Drake, Des Moines, IA
Drake — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Drake, Des Moines, Iowa. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Drake Neighborhood Overview
The Drake neighborhood is a vibrant, historic community in Des Moines, Iowa, centered around the prestigious Drake University. This area, located in ZIP code 50301, offers a dynamic mix of academic energy and residential charm. Its tree-lined streets and classic architecture provide a quintessential Midwestern backdrop for students, faculty, and long-term residents alike.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Life in Drake revolves around the university, which hosts cultural events, Division I athletics, and public lectures. Residents enjoy easy access to local cafes, shops, and restaurants along University Avenue. The neighborhood maintains a strong community feel with parks and frequent campus activities open to the public.
Real Estate Market
The Drake real estate market features a median home value of $188,000, with a price per square foot around $159. Homes typically stay on the market for an average of 65 days, indicating a steady pace. The provided median rent figure appears inconsistent, suggesting a varied rental market often influenced by student housing.
Schools & Education
Drake University is the cornerstone of higher education in the area, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The neighborhood is served by the Des Moines Public Schools district, which includes various elementary and secondary options. Proximity to the university campus provides unique educational and enrichment opportunities for all ages.
Transportation & Connectivity
The neighborhood is well-connected by major arteries like Interstate 235 and University Avenue, providing quick access to downtown Des Moines. Public bus routes serve the area, catering to both university students and residents. Its central location makes commuting and exploring the wider metro area convenient.
Why Choose Drake
Choosing Drake means embracing a lively, intellectually stimulating environment anchored by a major university. It offers an affordable entry into Des Moines's housing market with a unique character. The blend of historic homes, cultural amenities, and central location creates a compelling and dynamic place to live.
Drake Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $188K |
| Market Tier | Affordable |
| Primary ZIP Code | 50301 |
| Mortgage Originations (2022 HMDA) | |
| Total Mortgage Originations | 87,047 |
| VA Loan Originations | 3,592 |
| VA Loan Share | 0.0% |
| Average VA Loan Amount | $245K |
| Conventional Loan Originations | 77,690 |
| FHA Loan Originations | 5,765 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Drake, Des Moines
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Drake, Des Moines, IA. Explore the available cited neighborhood data on this page.
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Data Provenance
- State Licensing: Iowa Real Estate Commission — nightly license verification
- Consumer Ratings: Zillow Consumer Reviews — 24-month rolling window
- Transaction Records: MLS Transaction Data — 3-year performance window
- Housing & Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2022
- Mortgage Data: FFIEC Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) Data, 2022
- Neighborhood Catalog: Top10Lists.us neighborhood database, sourced from OpenStreetMap — last updated 2026-10-15