Live steps away from tree-lined streets, charming historic homes, and the best of Des Moines living in these new construction townhomes in Waterbury. Thoughtfully designed for today’s lifestyle, these residences pair low-maintenance living with one of the city’s most established, sought-after neighborhoods.
The Waterbury Neighborhood is a residential area of approximately 1,100 households in Des Moines, Iowa, within the geographical boundaries of I-235 on the north, Polk Boulevard on the east, Grand Avenue on the south, 63rd Street on the west, and also includes the homes with Des Moines addresses nestled between 63rd Street and the natural boundary of Walnut Creek. The Waterbury Neighborhood Association (WNA) was formed in 1995 to build community among neighbors and provide an organization that would help residents to work cooperatively on issues of interest and concern to residents. Here is the link to the Waterbury Neighborhood Association. Also visit their Facebook page by clicking here.
Des Moines lifestyle
- Enjoy a vibrant yet relaxed metro with a growing job market, respected schools, and a cost of living that makes homeownership attainable.
- Take advantage of nearby trails, riverfront paths, and easy access to Iowa’s signature attractions, from downtown events to the Iowa State Fair.
- Spend weekends exploring local restaurants, breweries, and arts and culture throughout the greater Des Moines area.
Waterbury neighborhood charm
- Live in a leafy, suburban pocket of Des Moines known for its character homes, mature trees, and quiet, walkable streets.
- Join a community ranked among the higher-income neighborhoods in the country, with primarily owner-occupied homes and a pride of ownership that shows.
- Enjoy quick connections to Ingersoll, downtown Des Moines, and major employers while coming home to a peaceful, residential setting each night.
New townhome living
- Choose new-construction townhomes with modern layouts, energy-efficient systems, and contemporary finishes designed for the way you live today.
- Benefit from low-maintenance exteriors and association-managed common areas so you can spend more time enjoying Des Moines and less time on yard work.
- Take advantage of attached parking, open-concept living spaces, and flexible rooms ideal for home offices, guests, or hobbies.
- New construction townhomes for sale in Des Moines, Iowa, located in the highly desirable Waterbury neighborhood.
- Waterbury Des Moines townhomes offering low-maintenance suburban living close to downtown, Ingersoll Avenue, parks, and top local amenities.
- Explore Des Moines IA townhome communities with modern floor plans, energy-efficient features, and convenient access to shopping, dining, and major commuter routes.
WATERBURY NEIGHBORHOOD — DETAILED PROFILE
Geographic Boundaries & Location
- Boundaries: I-235 (north), Polk Boulevard (east), Grand Avenue (south), 63rd Street (west)
- Distance to Downtown Des Moines: ~4 miles
- ZIP Code: 50312
- Neighborhood Type: Dense suburban, mature residential
Neighborhood Character & History
- One of Des Moines’ oldest and most prestigious neighborhoods; developed in three phases: 1906–1911, 1923–1925, and 1931–1940
- Named after F.C. Waterbury, founder of the Waterbury Chemical Company, who developed the Oak Lawn Place section
- Known for: mature old-growth trees, winding streets that follow natural topography, historic brick homes, manicured lawns, and a strong sense of community
- Architecture: Tudor Revivals, Colonial Revivals, Cape Cods, bungalows — many homes now crossing the 100-year mark
- Active Waterbury Neighborhood Association (WNA) hosts annual events including Oktoberfest and neighborhood meetings
- Previously featured on HGTV’s “House Hunters”
- Approximately 1,100 households in the core WNA-defined area
Demographics (Waterbury Neighborhood)
- Population: ~3,445 (Niche-defined core) to ~15,352 (broader Flyhomes definition)
