The Beaverdale neighborhood has a Des Moines address but feels like an area deserving its own. When you say “Beaverdale”, every local will swoon over the brick houses and breathlessly tell you about their favorite hidden gems. Just north of the Drake area, Beaverdale is a charming neighborhood where hometown vibes meet an urban zip code.

First Impressions 

Beaverdale feels like the kind of neighborhood you’d see in a cozy sitcom. Tree-lined streets wind past the neighborhood’s signature “Beaverdale Brick” homes, front porches and well-kept gardens, while Beaver Avenue brings a little more hustle and bustle with locally owned businesses, coffee spots, and restaurants. The feel is classic “Iowa nice” with locals that say ‘hi’ and customer service with a smile.  There’s a small town feeling here, but with all the perks of being just minutes from the rest of all that Greater Des Moines has to offer. 

The Local Whisper: Boasting 143 blocks, Beaverdale is the largest recognized neighborhood in Des Moines. Coupled with over 50 acres of public parkland, there’s no shortage of things to explore.

Local Flavors  

If Beaverdale had a taste, it would be comfort food with a creative twist: familiar, welcoming, and full of local character. Start the morning with a latte and the smell of freshly roasted beans at Grounds for Celebration, a neighborhood staple where locals linger over coffee and conversation. Grab a beer (and maybe a shot) at Beaver Tap, or head to The Dam Pub, where ’90s nostalgia, colorful murals (Alf! Austin Powers! Eddie Vedder!), and killer rooftop patio make for a hangout that’s anything but ordinary. 

When hunger strikes, the options are delightfully varied with crispy Korean fried chicken from Basic Bird, Cajun and Caribbean-inspired barbecue at Flying Mango, classic Italian comfort food and steak de burgo at Christopher's, or Detroit-style pizza at Parlor. For something sweet, look for the iconic neon sign at Snookies Malt Shop, a neighborhood institution serving soft serve and smiles from April through September.  

The Local Whisper: Visit on a summer Tuesday evening when the Beaverdale Farmers Market is in full swing, then grab dinner nearby. You’ll experience Beaverdale at its best; buzzing and feeling like one big block party.

The Scene 

Beaverdale is made for lingering and taking in the scenery. Boasting a total of four city parks, visitors and locals alike can enjoy a beautiful day surrounded by greenery. On a warm afternoon, you’ll find neighbors strolling Beaver Avenue, families cooling off near the splash pad at Ashby Park, or people grilling out at Beaverdale Park. Beyond the beautiful outdoors, browse the shelves at Beaverdale Books, flip through records at Vinyl Cup Records, or ogle some jewelry at Adorn DSM before grabbing a pint of Guiness at Cooney’s Tavern. 

The Local Whisper: One of the best holiday light displays in the region happens at Ashby and Wallace Avenues, East and West of Beaver Avenue, where more than fifty homes in the neighborhood go full Clark Griswold. Grab the family and drive through this parade of lights, which even has a radio station to sync your holiday cheer up to.

The People 

Beaverdale is full of people who know their neighbors and will make you feel like one too. You’ll find young families pushing strollers, longtime residents who can tell you exactly how the neighborhood has changed, cyclists cruising the parks, and dog walkers making their daily rounds. People wave from their porches, stop to chat on walks, and know how to show up when there’s a neighborhood event. That strong sense of connection isn’t just a small-town stereotype; community engagement and volunteerism are central to the Beaverdale Neighborhood Association’s mission. In a nutshell, this neighborhood’s strength is keeping kindness at its core.

Des Best: Live Like a Local 

If you want to feel like you actually belong here, here are what the locals are saying are some of the best foods, finds, and spaces in the Beaverdale neighborhood. 

Catch all of the best in every Greater Des Moines neighborhood by checking out our full Des Best lists here. 

Neighborhood Happenings 

Seasonal events in the Beaverdale neighborhood are fan favorites. From the sunny, hot days of summer to the leaves changing in the fall, this brick-clad neighborhood hosts community events that bring together both visitors and residents alike. 

Fall 

Every September, the legendary Beaverdale Fall Festival takes over the neighborhood, bringing the kind of community celebration that feels straight out of a movie. Surrounding small businesses host events, classes, workshops, and pop-ups with live music and activities for all ages. If you attend, you won’t want to miss the iconic Backyard BBQ Contest, a friendly competition for Beaverdale resident teams to show off their barbecuing skills.  

Summer 

Soak in the sunshine and chill vibes at the annual Beaverdale Bluegrass Festival, held in July at Tower Park. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets create a colorful grid across the park as people gather for a day of big bands, good food, and cold brews.  

If you have the privilege of visiting during the week, check out the Beaverdale Farmers Market every Tuesday from 4-7 p.m., June through September. Peruse local Iowa farmers and growers, grab a snack, and support the community’s efforts to bring handmade and handcrafted goods to others. 

Top Tips 

  • Parking: Mix of street parking and shared lots. Pay attention to the road signs for specific parking limitations. 

  • Best time to visit: Evenings and weekends make it lively, but you can’t go wrong with a mildly quiet afternoon strolling around the neighborhood. (Bonus points if you grab a coffee and take it for a walk through the residential neighborhood to view those historic brick homes). 

  • Walkability: The Beaverdale neighborhood surrounds a central hub on Beaver Ave, stretching north to Urbandale Ave and south to Hickman Road. In other terms, yes, very walkable.