Southwestern Hills, Des Moines,IA

Southwestern Hills is a charming neighborhood nestled in the northwestern part of Des Moines, IA, offering a welcoming atmosphere for those looking to settle into a community with a perfect blend of suburban comfort and city convenience. Residents here enjoy a peaceful environment with plenty of green spaces, making it a great spot for families, professionals, and retirees alike. The neighborhood boasts beautifully maintained homes, tree-lined streets, and a friendly vibe that instantly makes newcomers feel at home. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll or biking around, Southwestern Hills provides a serene backdrop for everyday living.

One of the standout features of Southwestern Hills is its proximity to popular attractions like the Waveland Golf Course and Valley Park, where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and various sports activities. Additionally, the neighborhood is close to the Jordan Creek Town Center, a bustling shopping and dining destination with everything from boutique stores to major retailers and an array of restaurants. This makes running errands or planning a fun day out easy and enjoyable. For those who appreciate local culture, the nearby Des Moines Art Center and Pappajohn Sculpture Park offer inspiring experiences just a short drive away.

Conveniently located just about 10-15 minutes northwest of Downtown Des Moines, Southwestern Hills provides easy access to the city's vibrant core without the hustle and bustle of living right in the heart of it. Commuters will appreciate the straightforward routes into downtown for work or entertainment, while still enjoying the tranquility of a residential neighborhood. With quality schools, community amenities, and a strong sense of neighborhood pride, Southwestern Hills is an excellent choice for anyone relocating to Des Moines looking for a balanced lifestyle with plenty of perks nearby.

In Southwestern Hills, 21% of residents aged 16 and older are married, which is notably higher than the national average. This could point to a more settled, community-driven neighborhood where long-term residents and homeowners are common. It’s the kind of place where stability, and a close-knit atmosphere make it especially appealing to families and couples looking to put down roots.

With only 21% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Southwestern Hills demographic details provide a clearer picture of what life is like in the neighborhood, offering insight into its character, community, and overall lifestyle. With a population of 5,448, the number of residents who reside in Southwestern Hills is about average in size compared to other Des Moines neighborhoods, striking a perfect balance between energy and tranquility. It’s large enough to offer plenty of amenities, activities, and a vibrant local scene, yet small enough to maintain a welcoming community feel and a more relaxed pace of life.

With a lower than average population density of 461 people per square mile, Southwestern Hills offers a more open and spacious environment compared to many other Des Moines neighborhoods. This often means quieter streets, less congestion, and a relaxed atmosphere — all while still providing access to the amenities and conveniences of city living.

Home to a population with a higher-than-average age of 44, this area offers a calm and refined atmosphere shaped by experience and tradition. The neighborhood’s more mature demographic fosters a strong sense of community, a relaxed pace of life, and an environment that’s both welcoming and well-established — making it an especially appealing choice for retirees seeking comfort, stability, and connection.

The Southwestern Hills crime map uses detailed block group boundaries from address-based crime data to visualize crime patterns across the neighborhood, highlighting both low-crime zones and areas with higher levels of reported crime. This crime heat map helps paint a clearer picture of local safety trends, showing how crime can vary from one part of the community to another. Keep in mind that areas with higher activity on the map don’t always equate to dangerous conditions — locations near entertainment districts, major roads, or tourist destinations often see more reports simply due to the larger number of people passing through.

Housing prices can reveal a lot about the balance and overall appeal of a neighborhood. In Southwestern Hills, the median home price is about $214,000, which is on par with many comparable areas. This average pricing reflects a stable, affordable housing market and makes the neighborhood an appealing choice for a wide range of buyers seeking both value and long-term potential. Examining how home prices and appreciation rates in Southwestern Hills have shifted over time can reveal important clues about the neighborhood’s future value. These trends help potential buyers and investors understand market momentum and determine whether the area is likely to deliver strong returns over the long term.

The median rent is around $998, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

School quality plays an important role in shaping the overall appeal of a neighborhood like Southwestern Hills. Ratings based on student achievement, graduation rates, and standardized tests — supported by national benchmarks like the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) — help paint a clearer picture of how local schools perform. Additionally, understanding the education levels of residents in Southwestern Hills offers valuable context about the community’s emphasis on learning and opportunity, helping families make confident decisions about where to settle and invest in their children’s future.