Merle Hay - Des Moines, IA Area Guide

Merle Hay gets its name for World War I veteran Private Merle David Hay. Initially part of Urbandale, the Merle Hay neighborhood formed when the city of Des Moines annexed the community. The sleepy northwest Des Moines neighborhood morphed into a dominant commercial center after the construction of the area's first major shopping mall. Merle Hay Mall enjoyed a thriving business for decades until other malls began sprouting commercial wings around Des Moines.

I'll Make Me a World Festival, held annually near the Merle Hay neighborhood, promotes the cultural diversity that defines the community. Merle Hay residents have several small art gallery options to enhance their cultural tastes, but the Des Moines Art Center acts as the premier art museum in the Des Moines metro area. Downtown Des Moines also features the highly rated Des Moines Science Center for Merle Hay residents with inquiring minds.

Chicago makes a visit to Des Moines in the form of the deep-dish pizza specialists Felix & Oscars. This authentic Chicago-style pizza restaurant does not limit its menu to deep-dish pies, as guests have other dining options that include mouth watering Italian beef sandwiches and Southwestern Italian pasta. Wasabi Chi Asian Cuisine and Bar, which sits within sight of expansive Merle Hay Mall, comprises one of several ethnically inspired restaurants that line Douglas Avenue. Seared Ahi Tuna and freshly hand-rolled California rolls highlight the menu at this wildly popular Des Moines dining venue. For diners seeking a quick and affordable bite, George's Chili King hearkens back to the days when waitresses on roller skates brought smothered chili dogs to hungry patrons who dined inside of their vehicles.

The nightlife hums along constantly in Merle Hay, as residents choose from a variety of neighborhood bars that feature big screen televisions and innovative concepts. Anchored inside of Merle Hay Mall, Flix Brewhouse introduces patrons to the emerging trend of mixing an eclectic menu, on-premises brewed beer and the latest hits from Hollywood. Moviegoers order their meals before a film begins and quaff seasonal beers made by artisan brewmasters recruited by the Austin, Texas based company. Castaway Bar & Grill attracts customers who enjoy ordering their favorite beverages while relaxing at the poolside Tiki bar.

Walking can be a tricky proposition within the Merle Hay neighborhood; long stretches of busy Merle Hay Road only have one side of the street for pedestrians to access a sidewalk, and many of the side streets within the neighborhood do not have sidewalks at all. Cyclists have to contend with heavy traffic on the major arteries, and Merle Hay sits far away from any of the bike trails that take cyclists to and from downtown Des Moines. The area definitely better suits those who choose to drive their own cars, and parking costs nothing in the neighborhood, although finding a spot near the mall requires some diligence. Uber rarely picks up customers in Merle Hay, and cab service typically only responds to phone call reservations, so don't bother trying to hail a taxi.

Merle Hay commuters enjoy quick access to the area's two primary interstates. Interstate 235 cuts through the metro's central corridor, giving Merle Hay residents a convenient way to reach Clive and downtown Des Moines. Interstate 35/80 just to the north of the neighborhood skirts the northern and western suburbs. Bus service runs to and from Merle Hay Mall in the form of three different routes. Express routes that connect Merle Hay residents to downtown Des Moines run regularly during the morning and evening commutes.

Due to the concentrated commercial development, Merle Hay neighborhood does not include much green space devoted to parks. However, residents only need to travel a couple of miles in any direction to relax in one of the area's parks. Nearby Birdland Park includes a marina where visitors rent canoes and motor boats to enjoy the sprawling lake. The park includes exercise trails and enclosed shelters that attract large groups. None of the parks located near Merle Hay charge entrance fees, although use of the shelters and marine equipment requires a small payment.

Most of the parks operated within the Des Moines Parks and Recreation system feature playgrounds and other kid-friendly amenities to keep youngsters active. Visitors to Des Moines parks must leash their canines; the closest dog park for Merle Hay residents to unleash their furry friends sits in Windsor Heights.

Nitefall on the River, a summer concert series held in Gray's Lake, attracts Merle Hay residents who enjoy listening to music outdoors.

The large commercial tax base alleviates some of the property tax burden faced by Merle Hay residents. Lower taxes help Merle Hay residents experience a cost of living that falls roughly 10 percent below the cost of living faced by residents of other Des Moines neighborhoods and 14 percent below the national average. Housing costs also sit below local and national housing averages, as indicated by the relatively inexpensive median one-bedroom rent of $581.

Merle Hay residents also benefit from low gasoline prices, as the average fuel rate hovers about 19 percent less than the national average. However, service stations near the interstates charge more for a gallon of gas, so choose your location wisely before filling up. Public transportation provides Merle Hay residents with an affordable way to commute and enjoy bargain shopping at the mall. A one-way bus fare only costs $1.75, and passengers enjoy the low fare for two hours. Twelve-ounce domestic draws in small neighborhood bars cost $2.25, but this price increases as you get closer to the Merle Hay mall.

Merle Hay Mall attracts residents throughout the area for its extensive selection of national retailers and high-end specialty stores. Claire's sells a wide variety of women's fashion and accessories, including hair and beauty products from independently operated businesses. Merle Hay residents have other shopping options outside of the large mall. Located on Hickman Road, Barbara's Consignment Boutique attracts female fashion aficionados who take advantage of discounted prices and generous sales specials.

Specialty grocery markets that sell ethnic foods and spices dominate the grocery store scene within the community. Hispanic and Asian grocers form the foundation for the ethnically diverse food options enjoyed by local residents. Europa Groceries features Bosnian food staples as well as common ingredients found in French and Italian cuisines. Merle Hay residents who want to shop for locally grown and raised organic meats and produce travel downtown during the Des Moines Farmers Market season, which spans the six months between May and October.