Historic Highland Park is one of the oldest and most-loved neighborhoods in Des Moines. Located just north of downtown, this neighborhood stretches the length of 6th Avenue, from Aurora Avenue to the Des Moines River. The east border is formed by Dixon Street. Highland Park is home to two historic districts and features buildings dating to the late 1800s.
As you search for apartments in Highland Park, you’ll want to be aware of the historic districts. The Highland Park Historic Business District at Euclid and Sixth Avenues was developed in the 1880s. It resembles a charming downtown, complete with shops, restaurants, and other businesses. This area was named “Highland Park” because it is one of the city’s highest spots.
College Corner Commercial Historic Business District is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a US Historic District. College Corner was named for a college that was here in 1889; that college later merged with Des Moines College and became Des Moines University. This district was also home to the state’s first enclosed shopping center, Park Fair Shopping Center. The district has seven buildings, including an Odd Fellows Hall that was moved to the district in 1907.
Just outside the neighborhood, Riverview Park is cradled by a bend in the Des Moines River. This park opened in 1915 as an amusement park of sorts, complete with rides, a carousel, shows, and roller coasters. It also featured a ballroom and was a famous music venue. The park closed in 1978. Today, the park has a recreation trail and a cross-country ski trail, a nature park, and is the location of the “Rendezvous on Riverview” concert series. Plans are underway to recreate some of the iconic features of the park in a new design.
When you choose your Highland Park apartment, you’ll have a variety of parks to choose from, including Birdland Park, Union Park, and McHenry Park. These parks are located along the river, toward the south end of the neighborhood. To be near the parks, search for Highland Park apartments along Holcomb Avenue, Sheridan Avenue, and New York Avenue along 6th Avenue.
If you are moving to an apartment in Highland Park with children, there are a number of schools in the neighborhood, including Madison Elementary School, Findley Elementary School, Harding Middle School, and North High School. If you are a college student attending Grand View University and want an off-campus apartment close to school, look along East 14th Street and Hull Avenue.
Highland Park is a terrific mixed-use area with plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and other businesses in the neighborhood. Many of these are located along Euclid Avenue, especially toward the historic business district. The neighborhood offers a flea market, the Des Moines North Side Library, Park Fair Mall, Fareway Grocery, Hiland Pastery Shop, Linn’s Super Market, and the 14th Street Tavern.
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