Union Park, Des Moines,IA

If you’re considering a move to the southeast side of Des Moines, Union Park offers a charming blend of community spirit and convenient living. This neighborhood is known for its welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of neighborhood pride. Residents here enjoy access to several lovely parks, including the expansive Union Park itself, where families gather for picnics, outdoor sports, and community events. The neighborhood also boasts a variety of locally owned shops and eateries, providing a cozy, small-town feel while still being close to the amenities you’d expect from a larger city.

One of the standout attractions in Union Park is the neighborhood’s commitment to green space and recreation. The nearby Union Park offers walking trails, playgrounds, and open fields that are perfect for weekend activities or a leisurely afternoon stroll. For those who love to stay active, there are also community centers and sports leagues available, fostering a healthy and engaging lifestyle. Food lovers will appreciate the diverse dining options around the area, from casual cafes to family-run restaurants serving up delicious comfort food, making it easy to explore new flavors without traveling far.

For commuters or those who enjoy the energy of city life, Union Park is conveniently located just a short drive northeast of Downtown Des Moines. This proximity means you can enjoy quick access to the bustling downtown business district, theaters, museums, and a vibrant nightlife scene without sacrificing the peace and quiet of a residential neighborhood. Whether you’re relocating for work or simply looking for a friendly neighborhood with great amenities, Union Park offers the perfect balance between suburban comfort and urban convenience.

30% of the Union Park population aged 16 and up are married, which is in line with national averages. This balance suggests a neighborhood with a healthy mix of families, couples, and single residents, creating a well-rounded community dynamic. You are likely to find a blend of stability and social variety, appealing to both long-term homeowners and younger professionals alike.

With only 30% 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.

Union Park 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 6,346, the number of residents who reside in Union Park 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.

Union Park has a population density of 2,917, which strikes a balanced feel when compared to other Des Moines neighborhoods. The area offers just the right mix of activity and breathing room, creating a community that’s lively yet comfortable, with easy access to amenities and everyday conveniences.

With an average age of 34, you're likely to find a well-balanced community where multiple generations live side by side. This mix of age groups contributes to a neighborhood atmosphere that’s both active and welcoming, offering a blend of fresh perspectives and long-standing community values.

The Union Park 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 trends offer valuable insight into the accessibility and character of a neighborhood. In Union Park, the median home price is $128,108, which is less than many surrounding areas. This affordability makes it an attractive option for first-time buyers, young families, or anyone looking to enter the housing market without a significant financial barrier. Looking at appreciation rates and past market trends in Union Park can offer valuable insight into the neighborhood’s investment potential. Understanding how home values have changed over time helps buyers gauge future growth, assess long-term stability, and make more informed real estate decisions.

The median rent is around $1,151, 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 Union Park. 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 Union Park 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.