River Woods - Des Moines, IA Area Guide

The south side of Des Moines developed from west to east. The area around the airport flourished with residential and commercial development, while vast sections of prime real estate on the eastern edge of the area remained undeveloped. That all changed during the late 1970s, as real estate developers saw promise in an area mostly known for its agricultural attributes. River Woods changed from a rural Des Moines outpost to one of the most coveted areas to live in the metro area.

River Woods residents immerse themselves in Des Moines cultural attractions by visiting the wide variety of art exhibits on display at the Des Moines Social Club. Local artists highlight the open galleries that shine within an architecturally stunning building. Just a few minutes north of River Woods, Wells Fargo Arena hosts critically acclaimed bands and prominent sporting events, as well as annual trade shows.

Dining options abound on the south side of Des Moines. The closest central restaurant location for River Woods residents sits along bustling Southeast 14th Street, where local culinary legends Jim's Coney Island and Chef D's Rock Power Pizza dazzle diners' taste buds.

For lovers of Chinese cuisine, it doesn't get any better on the south side than China Chef. The always-busy restaurant features succulent fantail shrimp and hearty egg drop soup. Order at the table or better yet, avoid the wait and stop by for a carry-out order.

As a primarily residential neighborhood, River Woods does not promote high-energy nightclubs. To put on your boogie shoes and dance, travel to downtown's Court Avenue District. Dance clubs like Joker's provide electric ambiance for partygoers of all ages. Johnny's Hall of Fame shows your favorite team on one of the 20-plus television screens that encircle the bar and restaurant. Live music fans book tickets for Wooly's in East Village to catch the hottest local, regional and national musical acts. Staying closer to home, River Woods residents enjoy a tasty menu inside of the Club 2000, which represents the quintessential Des Moines neighborhood bar.

City planners connected Easter Lake and the Des Moines River by running paved pedestrian and cycling paths through River Woods. Residents can walk to Southeast 14th Street to catch the number 6 Indianola Avenue bus that runs along the south side's commercial sector. The number 6 bus also travels to the public transportation hub in downtown Des Moines, where riders hop on other buses to virtually anywhere in the area. Spotty cab and Uber service makes public transportation the most convenient way to reach your Des Moines destination other than by your own car. Finding a free parking space along Southeast 14th Street may require diligence, but can be worth saving money for parking.

Like every other south side neighborhood, River Woods does not give residents quick access to area interstates. Residents take crowded four-lane roads to reach the airport or downtown. Traffic can turn standstill during the winter, as the city of Des Moines places a higher priority on clearing north and west side streets, such as University Avenue. Interstate 235 cuts through the center of Des Moines, but it typically takes 15 minutes or more for River Woods residents to reach the thoroughfare.

Satisfy all of your recreational needs by packing up the kids and furry friends for a day trip to Easter Park, one of the most popular parks in the Des Moines metropolitan area. The family and canine-friendly park includes a world-class arboretum, open-air shelters and a nature trail that also acts as an excellent spot to get some exercise. Picnic tables invite large groups and the disc golf course stays busy throughout the year. Children get lost playing within the innovative Children's Forest, and dogs roam free inside the off-leash dog park.

The City of Des Moines does not charge an entrance fee for Ewing Park, but does charge visitors to rent boats sailing on the large pond. Ewing Park does not host any annual events, but Gray's Lake, to the north, hosts annual softball tournaments that receive media publicity. Capitol Park, to the east of the Iowa State Capital, explodes with fireworks every Independence Day.

Traveling to and from River Woods via bus costs passengers only $1.75 for a two-hour ride. The fare includes one transfer, which means you can travel to the bus hub and board another bus to reach your destination for the $1.75 fare. Save more money by investing in a $48 unlimited-use monthly pass. Take the savings to a local bar, where 12-ounce domestic draughts cost only $2 during happy hour. On average, River Woods residents pay 9 percent less for a gallon of gas than what drivers pay in other parts of the country.

While the cost of living has increased for River Woods residents, it remains below the Des Moines area cost of living average by 6 percent. Undeveloped parcels of land keep housing prices down, while renters of one-bedroom apartments pay about $610 per month.

The Southdale Shopping Center acts as the center of commerce for River Woods residents. Shoppers buy their groceries at nearby Hy-Vee, as well as purchasing ethnic specialty goods from grocers like Graziano's and the Southside Food Mart. Organic food lovers visit the Des Moines Farmers Market, which operates downtown every Saturday from early May until Halloween.

River Woods residents shop for high-end clothing and furniture at one of the anchor stores that operate in the nearby Southridge Mall. However, you can find better deals and the same quality by shopping at East Village Boutiques. Another terrific destination, Porch Light Antiques, overflows with highly valued vintage trinkets that enhance your home decor.