Welcome to the “Parks” Neighborhoods of North Des Moines! Situated northeast of the Riverbend (both the literal bend in the Des Moines River and the aptly named neighborhood) you’ll find 3 neighborhoods – Highland Park, Oak Park, and Union Park! This area has gained popularity over the last couple years due in part to increased funding and attention toward investment in the neighborhood. With its charming and affordable older homes, multiple parks, and shopping district, the “Parks” of North DSM are an excellent choice for those looking for a community close to the city’s heart.

Des Moines Neighborhood Guide: The “Parks” of North Des Moines

Highland Park, Oak Park & Union Park

Parks

  • Riverview Park – Community Stage + Playground
  • McHenry Park
  • Union Park – Rocket Slide, Carousel + Splash Pad
  • Birdland Park – Marina
  • Belle M Turner Park – Playground

Pools

  • Birdland Pool

Community Centers

  • Polk County Northside Community Center

Public Libraries

  • North Side Library

Community Events

  • “Rendezvous on the River” – Riverview Park: Fridays in June & July
  • “Porchfest” – Annual music festival: musicians perform from porches of Union Park homes in September
  • “Together Through Sound” – NEW Cultural Art & Music Festival: Held in Riverview Park in September

Living Here

The majority of the neighborhood’s homes are modest single family homes built in the early to mid 20th century. The median sale price in these neighborhoods is low compared to other areas in the city of Des Moines, but there is opportunity for investment through programs like Neighborhood Finance Corporation and INVEST DSM.

Curious about housing prices in these neighborhoods over the last 12 months? You can view homes currently for sale in the area here, or here are some stats and prices from our Des Moines Area MLS and Rentometer.com

Local Business Spotlights

Des Moines Mercantile 

As one of the first businesses to move in as part of the neighborhood’s revitalization efforts, I HAVE to give a shoutout to DSM Mercantile. Their shop is like stepping back in time to a general store of carefully curated goods, and I love coming here to buy gifts! They play a huge role in promoting the HP/OP neighborhood and organizing “market” events that bring the community together.

The Slow Down

Another extremely community-focused business in the neighborhood – the Slow Down is a cozy place to sit down with a friend or get some work done. I love their seasonal lattes and they’ve always got snacks on deck from local bakeries as well as goods from local vendors! Better yet, they are always hosting events like book clubs, game nights, and supply drives to create a true community space.

Captain Roy’s

Have bike, will travel (to Captain Roy’s). Located right on the Des Moines River by the marina, this is one of my favorite stops along the bike trail during the summer because they’ve got a HUGE patio space, food, drinks and you can often find live music on the weekends!

What’s in the Neighborhood?

Good Eats & Drinks

Chuck’s Restaurant Pizza/Italian, Captain Roy’s Riverside Bar & Restaurant, Chacha’s/Hiland Bakery Bakery & Breakfast, Lj’s Burgers & Ice Cream, Mr. Bibbs Tenderloins, Chicago Speakeasy Supper Club, La Ventanita Snack Bar & Ice Cream

Shopping & Small Business

Coffee

Grocery

There are over 50 neighborhoods within the city of Des Moines. The goal of this Neighborhood Guide series is not to promote one neighborhood of Des Moines over another, but to highlight what is special within each neighborhood and area.

Have a DSM neighborhood you love? Click the link below to let us know where we should “move” to next.

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About Emily, DSMG Contributor + Licensed Des Moines Realtor:

Hi, I’m Emily Miller! I traded the suburbs of St. Louis for the fields of Iowa when I moved to Des Moines in 2014 to attend Drake University. By day (and let’s be real – most evenings and weekends) I work as a REALTOR, but in my free time I love hitting up local coffee shops, breweries and restaurants with my husband and friends. There is a lot to love about our little city, and I love that part of my job as a REALTOR is to help people find a community here where they can really thrive. Licensed REALTOR in the state of Iowa with the Hokel Real Estate Team, Century 21 Signature Real Estate.