What is the median condo price in Downtown Des Moines?

The median condo price in Downtown Des Moines is approximately $265,000 as of December 2025. Prices range from $200K-$400K for historic lofts, $250K-$500K for modern condos, and $350K-$800K+ for luxury high-rises. The $250K-$350K range sees the most activity.

What is the Walk Score for Downtown Des Moines?

Downtown Des Moines has a Walk Score of 98/100 (Walker's Paradise), a Transit Score of 72/100 (Excellent), and a Bike Score of 95/100 (Biker's Paradise). Residents can walk to work, restaurants, entertainment, and daily errands without a car.

What are the different districts in Downtown Des Moines?

Downtown Des Moines includes several distinct districts: East Village (trendy, locally-owned shops), Court Avenue (nightlife and entertainment), Principal Riverwalk (riverfront living), Western Gateway (arts and culture near Pappajohn Sculpture Park), Financial District (luxury high-rises), and Capitol District (quieter, residential feel).

What should I know about condo insurance in Downtown Des Moines?

Downtown condo buyers need HO-6 condo insurance ($300-$600/year) covering interior, personal property, and liability. The HOA master policy covers building exterior and common areas. Critical: ensure adequate loss assessment coverage ($50K-$100K) in case of major building claims. Historic lofts may face higher premiums due to building age.

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🏙️ Urban Living

Downtown Des Moines

Walkable Lifestyle • Arts & Culture • Vibrant Nightlife

25K+ Residents

$265K Median Condo

98/100 Walk Score

0 min Commute

Welcome to Downtown Des Moines

Iowa's most walkable, vibrant urban neighborhood

Live Where Life Happens

Downtown Des Moines has experienced a renaissance, transforming from a 9-to-5 business district into a thriving 24/7 urban neighborhood. Historic buildings have been converted into stunning lofts and condos, new high-rises offer modern luxury living, and the streets buzz with restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues.

What makes downtown living special is the lifestyle: walk to work, walk to dinner, walk to concerts and sporting events, walk to farmers markets and festivals. No car needed for daily life. Your "commute" is an elevator ride.

Downtown attracts young professionals working at major employers (Principal Financial, Wells Fargo, EMC Insurance), empty-nesters who want walkable urban living, creatives drawn to the arts scene, and anyone who values experiences over square footage.

                    Quick Facts
                    Walk Score: 98/100 (Paradise)
Transit Score: 72/100 (Excellent)
Bike Score: 95/100 (Paradise)
ZIP Codes: 50309, 50314
Housing: Lofts, condos, high-rises
Population: 25,000+ (growing)
Median Age: 32 years
Vibe: Urban, energetic

                

🏙️ 25,000+ Downtown Residents

🏢 $265K Median Condo Price

🚶 98 Walk Score (Paradise!)

📈 +60% Growth Since 2010

🏙️ Downtown Districts & Neighborhoods

Downtown Des Moines isn't one monolithic area — it's a collection of distinct districts, each with its own character, vibe, and residential options. Understanding these districts helps you find the perfect urban lifestyle fit.

East Village

Trendy, eclectic, locally-owned shops and restaurants. Historic lofts and new condos. Young professional hub.

Court Avenue

Nightlife and entertainment district. Bars, clubs, restaurants. Converted warehouse lofts.

Principal Riverwalk

Riverfront living with trails and parks. Modern high-rises. Quiet and scenic.

Western Gateway

Historic district near Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Art-focused, cultural. Gallery walks.

Financial District

Skyscraper corridor. Newer luxury high-rises. Walk-to-work for corporate employees.

Capitol District

Near State Capitol. Historic homes and new condos. Quieter, residential feel.

Finding Your District: Want nightlife at your doorstep? Court Avenue. Prefer local boutiques and brunch spots? East Village. Love art and culture? Western Gateway. Want river views? Principal Riverwalk.

Downtown Lifestyle & Amenities

Everything you need within walking distance

🍽️ Dining Scene

Over 100 restaurants within walking distance:

Alba (upscale, James Beard-nominated)
Malo (rooftop Mexican)
Zombie Burger (iconic local chain)
HoQ (Southeast Asian fusion)
Americana (craft cocktails)
Every cuisine imaginable

🎭 Arts & Culture

Thriving arts scene and cultural venues:

Des Moines Performing Arts
Des Moines Art Center
Pappajohn Sculpture Park (free)
Civic Center theater district
Des Moines Symphony
Gallery walks and art events

🏟️ Sports & Entertainment

Walk to games, concerts, and events:

Wells Fargo Arena (concerts, Iowa Wolves)
Principal Park (Iowa Cubs baseball)
Iowa Events Center
Civic Center (Broadway shows)
Live music nightly
Festivals year-round

🛍️ Shopping & Services

Everything you need walkable:

