What is the median home price in Beaverdale Des Moines?

The median home price in Beaverdale is approximately $285,000 as of December 2025. Prices have increased about 3.8% year-over-year. Well-updated homes with preserved historic details in the $300K-$400K range sell quickly, while original condition homes under $250K attract investors and DIY renovators.

Is Beaverdale a walkable neighborhood?

Yes, Beaverdale is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Des Moines with a Walk Score of 92/100 (Very Walkable) and a Bike Score of 88/100. The Beaverdale Village along Beaver Avenue features locally-owned restaurants, shops, bars, and the beloved Beaverdale Books, all within walking distance.

What style of homes are in Beaverdale?

Beaverdale features historic homes built in the 1920s-1950s including Craftsman bungalows with front porches, Tudor revivals with distinctive half-timbering, Cape Cod cottages, ranch homes from the 1950s, and mid-century modern gems. Homes feature original hardwood floors, built-in bookcases, arched doorways, and decorative fireplaces.

What should I know about insuring a Beaverdale home?

Historic Beaverdale homes (70-100 years old) may have outdated electrical, old plumbing, or aged roofs that require updates before insurance carriers will provide coverage. Budget an extra $500-$1,500/year for insurance compared to new homes, and potentially $20K-$40K for updating electrical, plumbing, and roof if not already done.

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🏛️ Historic Neighborhood

Beaverdale

Historic Charm • Walkable Village • Tree-Lined Streets

~8K Population

$285K Median Price

1920s-50s Historic Homes

92/100 Walk Score

Welcome to Beaverdale

Des Moines' most charming and walkable historic neighborhood

Old-School Charm, Modern Lifestyle

Beaverdale is Des Moines' hidden gem — a tight-knit urban neighborhood where tree-lined streets meet locally-owned shops, where neighbors know each other by name, and where you can walk to your favorite coffee shop on a Saturday morning.

Established in the 1920s-1950s, Beaverdale features beautiful historic homes with character you simply can't find in newer developments. Craftsman bungalows, Tudor revivals, Cape Cods, and charming cottages line the streets under a canopy of mature trees.

The Beaverdale village area along Beaver Avenue is the heart of the community — a walkable commercial district with local restaurants, shops, bars, and the beloved Beaverdale Books. It's the kind of neighborhood where people genuinely love living, not just residing.

                    Quick Facts
                    Location: Northwest Des Moines
Founded: 1920s-1950s
ZIP Code: 50310
School District: Des Moines CSD
Walk Score: 92/100 (Very Walkable)
Bike Score: 88/100
Character: Historic, Eclectic
Vibe: Community-Oriented
To Downtown: 10 minutes

                

🏘️ ~8,000 Residents

🏠 $285K Median Home Price

🚶 92 Walk Score (Very High)

🏛️ 90+ Years of History

🏛️ Historic Character & Architecture

Beaverdale's homes were built during Des Moines' post-war boom, and they show it beautifully. You won't find cookie-cutter subdivisions here — instead, every street offers unique architectural details, mature landscaping, and the kind of character that only decades can create.

Common Home Styles: Craftsman bungalows with front porches perfect for sitting out with neighbors. Tudor revivals with distinctive half-timbering. Cape Cod cottages with dormer windows. Ranch homes from the 1950s. Mid-century modern gems for the design-conscious.

What Makes Homes Special: Original hardwood floors, built-in bookcases, arched doorways, decorative fireplaces, sun porches, breakfast nooks, basement rec rooms, detached garages with character, and massive trees providing natural shade and curb appeal.

Renovation Trend: Many Beaverdale homes are being lovingly updated by buyers who appreciate historic charm but want modern amenities. Updated kitchens and bathrooms while preserving original woodwork, maintaining exterior character while adding energy-efficient systems.

The Beaverdale Village Experience

Everything you need within walking distance

☕ Coffee & Breakfast

Start your day right at local favorites:

Smokey Row Coffee (neighborhood institution)
Brick Street Market & Café
Zombie Burger (weekend brunch)
Multiple cafes within walking distance
Local bakeries and pastry shops

🍽️ Dining & Nightlife

Locally-owned restaurants and bars:

Django (upscale French bistro)
Centro (Italian favorite)
Taste of Thailand
Gusto Pizza Co.
El Bait Shop (400+ beers!)
Keo Asian Cuisine

📚 Shopping & Services

Everything you need, locally owned:

Beaverdale Books (beloved indie bookstore)
Beaverdale Confectionery (nostalgia!)
Local boutiques and gift shops
Banks and professional services
Salons and personal care
Hy-Vee grocery nearby

