Linden Heights offers a tranquil neighborhood with predominantly single detached homes and a variety of apartment options, many built during an impressive mid-century construction boom. The area benefits from quiet surroundings with low traffic noise, creating a peaceful environment. Accessibility by car is excellent, with ample parking options and convenient highway access from nearly any location. Bicycling is a convenient transportation alternative, supported by favorable infrastructure. Nearby neighborhoods provide numerous well-distributed public green spaces, making outdoor time refreshing and accessible. While daily essentials may require brief car trips, the overall environment highlights a calm community with diverse housing styles and easy connectivity.
Linden Heights offers a calm atmosphere and will appeal to those who enjoy spending time outdoors. This area is very quiet overall, as there isn't a lot of street noise or city clamor. Lastly, although Linden Heights does not contain any parks, green spaces are very well-spread out in nearby neighborhoods, making them very easy to access from the majority of locations within the neighborhood.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
Located at the southern edge of Linden Heights along Grand Avenue, Ashworth Park is a scenic urban oasis known for its peaceful walking trails, mature trees, picnic areas, and splash pad, making it a favorite spot for neighborhood families and outdoor lovers.
Serving the Linden Heights area since 1921, Greenwood Elementary is a highly rated Des Moines public school nestled on 37th Street and is recognized for its dedicated staff, historic architecture, and strong community involvement.
Just north of Linden Heights, Ingersoll Avenue features an eclectic mix of local restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, offering residents of the neighborhood a variety of popular dining and nightlife options within walking distance.
A local retail destination on 42nd Street, The Shops at Roosevelt offers Linden Heights residents charming boutiques, convenient services, and neighborhood staples like La Mie Bakery, creating a community-centric shopping experience.
This popular multi-use trail runs adjacent to Linden Heights, providing direct access to Gray’s Lake Park and beyond, making it a hub for cyclists, runners, and walkers who appreciate the convenient access to Des Moines’ best connected greenways.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
This large Asian food and culture festival in Altoona is a manageable regional outing from Linden Heights, with dozens of food vendors, street-food tastings, cultural performances, shopping, and panda-themed activities. It offers an easy way to spend part of a fall weekend exploring international flavors close to the Des Moines metro.
View event details →Families from Linden Heights can visit this Urbandale living-history event to learn about the Native cultures that shaped Iowa through educational activities and demonstrations. Because admission includes the day’s programming, it combines an outdoor outing with local history and is especially appealing for households looking for a meaningful, hands-on fall activity.
View event details →This family-oriented Halloween weekend in nearby Urbandale offers a townful of treats, historic settings, costume-friendly activities, and special tours. It is a convenient alternative to driving far for a seasonal attraction, giving Linden Heights residents a local, kid-focused way to celebrate Halloween before October 31.
View event details →This free downtown festival is particularly convenient for Linden Heights residents and celebrates Iowa’s agricultural heritage with live entertainment, local vendors, interactive exhibits, food, and family activities. The Capitol setting makes it a strong choice for an afternoon outing that feels both seasonal and distinctly connected to the state.
View event details →Residents can enjoy a distinctive Halloween evening without leaving Des Moines, as the Botanical Garden’s tropical conservatory and show house receive eerie lighting, decorations, and spectral plant displays. It works well for a date night, older children, or visiting guests who want a memorable seasonal activity near downtown.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Linden Heights
Local characteristics and demographics for Linden Heights
