad and housing lots along streets named Justice Way, Freedom Way, Liberty Lane and Veteran’s Boulevard. Housing in the area is currently being constructed by Origin Homes and Sage Homes.
Holland Pointe in Norwalk
Construction has been ongoing for the Holland Pointe community in Norwalk, which features single-family homes, townhomes and a 55+ community. The district will also include a dog park and pool in the future and will be a prime location for all stages of life. It’s located near the Gregg Young Auto Sports Campus at Norwalk Central, a new baseball and softball recreational facility, and will eventually feature an amphitheater for community events and performances as well as other Norwalk Central amenities.
Learn more about Holland Pointe.
Gray's Station in Des Moines
Bike and running trails? Check. Live music? Check. Connections to Downtown DSM and nature? Check and check. Gray’s Station is a new and growing development nestled between Downtown DSM and Gray’s Lake. Living here – whether you buy or rent – means being within a five-minute walk of the Court Avenue and Western Gateway District, which are filled with restaurants, entertainment and arts, as well as access to trails, wetland views and a lake for paddling and trails for exploring.
Learn more about Gray's Station.
Kettlestone / Grand Prairie Parkway in Waukee
Plans for office, retail, restaurant and park space at the Grand Prairie Parkway development in Waukee are underway and the completed area will include about 14 acres for residential growth. Construction is planned to begin in the summer of 2025 for this highly anticipated project.
Check out renderings of the mixed-use area here.
Phenix Development in West Des Moines
A former elementary school in West Des Moines, now known as the Phenix School Apartments, offers affordable housing to artists in Historic Valley Junction. The community housing initiative is available to artists in visual, performance and creative arts and provides amenities such as public transportation, shared studio space and an energy efficient design.
Learn more about Phenix School Apartments.
Winterset High School Senior Housing in Winterset
The former Winterset High School building has been renovated into 27 units that house 55+ seniors in the Winterset community, where history is preserved in other ways, too. When you live in Madison County, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the famous bridges, county parks and more. As you explore the area, don’t forget to visit the Roseman Bridge, featured in “The Bridges of Madison County.”
Learn more about Winterset High School Senior Housing.
Greater Des Moines Housing Incentives
Housing programs and incentives are essential to growing residential neighborhoods, increasing development and improving quality of life for DSM residents. Here are some of the local housing incentives and initiatives being offered around the region:
- Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority (CIRHA) Home Ownership Program – CIRHA homes are available in Adel, Perry and Woodward for lower-income families.
- Historic West DSM Housing Fund – includes the Home Improvement Program for exterior home repairs and the Down Payment Program to purchase homes with loans and grants.
- Metro Home Improvement Program – collaborative effort between Ankeny, Altoona, Bondurant, Grimes, Polk City, Urbandale, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights to provide assistance for home repairs and correct code violations.
- Newton Housing Initiative – provides incentives to home builders, real estate developers, property owners and homebuyers.
- Oskaloosa Housing Trust Fund – addresses housing challenges within the City of Oskaloosa, including down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers.
- Polk County Housing Trust Fund – offers assistance and resources for quality affordable housing in Polk County, Iowa.
- Poweshiek Housing Assistance Fund – offers housing assistance thanks to the Claude W. and Dolly Aherns Foundation.
Once you consider the housing benefits in DSM, you'll see it's a clear choice for growing your professional and personal life whether you're single, married or looking for somewhere different to raise your family.
Home Sweet Home is Sweeter Here
In Greater DSM, you have an abundance of community and housing options. Find your new home and set your sights on doing something greater here.
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