Martin-Hickman - Des Moines, IA Area Guide

Belonging to the Beaverdale neighborhood until the early 1980s, Martin-Hickman formed as a mostly residential neighborhood that attracted working class residents. As Martin Luther King Parkway began to blossom into a commercial powerhouse, the demographics changed to include service industry-oriented residents from more diversified backgrounds. Independently owned businesses, such as dry cleaners, grocery stores, and budget retail outlets, dominate the commercial scene. The City of Des Moines has created zoning ordinances that prevent commercial development outside of the businesses that operate on Martin Luther King Parkway.

Drake University's Theater Arts program promotes several attractions that provide Martin-Hickman residents with an affordable way to enrich their cultural lives. Live plays and concerts on campus attract Martin-Hickman residents who want to enjoy first-rate entertainment at a faction of the cost it takes to attend downtown cultural events. Drake's "Key to Excellence" series showcases the finest local musical talent.

Some refer to Martin-Hickman as epicurean heaven as several critically acclaimed restaurants operate near the close-knit community. At Flying Mango diners feast on creative barbecue and Caribbean-inspired dishes. Local favorites include the traditional barbecue and the sweet potato cakes. Virtually everything on the menu comes smoked or grilled, so be prepared for a meal packed with flavor.

Christopher's welcomes large parties that prefer to dine in a large and ornate banquet room. The menu combines the elements of old-school Italian cuisine with contemporary takes on American culinary classics. Share the sumptuous spinach and artichoke dip, but be sure to save room for the slow-roasted prime rib that attracts diners from all over the Des Moines metro area.

Nightlife in the Martin-Hickman neighborhood comprises a few sports bars that feature NFL, MLB and NBA season packages. You don't need any of these league passes to enjoy the high-energy ambiance at Saints Pub + Patio. The sports bar and restaurant features several innovative takes on burgers and a large bar area and outdoor patio, where patrons heartily root for their favorite teams. GoodSons creates the quintessential Cheers feel while retaining a unique quality that attracts newcomers to the Martin-Hickman neighborhood.

Residents of the diminutive neighborhood typically dance the night away at downtown nightclubs, such as Joker's. The best live music venues fill your eardrums with music bliss at venues such as Wooly's in the East Village and Gas Lamp on the edge of the Ingersoll Business District.

Hickman Road and Martin Luther King Parkway represent the major thoroughfares that cross the Martin-Hickman neighborhood. Although pedestrian friendly, Martin Hickman doesn't include cycling lanes or paths for residents to use for commuting, running errands or simply enjoying a little exercise. Spotty cab service and the lack of a strong presence by car-pooling specialist Uber means Martin-Hickman residents must rely on the interstate system to reach downtown Des Moines quickly or commit to taking the public transportation system.

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit system operates more than 30 bus routes that cover the entire metro area. Martin-Hickman residents enjoy service provided by the number 14 Beaver Avenue and number 16 Douglas Avenue bus routes. Both bus routes take passengers to Merle Hay Mall and downtown Des Moines, albeit from different directions. DART allows Martin-Hickman residents to avoid traffic congestion and expensive downtown parking rates. Residents don't pay to park anywhere within Martin-Hickman.

The nearby Des Moines River provides plenty of green space for the city to build family-friendly parks. Martin Hickman residents have convenient access to Birdland Park, a multifaceted kid-friendly park that includes playground equipment and a marina, where you can bask under the sun with your loved ones. Like most city parks, you don't have to pay an entrance fee, However, Birdland Park charges by the hour for boat rentals. A recreation trail allows you to interact with nature in a secluded environment while burning calories on the exercise-centric walking and cycling path.

None of the parks located near Martin-Hickman host annual events. Most of the annual events unfold along the streets of Beaverdale, with Beaverdale Holiday Boutique drawing people throughout central Iowa. Gray's Lake, which borders the southern tip of downtown Des Moines, hosts an annual regional softball tournament that receives media exposure. Canine lovers take their furry best friends to Riverwalk Dog Park. With four acres to romp, dogs have a great time playing with each other and their human friends in the dog park located next to pedestrian and bicycle trails.

For only $1.75, taking the 15-minute bus ride on either the number 14 or number 16 DART bus opens your world to the entire Des Moines metropolitan area. Bus fares give you two hours to reach your destination, with one transfer allowed for other DART routes. Seasoned public transportation riders save even more money by purchasing monthly passes for $48. Monthly passes give you unlimited rides on any of the DART routes.

Apartment complexes and single-bedroom homes dominate the Martin-Hickman housing scene. A one-bedroom rental in the neighborhood averages $572 per month, which falls below the average one-bedroom rent for apartments in other Des Moines neighborhoods. While the cost of living exceeds the Des Moines average by 4 percent, Martin-Hickman residents enjoy prices at the pump that fall 6 percent below the national average. Low overhead allows bar owners to sell 12-ounce domestic drafts for $2 during happy hour, with some establishments running the low price for cold beer throughout the entire day.

The combination of a rapidly growing restaurant district and residents who want to eat locally grown organic foods prompted the founding of the Beaverdale Farmers Market. Instead of fighting the hordes at the downtown Des Moines Farmers market, Martin-Hickman residents can leisurely stroll by dozens of stalls that sell organic fruits and vegetables. The Beaverdale Farmers Market features local restaurateurs who provide cooking demonstrations and free samples during market hours. Right down the road, residents can join the Iowa Food Cooperative and save while supporting local commerce. For convenience and everyday grocery needs, Shop and Save has a store in the neighborhood, and so does Price Chopper.

Martin-Hickman residents who enjoy backpacking shop at nearby Back Country, an outfitter store that satisfies all your outdoor recreational needs. The specialty shop also sells a wide variety of fashion that ensures you stay warm during the winter and remain cool on humid summer days. Grounds for Celebration promotes sustainable coffee bean sources while fulfilling your sweet tooth craving by creating flavorful gelatos. Martin-Hickman shoppers who want high-end fashion and furniture travel to nearby Merle Hay Mall, the center of commerce for the north side of Des Moines.