Watrous South - Des Moines, IA Area Guide

Until the construction and subsequent expansion of the Des Moines International Airport, the area known now as Watrous South sprawled with acres of undeveloped farmland. After the airport began operation in 1933, the area directly to the west experienced an increase in residential construction, mostly for airport workers. Commercial growth didn't occur until the airport increased the number of terminals, which created more air travel demand and hence, more demand for hotels and restaurants.

Watrous South residents live near some of the finest cultural attractions found in Des Moines proper. The Des Moines Science Center includes an IMAX theater that educates the entire family. Art aficionados travel west on Grand Avenue to the Des Moines Art Center to view the latest exhibitions put on by locally and nationally known painters and sculptors. In 2014, the Des Moines Social Club opened to rave reviews for hosting several art galleries and a theatrical school.

Does the abundance of brand name hotels and restaurants mean the dining and nightlife options of Watrous South only cater to tourists? Watrous South residents know better, though most places in the neighborhood are very casual. For the best pizza in town (at least in south side), Bordenaro's Pizza offers either delivery, carry out or a sit-down experience.

A local favorite is Smitty's Tenderloin Shop. Smitty and his family have been serving hand-made large breaded pork tenderloins for over 47 years and people keep coming back for more. The restaurant also serves hamburgers and other sandwiches, and has a great kids menu.

Locals would point to upscale Johnny's Italian Steakhouse for date night. It is an example of home-grown culinary bliss. The stylishly designed bar provides the perfect intimate ambiance for couples to enjoy one of the area's gifted crooners. Diners savor the sumptuous flavors and rich texture of the house specialty, jumbo lump crab cakes. After cleaning your plate of the popular appetizer, try the drunken steak, a thick piece of prime dry-aged beef smothered in a Sam Adams-based broth. Located on Army Post Road, Nick's Tenderloin and Italian Beef provides Watrous South residents with an affordable way to dazzle taste buds by creating authentic Italian-inspired dishes. The restaurant specializes in preparing the best Italian beef sandwiches found outside of Chicago's near west side.

Zoning ordinances near the airport promote the development of hotel and restaurant properties. The stretch along Fleur Drive that houses area eateries doubles as a destination for enjoying a vibrant nightlife. Francie's epitomizes the neighborhood appeal of south side Des Moines bars. Several big-screen televisions hover over bar patrons who come to root for their favorite teams, even if the teams don't call Iowa home. Try the Philly Buffalo chicken sandwich, and you can expect make Francie's a regular stop on your social itinerary. For live music, residents only need to travel 10 minutes north to enjoy local and regional bands at the Gas Lamp. The iconic Des Moines live music venue receives national recognition for its acoustically friendly stage.

Traffic congestion along Fleur Drive can create headaches for Watrous South commuters. The flow of vehicles that move in and out of the airport creates logjams, potentially causing drivers to sit idle at the same stoplight for five or more minutes at a time. Public transportation provides the most convenient way for Watrous South residents to travel as both the number 6 Indianola Avenue and number 7 SW 9th Street buses avoid Fleur Drive. Both buses take less than 15 minutes to reach the central bus hub located in downtown Des Moines. Interstate 235 runs through the heart of Des Moines six miles north of Watrous South.

Commuter cyclists would not feel at home in this neighborhood. You can walk within Watrous South subdivisions, but Fleur Drive and Army Post Road don't provide you with safe pedestrian access to area businesses. With cab service a prominent transportation feature at the airport, hailing a cab requires little to no effort.

The prevalence of commercial properties around Watrous South doesn't mean residents live without the benefits of recreational parks. Nearby Ewing Park combines kid- and adult-friendly recreational features. Even your furry friend can romp in the large dog park located within Ewing Park. The kid-friendly features include an enchanted children's forest, where kids allow their imaginations to run wild. Both children and parents enjoy the educational aspects of the Lilac Arboretum.

While here, play a challenging 18 holes of disc golf, walk the nature trail or paddle a rented boat in the large lagoon. A soap box derby track attracts hobbyists who want to test their design skills. Ewing Park doesn't host any annual events, but you can find a softball tournament and 4th of July event held at centrally located Gray's Lake.

The average price for a domestic draw in and around Watrous South runs $2.50 during happy hour and at least 50 cents more during the rest of the day. Gas prices stay about 10 percent below the national average, although Watrous South residents can find service stations that operate in other Des Moines neighborhoods that charge less.

Public transportation costs $1.75, which is a bargain when you consider parking fees and gas prices for commuting to downtown Des Moines. The $1.75 fare provides you with one transfer during a two-hour stint on a bus. Watrous South residents experience a cost of living of 3 percent more than the average cost of living in other Des Moines neighborhoods. The median rent for a one-bedroom home runs $746, which places Watrous South near the top of the housing cost list.

Watrous South residents live less than five minutes from the south side's center of commerce, Southridge Mall. The mall houses several national chains including Target, Younkers and the Des Moines area's most popular grocery store, Hy-Vee. Watrous South residents have to travel five miles west to Jordan Creek Mall for more high-end fashion stores.

To find delightful antiques, lightly used furniture and timeless jewelry, savvy residents will peruse the inventory at New to You Treasures. They can even find you classic cars and older game consoles.

The golfers and bowlers in the area will find Kinley's Golf Sales the perfect place for a new club or shoes, or to get older ones repaired. Check out their website for specials.

For an even more unique selection, make the trip down SW 9th Street to downtown Des Moines and cross the Des Moines River to find shopping bliss within historic East Village. Accenti stocks the latest fashions while also selling vintage clothing that draws customers from all over metro Des Moines. Enhance the flavor of your favorite dishes by buying hand-ground spices from Allspice Culinarium.