Westwood, Des Moines,IA

If you're considering a move to Des Moines and want a neighborhood that combines suburban charm with convenient city access, Westwood in the northwest part of the city is definitely worth exploring. This welcoming community offers a peaceful atmosphere with tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes, making it perfect for families, professionals, or anyone looking for a friendly neighborhood vibe. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, with local events and nearby parks providing plenty of opportunities to meet neighbors and enjoy the outdoors.

One of the standout attractions in Westwood is the beautiful Westwood Hills Park, where you can take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or let the kids play in a safe, natural setting. The neighborhood is also close to the popular Jordan Creek Town Center, a bustling shopping and dining hub where you can find everything from national retailers to unique local eateries. For those who love staying active, the area boasts several recreational facilities, including golf courses and bike trails, ensuring there’s always something fun to do just minutes from home.

Despite its peaceful suburban feel, Westwood is just a short 15-minute drive from Downtown Des Moines, making it ideal for commuters or anyone who enjoys frequent trips to the city’s cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The easy access to major highways means you’re never far from the heart of the city while still enjoying the comfort and quiet of a close-knit neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for a place to settle down or just want to experience the best of both worlds, Westwood offers a wonderful blend of convenience, community, and natural beauty.

In Westwood, 33% 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 33% 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.

Westwood demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 1,217 residents, Westwood is notably smaller than many other Des Moines neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

With a lower than average population density of 1,622 people per square mile, Westwood 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.

With an average age of 39, 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 Westwood 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 Westwood, the median home price is about $313,240, 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 Westwood 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 $1,091, 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 ratings in Westwood combine factors like student performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores to provide a clear picture of overall educational quality. The use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores adds valuable context by offering a consistent national benchmark to see how local schools compare on a broader scale. Additionally, understanding the overall education level achieved by residents in Westwood can give insight into the community’s priorities and opportunities, helping families make more informed decisions about where to live and how well local schools may support long-term student success.