Ewing Woods-Evergreen - Des Moines, IA Area Guide

For decades, Ewing Woods Evergreen did not have a name, as the small community formed the outer northern edge of the Easter Lake neighborhood. A few residents started a petition to recognize Ewing Woods Evergreen for its unique residential architecture and overwhelmingly bucolic character.

As it has for decades, Ewing Woods Evergreen represents one of the most stable Des Moines neighborhoods, as the demographics have barely changed over the course of 50 years. One factor that has changed for residents thrives in the rapidly growing cultural scene that pervades downtown Des Moines.

The Des Moines Science Center receives national acclaim for its eye-popping exhibits and child-friendly educational programs. Artists from Tony Bennett to Green Day have flooded the Des Moines Civic Center with awe-inspiring musical bravado. The recently opened Des Moines Social Club promotes several art shows that feature the works of prominent local artists.

The rich Italian heritage that permeates the south side of Des Moines comes to life in the Italian restaurants that draw residents throughout the metro area. Johnny's Italian Steakhouse reminds guests of the Las Vegas supper clubs that spawned the Rat Pack era. Located five minutes from Ewing Woods Evergreen, Johnny's serves what many Des Moines residents consider the best steaks in central Iowa. The 10-ounce succulent Filet Mignon includes the option of diners topping the steak with Gorgonzola cheese, grilled onions, and balsamic-glazed mushrooms.

For Ewing Woods Evergreen residents who want a more casual Italian ambiance, Scornovacca's on SE 14th delivers by serving authentic countryside Italian cuisine in a dining room where guests sit at red and white checkered tablecloth tables. The Des Moines landmark receives critical praise for its diverse sandwich selections that include the Italian grinder, a homemade sausage sandwich topped with fresh marinara sauce and Mozzarella cheese.

Laid-back sports bars dominate the nightlife scene in and around Ewing Woods Evergreen. Confluence Brew Company on Thomas Beck Road incorporates several of its handcrafted beers into menu items. The team of innovative chefs often uses seasonal beers to highlight signature house dishes. Sports fans watch their favorite teams at venues such as Skip's and Okoboji Grill that carry professional and college television packages.

A short drive north on SE 14th takes Ewing Woods Evergreen residents directly to Wooly's, considered the premier live music venue in central Iowa. Live music fans that have a change of heart and want to boogie down to DJ-spun records can make an abrupt left turn on Court Avenue to find the hottest nightclubs in Des Moines. Stop by AJ's on East Court, before dancing until last call at Joker's on the west side of the Des Moines River.

A quick drive north on SE 14th takes Ewing Woods Evergreen residents to one of the several major east-west arteries, including local highways and expressways, that cut through downtown Des Moines. However, there's no need to deal with heavy traffic and expensive parking fees, when you can take one of the buses that keep the south side of Des Moines moving. The Des Moines Area Rapid Transit (DART) system operates multiple lines through or near Ewing Woods Evergreen, with the number 6 Indianola bus bringing residents to their doorsteps. DART operates its central bus station a mere two miles from Ewing Woods Evergreen, which gives residents access to other lines that cover most of the metropolitan area.

If public transportation does not appeal to you, take advantage of other transportation options that make Ewing Wood Evergreen a convenient neighborhood to call home. Uber's strong presence in downtown Des Moines makes the car pooling giant a viable transportation option. Prompt taxi service also provides residents with a quick way to navigate the streets of Des Moines. Cabbies sit idle at nearby Des Moines International Airport, as well as next to the hotels that operate downtown.

Cyclists have plenty of room to ride on the major streets, such as SE 14th and Park Avenue. After peddling for a few minutes, cyclists reach two large city parks that feature paved bike paths that take you downtown or out west to suburban Des Moines. Walkers enjoy well-kept sidewalks on the way to local small businesses the line SE 14th Street and Indianola Road.

With 100 acres, Gray's Lake provides Ewing Woods Evergreen residents with more than enough room to lose themselves for an entire day. The park attracts boaters and anglers as well as accomplished softball players who play in the annual summer tournament.

Kid-friendly Ewing Park includes a BMX track, children's forest, and playground equipment to keep your active children occupied. Adolescents and young-at-heart adults can test their disc golf skills. The City of Des Moines has placed exercise equipment along the main paved walking trail to enhance your cardiovascular system. Ewing Park even welcomes dogs to an enclosed area where your furry friend romps with his canine companions.

Both Gray's Lake and Ewing parks cost nothing to enter, although Gray's Lake charges for boat rentals and fishing licenses.

Residents of Ewing Woods Evergreen pay about five percent less for a gallon of gas than the average American. The lower prices at the pump combine with short downtown commutes to defray expenses for neighborhood residents. You also save money by drinking at local watering holes, as the average price of a domestic draw at $2.50 costs at least fifty cent less than what downtown imbibers pay for a frosty glass of suds. When you take the bus to your favorite south side watering hole, you only pay $1.75 for a two-hour fare that permits one transfer. To save more money, buy a $48 monthly bus pass and hop on the bus as often as you want.

Although prices at the pump and tap sit below the area average, Ewing Woods Evergreen residents experience a cost of living one percent higher than the cost of living experienced in other Des Moines neighborhoods. Homeowners pay higher mortgages, but one-bedroom apartment renters only pay an average of $490 per month. The comparatively lower rent attracts young professionals who do not have the credit history to secure long-term housing loans.

With easy access to the iconic East Village, Ewing Woods Evergreen residents can shop at the area's best boutiques and specialty stores. Bargain Basket appeals to budget conscious shoppers who do not want to skimp on quality vintage clothing. The charity boutique specializes in selling rarely used designer clothing at steep discounts to raise money for the Junior League of Des Moines. Shoppers in the market for high-quality handcrafted artwork stop by From Our Hands, a unique gallery that features glass, paint and metal pieces of art. Ewing Woods Evergreen shoppers who prefer high-end retailers have only a short drive to Southridge Mall, which represents the primary commerce center for south side residents. Hy-Vee may rule the grocery store scene in Des Moines, but savvy shoppers know hidden gems lurk near the Ewing Woods Evergreen neighborhood. Graziano Brothers specializes in selling cured meats and spicy Italian sausage. B & B Grocery slices its deli meats fresh every day to give you enough to stack a Dagwood-sized sandwich. Organic food lovers who want support local farmers attend the annual Des Moines Farmers Market that runs from early May until the last weekend of October.