Downtown Farmers Market (Saturday)
Locally-owned boutiques
Hy-Vee grocery (Court Ave)
Banks, pharmacies, services
Gyms and yoga studios
Pet stores and vets

🌳 Parks & Trails

Urban green spaces and recreation:

Principal Riverwalk (3+ miles)
Gray's Lake (beautiful lake loop)
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Cowles Commons
90+ miles of metro trails
Bike-friendly infrastructure

💼 Walk to Work

Major downtown employers:

Principal Financial (12,000+ employees)
Wells Fargo
EMC Insurance
Nationwide
State of Iowa offices
Law firms, agencies, startups

Downtown Living Options

From historic lofts to luxury high-rises

🏛️ Historic Lofts

Converted warehouses from the early 1900s:

Exposed brick and timber beams
High ceilings (12-20 feet)
Large windows, natural light
Open floor plans
Character and charm
Typically $200K-$400K

🏢 Modern Condos

New construction and recent conversions:

Sleek, contemporary finishes
In-unit laundry
Modern kitchens and baths
Building amenities (gym, rooftop)
Energy-efficient systems
Typically $250K-$500K

🌆 Luxury High-Rises

Premium downtown living experience:

Stunning city/river views
24/7 concierge services
Rooftop terraces and pools
High-end finishes throughout
Parking included
Typically $350K-$800K+

🏠 Townhomes

Urban townhome developments:

Multi-level living
Private entrances
Small yards or patios
2-3 bedrooms typical
Attached garages
Typically $275K-$450K

💡 Condo Living Considerations

Downtown living typically means condos with HOA fees covering building maintenance, amenities, and sometimes utilities. Factor HOA fees ($200-$600/month) into your budget. Benefits: no yard work, building amenities (gym, pool, rooftop), 24/7 security, and true low-maintenance living.

Parking: Most downtown condos include 1-2 parking spots. Street parking is limited. Factor this into your decision if you have multiple vehicles.

Downtown Des Moines Real Estate Market

December 2025 — Strong urban living demand with steady appreciation

$265K Median Condo Price

↗️ Up 4.5% YoY

32 Days on Market

⚡ Steady Movement

96% Sale to List Price

💪 Balanced Market

💡 Sarah's Market Insights

The downtown condo market moves differently than suburban single-family homes. Buyers are less seasonal — professionals relocating year-round, empty-nesters downsizing when ready. Historic lofts with character hold value exceptionally well and attract premium prices. The $250K-$350K range sees most activity. COVID accelerated downtown living as remote work made walkability more valuable than suburban space. Best deals: older condos needing cosmetic updates in less trendy buildings — huge potential with renovations.

⚠️ Insurance Considerations for Downtown Condos & Lofts

As a property insurance expert with 10+ years of experience, I help downtown buyers understand condo insurance complexities BEFORE closing. Here's what you need to know:

🏢 HOA Master Policy vs. Your Policy

HOA master policies cover building exterior and common areas. YOU need HO-6 condo insurance covering your unit's interior, personal property, liability, and "loss assessment." I review HOA policies to identify gaps.

🏛️ Historic Building Concerns

Converted lofts in buildings from the 1900s-1920s face unique challenges: old plumbing, outdated electrical, aging roofs. Some carriers won't insure units in buildings over 100 years old OR charge higher premiums.

💧 Water Damage Risk

Multi-unit buildings have elevated water damage risk — pipe leaks from units above, shared plumbing stacks. Water damage is the #1 condo claim. Ensure adequate coverage and water backup protection.

🚨 Loss Assessment Coverage

CRITICAL! If building has a major claim exceeding HOA limits, owners are assessed. This could be $10K-$50K+ per owner. Ensure you have at least $50K-$100K loss assessment coverage.

💰 Typical Costs

Downtown condo insurance (HO-6) typically costs $300-$600/year. Much cheaper than homeowners insurance because HOA master policy covers the building. Factor HOA fees ($200-$600/month) into total budget.

✅ Sarah's Pre-Purchase Review

Before you make an offer, I review: HOA master policy details, building age/condition, claims history, HOA financial reserves, and maintenance records. This prevents costly surprises at closing!

🎯 Bottom Line for Downtown Buyers

Condo insurance is complex — don't go it alone! Budget $300-$600/year for HO-6 policy PLUS monthly HOA fees. Historic loft buyers need extra scrutiny on building systems. My insurance expertise is invaluable for downtown purchases.

Ready for Urban Living?

Let Sarah help you navigate the downtown condo market with her property insurance expertise

Schedule a Consultation 📞 Call 563-513-8771

Sarah Ingles

REALTOR® SRES® | 10+ Years Insurance Expertise

Your downtown Des Moines real estate expert. I specialize in condo purchases and use my property insurance background to help buyers understand HOA policies and avoid coverage gaps.

📞 563-513-8771

✉️ [email protected]