🎉 Community Events

Year-round neighborhood gatherings:

Fall Festival (September tradition)
Beaverdale Farmers Market
Halloween Trick-or-Treat (huge!)
Holiday decorating contests
Summer block parties
Neighborhood association events

Parks, Trails & Recreation

Green spaces and outdoor activities throughout the neighborhood

🏞️ Beaverdale Park

The neighborhood's centerpiece park:

Playground and splash pad
Tennis and basketball courts
Baseball diamonds
Picnic areas and shelters
Walking paths
Community gathering spot

🚴 Trails & Walkability

Extremely walkable and bikeable:

92/100 Walk Score (Very Walkable)
88/100 Bike Score
Tree-lined sidewalks throughout
Access to Meredith Trail
Safe, well-lit streets
Close to Waveland Golf Course

Schools & Education

Des Moines Community School District serves Beaverdale

Elementary

Hoover Elementary

7/10

Strong neighborhood school

High School

Roosevelt High School

7/10

Historic, well-established

📚 Private School Options

Beaverdale's central location provides easy access to Des Moines' top private schools:

Dowling Catholic High School (10 minutes)
St. Augustin Catholic School (nearby)
Des Moines Christian School (close)
Multiple faith-based and independent options

Beaverdale Real Estate Market

December 2025 — Steady demand for historic homes with character

$285K Median Home Price

↗️ Up 3.8% YoY

24 Days on Market

⚡ Moderate Pace

97% Sale to List Price

💪 Strong Market

💡 Sarah's Market Insights

Beaverdale attracts buyers who prioritize character and community over square footage and newness. Homes here appeal to young professionals, creatives, empty-nesters who want walkability, and families who value neighborhood feel over suburban sprawl. Well-updated homes with preserved historic details command premium prices. The market moves more deliberately than newer suburbs — buyers take time to find "the one" because each home is unique. Renovated homes in the $300K-$400K range sell quickly. Original condition homes under $250K attract investors and DIY renovators. Location matters: homes within easy walking distance to Beaver Avenue village command 10-15% premiums.

⚠️ Insurance Considerations for Historic Beaverdale Homes

As a property insurance expert with 10+ years of experience, I help buyers understand the unique considerations of insuring 70-100 year old homes. Here's what you need to know about Beaverdale:

🏠 Older Home Challenges

Homes built in the 1920s-1950s may have outdated electrical (knob-and-tube wiring), old plumbing (galvanized pipes), original roofs, and aged HVAC. Carriers scrutinize these items and may require updates or charge higher premiums.

⚡ Electrical & Plumbing

CRITICAL: Most carriers won't insure homes with active knob-and-tube wiring or galvanized plumbing. Expect $8K-$15K to update electrical, $5K-$12K for plumbing. I identify these issues during showings.

🏚️ Roof Age & Condition

Many Beaverdale homes have older roofs. Carriers typically won't insure roofs over 15-20 years old, or only offer "actual cash value" coverage. Roof replacement: $8K-$15K.

💰 Higher Rebuild Costs

Historic homes often cost MORE to rebuild due to custom woodwork, plaster walls, and unique materials. Ensure adequate coverage — many homes are underinsured.

🌳 Tree Coverage

Beaverdale's mature trees are beautiful but can damage homes during storms. Ensure your policy covers tree removal. Standard policies may only cover $500-$1,000 per tree.

✅ Sarah's Pre-Purchase Review

BEFORE you make an offer, I'll review the property for insurability red flags and help you get preliminary quotes. This prevents deals from falling apart at closing.

🎯 Bottom Line for Beaverdale Buyers

Budget an extra $500-$1,500/year for insurance compared to a new home of similar value. Factor in potential $20K-$40K for updating electrical, plumbing, and roof if not already done. The character and location are worth it, but go in with eyes open. I'll help you navigate every step!

Beaverdale Homes for Sale

Current listings and opportunities in Beaverdale

🏠 Find Your Beaverdale Home

Browse current Beaverdale listings or get personalized recommendations based on your needs.

Search Beaverdale Homes

Ready to Find Your Beaverdale Home?

Let Sarah help you navigate this unique historic market with her property insurance expertise

Schedule a Consultation 📞 Call 563-513-8771

Sarah Ingles

REALTOR® SRES® | 10+ Years Insurance Expertise

Your Beaverdale real estate expert. I specialize in historic homes and use my property insurance background to help buyers avoid costly surprises when purchasing older homes with character.

📞 563-513-8771

✉️ [email protected]