We Love Beaverdale: A Guide to Des Moines Area Neighborhoods

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Des Moines area neighborhood guide - beaverdale

Beaverdale is the largest neighborhood in Des Moines, and it is known for its distinctive brick houses. It is located from 30th Street to 48th Places between Douglas and Forest Avenues. It is centrally located, only minutes from downtown Des Moines, just west of Drake University, and east of Merle Hay Mall. Tree-lined streets and a community-centered environment make it a great neighborhood for families. It is home to the Franklin Avenue Library, several parks including Witmer Park, Ashby Park, and Beaverdale Park, as well as local shops and restaurants. You can pick up the Inter-Urban Bike Trail and connect with trails all over the city. There are four elementary schools in Beaverdale: Hillis, Monroe, Perkins, and Moore.

 

What is your favorite part about raising kids here?

We love that it is in Des Moines, but it doesn’t feel like you are in a big city. We can walk to Perkins Elementary School and there are so many parks to play at! In the summer, we especially love the splash pad at Ashby Park.

What makes it family friendly?

Even though not all the streets have sidewalks, it is still a very walkable neighborhood. There are lots of Little Libraries that we love to stop at and pick up and drop off books. When the weather is nice there are lots of kids playing outside, people walking their dogs, and families taking bike rides. I also love that we can easily walk to shops and restaurants. It gives the neighborhood an urban feel.

What events or traditions does your neighborhood have?

The Beaverdale Fall Festival is a family favorite. It kicks off with carnival rides, street vendors, and live music on Friday night. Saturday morning is a parade down Beaver Avenue with lots of floats and plenty of candy for the kids. At Christmastime, it is a family tradition to drive and see the Christmas lights on Ashby and Wallace Avenues. They are some of the best in town!

Why would you recommend it for other families?

Definitely. The homes are traditional and full of character and there are so many beautiful trees! It is in Des Moines, but it feels like its own little community with plenty of shops and restaurants, a grocery store, and library.

What makes Beaverdale unique?

Beaverdale is full of cute, little “Beaverdale brick” homes. We love walking through the neighborhood and looking at all the unique designs and styles of the houses and chatting with our neighbors.   

What are some of your favorite businesses, restaurants, or shops in Beaverdale?

Snookies Malt Shop

Snookies is a Des Moines staple! This is our favorite place to take our kids for ice cream during the summer months. People line up on opening weekend. Ice cream cones come with an animal cracker on top and their malts are delicious. Dogs get free puppy cones!

Flying Mango

The Flying Mango is a great, locally owned restaurant featuring barbecue and smoked meats. I love that the owner usually stops by your table to say hi. The food has a Caribbean flair, and they serve the best brisket in town!

Local stores

I love supporting the local businesses on Beaver Avenue. Back Country is a great clothing store with styles for men and women. Beaverdale Books is one of the only independent bookstores in town. They have a great children’s selection!

Series Sponsor: Ingrid Williams Real Estate Team

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When you want a Des Moines realtor team who will be dedicated to getting the results you want – call Ingrid Williams Real Estate Team. They’ll help you find the right house – or the right buyer for your family’s needs and lifestyle. 

 

Connect with Ingrid

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This post is part of a 10 part series about why Des Moines and the surrounding suburbs are a great place to raise a family. Check out the other communities featured in our Ultimate Guide to Des Moines Neighborhoods and Suburbs and learn more about our series sponsor, Ingrid Williams.

This post is sponsored by Ingrid Williams Real Estate Team.

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