Indianola Hills - Des Moines, IA

Initially settled by Native Americans, Indianola Hills grew into the leading commercial center for Des Moines by the turn of the 20th century. However, constant flooding from the Des Moines River forced businesses to relocate further south of downtown Des Moines. The transformation from commercial to primarily residential occurred during the 1970s, when the Des Moines School District opened a high school on the near south side.

Indianola Hills residents live close to the Des Moines Science Center and Des Moines Civic Center. Although the Des Moines Art Center operates a few miles west of downtown Des Moines, Indianola Hills residents can enjoy first-rate art collections at one of the many small art boutiques located in East Village.

The staggering number of diverse restaurants in the Indianola Hills area should keep locals content for years to come. Before you cross the SW 2nd Street Bridge into downtown Des Moines, stop by Mullets for authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. The menu includes sumptuous fried bluegill poboys and several specialty pizzas that you can order for carry out. Baratta's Restaurant stands out for its intimate ambiance and authentic menu, with smoke beef tenderloin and southwest pasta claiming the one and two spots on the list of moist popular Italian dishes.

Most of the restaurants located in Indianola Hills operate along SE 14th and SW 9th streets. Residents who want to enjoy more upscale restaurants travel to East Village, where classically trained chefs run independent eateries, such as Alba and The Continental.

No other Des Moines area entertainment district bustles with more energy than the ever-growing scene in the Court Avenue district. Located a mere half-mile from the border of Indianola Hills, Court Avenue has a wide selection of nightclubs to match your musical preferences. Joker's receives rave reviews for spinning the latest dance songs, while Johnny's Hall of Fame gives singers a chance to croon karaoke versions of their favorite songs. With the Gas Lamp on the eastern fringe of downtown and Wooly's rocking in the East Village, Indianola Hills residents have quick access to two of the most popular live music venues in the Midwest.

The wide SW 2nd Avenue overpass includes a spacious pedestrian and cycling path on each side of the majestic bridge. Pedestrians and cyclists cross the bridge and continue on their way to work or on sojourns through two of the largest parks in the Des Moines metropolitan area. With downtown and other neighborhoods located so close to Indianola Hills, residents can leave their vehicles parked on neighborhood side streets and reach their destinations by walking or cycling. The neighborhood has sidewalks on virtually every major and secondary street, and residents never have to pay for parking.

Indianola Hills is located 3 miles south of the primary Des Moines thoroughfare, Interstate 235, providing quick access to Ankeny and Clive. Public transportation options include the number 6, 7 and 8 buses. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) operates its hub within 1 mile of Indianola Hills. Prompt taxi service provided by cabbies stationed near downtown hotels and the growth of the car-pooling service Uber give you additional ways to get around Des Moines.

Perhaps the greatest Des Moines treasure spans over 100 acres a mere half-mile from the entrance to Indianola Hills. All-purpose Gray's Lake Park allows visitors to rent bicycles for traveling through the densely wooded areas that adjoin downtown Des Moines. Gray's Lake not only operates as an exercise-centric park, it also hosts an annual softball tournament that receives regional media coverage. This child-friendly park includes a nature trail to enlighten young visitors about eco-oriented issues. A large playground keeps your kids active, while you enjoy the spectacular view of downtown Des Moines from the Overlook Terrace.

Located less than a mile south of Gray's Lake Park, MacRae Park provides a more secluded place for you and your family to cook out during the summer. Gray's Lake and MacRae parks are missing one amenity that disappoints canines - a dog run. The closest dog park for Indianola Hills residents operates during daylight hours in Ewing Park.

Although a 12-ounce domestic draw costs more than $3 at swanky downtown restaurants such as Centro, you can enjoy a frosty mug of domestic beer for $2 at Indianola Hills neighborhood bars. Prices at the pump run 12 percent lower in Indianola Hills than the national average. You also save money by taking DART buses to and from downtown, since you do not have to pay for parking, and by purchasing a monthly pass, you can enjoy unlimited bus rides for only $48.

In fact, Indianola Hills residents enjoy a cost of living that is 2 percent below other Des Moines neighborhoods. Housing costs about 8 percent less in Indianola Hills, but due to high demand and limited supply, the average cost of an Indianola Hills one-bedroom apartment runs about $720.

By attracting over three million visitors per year, Southridge Mall acts as the center of commerce for Indianola Hills residents who travel a short distance on SE 14th Street to find almost everything they need. However, boutique- and specialty-store fans have the world of high fashion and furnishing at their fingertips by shopping along Grand Avenue in East Village.

Artisan's Jewelry Designs creates a sparkle around your neck or on your wrist. Handcrafted pieces of jewelry sold in this shop make the ultimate fashion statement for both men and women.

The road to Southridge Mall leads Indianola Hills residents by several grocery stores. Iowa favorite Hy-Vee operates the Market Fresh Grille, a proprietary dining concept that allows weary shoppers to enjoy menu items inspired by locally grown produce and Iowa-raised livestock. Accomplished cooks and lovers of organic foods attend the Des Moines Farmers Market, which comprises over 50 booths that operate every Saturday from May until October.