Greenwood - Des Moines, IA Area Guide

Greenwood evolved from the Victorian-Age-inspired homes that provided shelter for some of the city's first generation of leaders. Des Moines settlers found that the bluff overlooking the Raccoon River gave residents a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and a strategic location for observing incoming commerce and potential enemies. With the governor's mansion sitting directly next to the neighborhood, Greenwood has retained its position as the home of influential Des Moines politicians and business leaders. Demographics within Greenwood have never changed, as housing passes down from one generation to the next.

Greenwood residents attend theatrical productions at the Civic Center and view local artist presentations at the renovated Des Moines Social Club. A short drive east on Grand Avenue takes locals to the premier annual Des Moines event, the Iowa State Fair.

You can move to historic Greenwood and never tire of the wide selection of Ingersoll Avenue restaurants that attract epicureans from all over the metro area. Starting on the eastern edge of the district, Gusto Pizza Co. serves craft beers brewed in Iowa, along with specialty thin-crust pizzas that creative chefs top with unconventional ingredients, such as balsamic roasted chicken and black bean corn salsa.

For a more upscale dining experience, Bistro Montage exudes the ambiance of a classic Parisian cafe. The ornate dining room sits next to an open kitchen, where the team of culinarians creates dishes that include truffle mushroom and scallops risotto. The Ingersoll Avenue restaurant scene includes menus inspired by Mexican, South American, Asian and Greek culinary influences.

Strictly enforced residential and commercial development ordinances devised to preserve the historical gems located within Greenwood means residents in search of nightclubs and live music venues need to travel a short distance to the Court Avenue District. Located in the heart of downtown, Court Avenue explodes with dance clubs and high-energy bars. Long-time downtown staple Johnny's Hall of Fame and nearby Legends American Grill satisfy the cravings of the most rabid sports fans. Adjacent to the Greenwood neighborhood, The Gas Lamp has earned the reputation for attracting the most accomplished regional and national bands. This live-music venue also doubles as a pulsating, disc-jockey-driven nightclub.

Residents have several transportation options, with major Des Moines area arteries located less than a mile away. Take Fleur Drive for a 10 minute jaunt to the airport, or access the central corridor's primary highway, Interstate 235, for a short ride to Clive and West Des Moines attractions. Uber has a strong presence within Greenwood, as does taxi service that residents can hail by simply walking down to Ingersoll Avenue. The busy commercial hot spot also includes two wide lanes for cyclists to take downtown or to the start of the area's labyrinth of bike trails. Because of the large number of visitors to the neighborhood, city planners have constructed pedestrian-friendly sidewalks.

Perhaps the best mode of transportation passes by at regular intervals throughout the day. Walk a short distance to one of the bus stops that line Ingersoll Avenue, and wait for the Des Moines Area Transit bus number 11 or 60 to take you downtown. Taking the bus allows you to avoid paying for parking in the downtown area.

Green space abounds near historic Greenwood. Located directly below Greenwood, Water Works Park provides cyclists with multiple trails that weave along the Raccoon River. One trail crosses Fleur Drive and runs into the most popular green space in Des Moines, Gray's Lake. This 100-acre park features a large lake that visitors use for fishing and boating. With the bike trail encircling the lake and numerous walking trails slicing through the dense forest, Gray's Lake has earned a reputation for kid-friendly features and adult-oriented exercise activities. Meanwhile, local pet owners take their four-legged friends to Des Moines Riverwalk Dog Park, located on Illinois Street. The park has two fenced areas on 4 acres for unleashed dogs to romp around.

Both Gray's Lake Park and Water Works Park cost nothing to enter, although boat rentals and fishing licenses cost a few dollars. Gray's Lake attracts accomplished softball players for its annual Midwestern Tournament, and Greenwood residents can unfold lawn chairs and kick back to watch the annual Independence Day fireworks display put on by the city.

Greenwood residents benefit from lower than average gas prices, as local service stations charge 14 percent less than the national average. A draft beer at a local pub is also fairly cheap, typically costing about $2 to $3.

Only a couple of apartment buildings are located in the Greenwood neighborhood. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment within a half-mile of historic Greenwood runs about $1,200 per month. Housing expenses push the cost of living in Greenwood higher than both the Des Moines and national cost of living averages. However, residents can defray some of the high cost of living by taking public transportation, which charges only $1.75 for a two-hour fare.

Greenwood's central location gives residents many shopping options besides the area's centers of commerce such as Valley West Mall. The same route taken to the Iowa State Fair passes through eclectic East Village, a shopping dream for Greenwood residents who enjoy perusing items at boutiques and specialty stores.

Cash Saver Food Outlet acts as the principal grocery store for Greenwood residents. The spacious store operates a large cafe where shoppers enjoy home-cooked meals. Cash Saver Food Outlet also runs a convenience store on the same property that includes several gasoline pumps.

Greenwood residents who value locally grown organic fruits and vegetables attend the Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market. Food artisans build booths that promote culinary and land-sustainability education. The market opens in early May and closes down after the last weekend in October.