Capitol Park - Des Moines, IA

At one time, Capitol Park was an individual town. It didn't become a part of Des Moines until 1890. Once the city absorbed the tiny town, it grew rapidly with more than 500 homes built. This terrific location -- a heavily-wooded area along the Des Moine River -- was considered the hot new location around 1900. It was within walking distance of the city's first park, Union Park, and it was still very close to downtown. Many state legislators moved to Capitol Park as they needed temporary housing while in session. While it can't be considered a wooded or isolated neighborhood today, some of the traits that originally drew residents to Capitol Park -- its location along the river, its views of the city skyline, and its fast commute times -- continue to make Capitol Park apartments some of the city's most popular.

Capitol Park residents live within two miles of the Des Moines Art Museum and the Des Moines Science Center. Theatrical productions draw Capitol Park residents to the Civic Center. The Iowa State Fair, the most popular annual event in Des Moines, runs for 10 days every August at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Capitol Park's close proximity to downtown Des Moines means the mostly residential neighborhood gives residents numerous dining options at some of the area's most popular restaurants. Located in the heart of downtown, Centro serves an eclectic menu that specializes in coal-fired pizzas topped with unique ingredients, such as capers and prosciutto. Zombie Burger presents a haunting ambiance that captures the mood of East Village artists. The menu includes innovative burgers such as the macaroni-and-cheese-laden Walking Ched.

Downtown Des Moines has several mini restaurant districts, including those on Court Avenue and Walnut Street. Capitol Park also sits close to noted independent restaurants such as Tursi's Latin King, a popular dining venue that specializes in serving gnocchi alla sorentino and other authentic southern Italian dishes.

Downtown Des Moines overflows with nightclubs. Reader polls rank Joker's near the top of the list of best places for dancing in the Des Moines area. Longtime sports bar Johnny's Hall of Fame attracts Capitol Park residents with a charged ambiance and burgers at affordable prices. If the downtown area does not grab you, iconic East Village provides another entertainment destination to enjoy live music and dancing. Local music buffs enjoy the raw energy produced by rising bands showcased at Wooly's, a renowned East Locus Street rock club and bar.

In less than 20 minutes, you can walk from the southern edge of Capitol Park to downtown Des Moines. The walker-friendly neighborhood also has a few bicycle paths. These paths run downtown and to parks located adjacent to the Des Moines River. Because of its prime location, Capitol Park does not attract much business from the rideshare company Uber. However, Capitol Park residents rarely have to wait long for taxi services.

Interstate 235, the primary highway that cuts through the heart of Des Moines, runs through Capitol Park. Quick interstate access allows residents to travel to Jordan Creek Mall in less than 15 minutes. Eastbound I-235 drivers can reach suburban Ankeny in the same amount of time. Des Moines Area Regional Transportation operates multiple lines through Capitol Park. The number 15 Six Avenue route takes passengers from Jordan Creek Mall to the Central Station. At the Central Station, riders then hop on one of several bus lines to travel throughout the Des Moines metro area. The number three University line provides bus service through the Des Moines Central Corridor and out to Valley West Mall.

Capitol Park residents can visit parks located along the Des Moines River, including Birdland, Union, and Wicker Woods Park, free of charge. A nominal fee applies for boating and fishing at the river-based parks. Parks host softball leagues and annual tournaments, and they feature paved trails and forest paths. Canine lovers in Capitol Park travel less than a mile to enjoy Riverwalk Park, an open space with lots of room for dogs to play. Residents and park visitors do not have to leave their homes to enjoy the premier annual event in Des Moines. Every year on Independence Day, the city puts on a spectacular fireworks display above the parks, accompanied by a robust concert featuring the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra.

Surprisingly, the convenient central location of Capitol Park does not experience a higher average cost of living. Residents enjoy a nine percent decrease in cost of living compared to the average cost of living in other Des Moines neighborhoods. At $585 per month, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Capitol Park compares favorably to almost every other neighborhood in the area.

Fill your belly and your car with fuel that runs lower than the national average. Take one of the bus lines that run through Capitol Park to anywhere in Des Moines for only $1.75. Average gas prices at Capitol Park service stations run nearly 10 percent lower than prices per gallon than in other parts of the country. Domestic draft beer prices, especially those charged by bars on Hubbell Avenue, average $2.50 for 12 ounces. Expect to pay more for domestic drafts at swankier restaurants and nightclubs downtown.

Just minutes north of Capitol Park, the Park Fair Mall contains stores like Dollar Tree and Home Furnishings, as well as grocery stores. Fareway Grocery sells locally-grown produce and locally-raised meats. From May until late October, the Des Moines Farmers' Market hosts more than 50 vendors selling locally-grown foods.

The Des Moines shopping scene thrives with unique boutiques and specialty stores that define the character of the district. Village Boutique appeals to women who want the latest clothing and accessories. The popular boutique also sells children's clothing and provides interior decorating services. Travel just 10 miles to Valley West Mall in West Des Moines for such high-end stores as Younkers and Von Maur.