Fort Des Moines - Des Moines, IA

The Fort Des Moines neighborhood acquired its name from the army outpost that eventually grew into the city of Des Moines. The small community formed as part of a movement during the 1970s to organize south-side neighborhood associations. As one of the smallest Des Moines neighborhoods, Fort Des Moines remains demographically the same as when it first came on the Des Moines neighborhood scene.

Residents drive straight north on Fleur Drive to reach the wildly popular Des Moines Science Center. The science center features the Blank IMAX Dome Theater, a surround-sound experience that makes you feel like part of the action. On the other side of the Southwest 9th Street Bridge, the Des Moines Social Club houses several artist studios that present regularly scheduled art shows.

Fleur Drive and Army Post Road overflow with independently owned restaurants that satisfy a diverse set of culinary tastes, though Italian steakhouses rule the culinary roost for Fort Des Moines residents. Located just north of the airport, Skip's puts a contemporary spin on classic Italian dishes, such as Chicken De Burgo and Pasta Carbonara. Owners designed Skip's inside of a Victorian home built at the turn of the 19th century to create an ambiance reminiscent of the southern Italian countryside.

For a more upscale ambiance, dazzle your taste buds at Johnny's Italian Steakhouse. The urbane interior design only scratches the surface of why this culinary giant continues to receive critical acclaim from customers and local restaurant-industry pundits. Enjoy the succulent shrimp cocktail while waiting for your perfectly cooked Johnny's bone-in rib-eye. Johnny's serves several steak toppings, including butter-crusted horseradish and Gorgonzola cheese.

Des Moines zoning laws restrict the number of nightclubs that operate on the south side of town, and the mostly residential neighborhood gives residents respite from crowded clubs. Pulsating beats aren't far away, though, as the neighborhood sits conveniently close to the downtown hot spots. As the most popular live music venue in central Iowa, Wooly's only requires a 10-minute drive straight north on Southwest 9th Street.

Sports bars and classic bar menus define the nightlife in and around the Fort Des Moines neighborhood. Okoboji Grill shows your favorite team on one of 15 big-screen TVs while serving some of the best sandwiches served in the metro area. Sitting on top of a hill overlooking the Des Moines River, Rockstar Bar & Grill receives rave reviews for its raw sports-fan-fueled energy.

Fort Des Moines residents use one of three major thoroughfares to reach downtown Des Moines: Fleur Driver, Southwest 9th Street, or Southeast 14th Street. The neighborhood lacks access to an interstate, as I-235 runs through the central corridor about 6 miles north of the community. Fort Des Moines provides residents with wide, well-kept sidewalks that take shoppers to Army Post Road. Cyclists catch the southern end of the metro bike trail system that runs to a nearby winery. Cab service bustles at the nearby airport, but most cabbies pick up fares at the airport and rarely venture into Fort Des Moines. Uber does not have a strong presence in the Fort Des Moines neighborhood.

The lack of quick access to downtown and the cost of parking prompt many Fort Des Moines residents to choose public transportation. DART operates several bus routes that help Fort Des Moines residents reach their destinations in timely manners. The number 8 Fleur Drive route hits all of the major commercial attractions on the south side before winding its way to the central bus station in downtown Des Moines. The number 7 Southwest 9th moves passengers along a route that ends at Southridge Mall. You can park for no charge in the Fort Des Moines neighborhood.

Families flock to nearby Ewing Park for a day of invigorating fun. The child-friendly park includes a children's forest, where youngsters allow their imagination run wild. Exercise aficionados enhance their cardiovascular prowess by hiking the beautiful nature trail and cycling on one of the wide-paved park paths. The Lilac Arboretum mixes a little environmental education into a day replete with disc golf, fishing and relaxing under one of the park's open-air shelters.

Ewing Park also provides an area where you can unleash your dog to romp with his canine buddies. The city of Des Moines does not charge for access to the park, although anglers must pay for a license to enjoy the marine bounty that lurks beneath the pond's surface. Most of the smaller city parks, such as Ewing do not hold formal annual events. Larger parks, such as Gray's Lake, host outdoor concert series that feature local bands. Fort Des Moines residents also have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor summer movie series held in Colby Park.

With an average rent of $549 for a one-bedroom apartment, Fort Des Moines gives residents one of the most affordable neighborhoods to set up camp in the Des Moines metro area. The overall cost of living in the south side neighborhood runs 12 percent below the national average and 3 percent lower than other Des Moines neighborhoods. When you include the $1.70 fare for a bus ride, Fort Des Moines residents should expect to have enough left over every month to enjoy the vibrant social scene.

Many Des Moines bars sell frosty mugs of domestic beer for only $2 during happy hour. After happy hour, most bars raise prices 50 cents, which still sits well below what downtown watering holes charge. If taking the bus doesn't move you, fill your vehicle up with gas that costs 5 percent below the national average.

As the center for commerce for south side Des Moines residents, Southridge Mall has all of the nationally recognized retail brands that you need for auto and home furnishings. Locals travel eight miles west on I-235 to reach the high-end stores that anchor Jordan Creek Mall. If you prefer to support local boutiques and specialty stores, eclectic East Village should fulfill your shopping criteria. You never feel like a criminal whenever you shop at Fugitive Apparel, a boutique that features men's urban fashion and accessories.

Located on the southern edge of Fort Des Moines, Hy-Vee remains the preferred grocery destination of neighborhood residents. You never achieve ultimate Des Moines resident status until you visit the Des Moines Farmers Market, an annual event that runs from early May through October.