- Median Age: ~40 years
- Household Composition: ~49% families; 27% single-female, 27% single-male, 45% couple families; avg household size 1.96
- Gender Split: 52% male, 48% female
- Racial/Ethnic Ancestry (NeighborhoodScout): German 31.4%, English 17%, Irish 13.7%, Asian 7.6%, Norwegian 6%
- Homeownership Rate: ~80% of residents own their homes
- Median Household Income: ~$145,591 (AreaVibes); NeighborhoodScout identifies this neighborhood as higher income than 93.4% of all U.S. neighborhoods
- Child Poverty Rate: 0.0% — lower than 100% of all U.S. neighborhoods (NeighborhoodScout); national average is ~25%
- Occupational Profile: 71.8% of working residents employed in executive, management, and professional occupations
- Political Lean: Residents tend to lean conservative (Niche)
- Resident Tenure: Long-term; “a place where people settle down for the long term” (Iowa Realty)
Housing Market
- Median Sale Price (last 12 months): $419,250 (down ~1% year-over-year)
- Median Home Value: ~$470,000 (World Atlas, 2025)
- Average Home Value Near Hanawalt Elementary: $450,931 (Homes.com)
- Price Ranges by Bedroom Count:
- 2-bedroom: Under $250,000
- 3-bedroom: $350,000–$550,000
- 4-bedroom: $450,000–$800,000
- Context: Waterbury’s median single-family home price is nearly twice the Des Moines city-wide median (~$213,300)
- Days on Market: Average 56 days (vs. national average of 54 days — essentially at par)
- New Construction: Waterbury Commons (4848 Ingersoll Ave) — boutique luxury townhomes by Platinum Development; Phase 1 completed, Phase 2 underway
- Cost of Living Index: 106/100 (~18% higher than Iowa state average, but still below the national average)
SCHOOLS
School District
- District: Des Moines Independent Community School District (DMPS)
- Website: dmschools.org
- Standard Feeder Pattern for Waterbury:
- Hanawalt Elementary (K–5)
- Merrill Middle School (6–8)
- Roosevelt High School (9–12)
HANAWALT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
- Grades: K–5
- Type: Public
- Address: Near Waterbury neighborhood (within WNA boundaries)
- Enrollment: ~317–354 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 (better than Iowa state average of 14:1)
- Full-Time Teachers: ~26–27
- Special Programs: Gifted & Talented program
Academic Performance:
- Math Proficiency: 65–67% (approximately equal to Iowa state average of 68–71%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70–72% (approximately equal to Iowa state average of 70%)
- US News Ranking: #291 in Iowa Elementary Schools
- Iowa Statewide Rank: Within bottom 50% of all 1,223 Iowa schools on combined test scores (bottom 50% is due to district-wide challenges; individual results vary)
- ESSA Status: NOT identified for Targeted or Comprehensive Support (this is positive — many DMPS schools are identified; Hanawalt is not)
Ratings (Multiple Sources):
- Niche Grade: B–
- GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
- SchoolDigger: Ranked 437 out of 576 Iowa elementary schools (2024–25)
- Performing average compared to public/charter schools in Iowa at same grade levels
Diversity:
- White: 54.6%, African American: 26.2%, Hispanic: 14.5%
- Diversity Score: 0.61 (more diverse than Iowa state average of 0.47)
- 46.4% of students receive free/reduced lunch
Per-Student Spending: $14,934/year
Parent/Community Sentiment: Generally positive; parents praise teacher dedication and community; class size in Kindergarten noted as a concern
Your next steps…
MERRILL MIDDLE SCHOOL
- Grades: 6–8
- Type: Public
- Distance from Hanawalt: 0.32 miles (essentially same campus area)
- GreatSchools Rating: Not explicitly rated in current data (listed in GreatSchools database)
- ESSA Status: Identified for Targeted Support (one of 20 DMPS middle schools in this designation)
- Community Reviews: Positive; Trulia resident: “All 3 of my kids have gone to Merrill. Teachers are the best!”
ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL
- Grades: 9–12
- Type: Public
- Distance from Merrill: ~0.92 miles
- GreatSchools Rating: 4/10
- Niche Grade: B
- Notable Achievement: Identified as the second highest performing high school with over 2,000 students in Iowa (DMPS press release, 2025)
- Special Program: Dual enrollment with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) — students can earn college credit
- ESSA Status: Listed for Targeted Support at the state level, but also noted for significant gains
- Community Reviews: 3.9/5 on GreatSchools (15 reviews)
NEARBY PRIVATE SCHOOLS
- Bergman Academy: 0.65 miles from Merrill; Private; PK–K-8; GreatSchools: 4.6/5 (10 reviews)
- St. Augustin Catholic School: 0.66–0.69 miles from Merrill; Private; PK–K-8; GreatSchools: 5.0/5
- Airazi Academy: ~0.95 miles; Private; PK–K-3; GreatSchools: 3.3/5
Overall School Assessment for Agents
- Public schools in Waterbury are rated “above average” by Niche (neighborhood-level rating)
- The neighborhood graduation rate is 97%, which is 11% higher than the Iowa average
- For families prioritizing academics, nearby private options (St. Augustin, Bergman) offer strong alternatives
- The district (DMPS overall) underperforms state averages; however, Waterbury’s specific schools (Hanawalt especially) benefit from the neighborhood’s high socioeconomic profile and parental involvement
SAFETY & CRIME
Waterbury Neighborhood Safety Rating
- Crime Grade: A+ (DoorProfit/CrimeoMeter)
- Ranking: Consistently cited as one of the safest neighborhoods in Des Moines alongside Ingersoll Park, Brook Run Village, Salisbury Oaks, and Linden Heights
- Crime Rate (Waterbury-Specific): ~670 per 100,000 inhabitants — dramatically lower than Des Moines city-wide average
- SpotCrime: No crimes appearing on recent Waterbury crime map (as of source date)
Context vs. City-Wide Crime
| Metric | Waterbury | Des Moines City | National Avg |
| Overall Crime Rate | Very Low (A+) | High (38/1,000) | 33.37/1,000 |
| Violent Crime | Minimal | 703/100,000 | ~387/100,000 |
| Neighborhood Safety Rank | Top tier | Bottom 10% (city) | — |
Key Safety Factors Contributing to Waterbury’s Low Crime
- High homeownership rate (~80%) correlates with neighborhood stability
- Median household income $145,591 — strong correlation between higher income and lower crime rates
- Active neighborhood association; strong community engagement
- Low-traffic, residential-only streets
- 0% child poverty rate indicates stable family environments
Natural Hazard Notes
- Tornado Risk: Iowa is in Tornado Alley; Des Moines area tornado risk is near the Iowa state average and 99% greater than the overall U.S. average. Standard Midwest precautions apply (storm shelters, weather monitoring).
- Flooding: Some lots near Walnut Creek may warrant flood map review before purchase; recommend checking FEMA flood maps for specific addresses
- Earthquake Risk: Very low; nearest significant seismic activity is hundreds of miles away
AMENITIES, PARKS & LIFESTYLE
Parks & Green Space
- Greenwood-Ashworth Park: ~1 mile (biking distance); major park with playground, walking trails, Ashworth Pool
- Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden: Located in Greenwood Park; blooming since 1933; one of Des Moines’ most beloved attractions
- Walnut Creek Greenbelt: Borders neighborhood; walking/biking trails along creek
- Hubbell School Park: Nearby
- Waveland Park/Golf Course: Short drive; historic 18-hole municipal golf course
Cultural Attractions (Near Waterbury)
- Des Moines Art Center: Walking distance / very short drive; world-class museum with free admission; designed by I.M. Pei, Richard Meier, and Richard Serra
- John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park: ~4 miles (downtown)
- Science Center of Iowa: ~4 miles (downtown)
- Iowa State Capitol: ~5 miles
Shopping & Dining
- Ingersoll Avenue / Ingersoll Shopping District: At or near neighborhood edge; walkable for some residents; mix of local restaurants, coffee shops, bars, boutiques
- Notable Restaurants Near Waterbury:
- Viva Mexican Restaurant (Grand Avenue edge)
- Multiple eateries along Ingersoll Avenue
- Downtown Des Moines culinary scene (~4 miles): The Iowa Taproom, The Royal Mile, and diverse options
- Grocery/Retail: Multiple options within short drive along Ingersoll and Grand Avenue corridors
- Farmers’ Market: Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market (~5 miles); Saturdays, May–October
Healthcare
- UnityPoint Health Clinics: Near the neighborhood
- Iowa Methodist Medical Center: Major hospital system, short drive
- MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center: Major hospital, accessible via I-235
Community & Events
- Annual Waterbury Oktoberfest (neighborhood-organized)
- Regular Waterbury Neighborhood Association meetings and events
- Strong social fabric; multiple resident reviews describe it as family-friendly with kids playing outside, neighborly interactions, and long-term residents
- “Music Under the Stars” — occasional musical performances nearby (Ingersoll Park area)
Fitness & Recreation
- Bike trail network throughout neighborhood and connecting to city trails
- Ashworth Pool (Greenwood Park area)
- Sattva Yoga Therapy (nearby)
- McCollum-Waveland Tennis Complex (short drive)
Discover how these new Waterbury townhomes combine historic neighborhood charm with turnkey, modern living in Des Moines, IA. Schedule a private tour today and experience the lifestyle that makes Waterbury one of Des Moines’ most appealing places to call home.
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