Southern Woods features a variety of housing options, including single detached homes and apartment buildings, with diverse unit sizes ranging from lofts to spacious four-bedroom units. Green spaces and multiple parks are well-distributed throughout the neighborhood, providing delightful outdoor areas. The area offers several dining options, complementing its convenient accessibility by car. Bicycle infrastructure is moderately developed, supporting alternative transportation preferences. The neighborhood has a mix of residences built predominantly around 1981, showcasing a stable and established community character. With ample parking and convenient amenities, Southern Woods presents a well-rounded environment suitable for a wide range of preferences.
One of the highlights of Southern Woods is its broad selection of green spaces. Public green spaces are very well-spread out and there are a few of them close by for residents to explore, which makes them very easy to access. Lastly, this neighborhood can be relatively noisy, as can be a major source of noise.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
The neighborhood’s namesake street is its defining feature: a quiet, winding residential lane lined with mature trees, generous lots, and custom-built homes. Southern Woods Drive connects the subdivision to Park Avenue while preserving a tucked-away feel that distinguishes it from the surrounding south-side development. Its wooded setting and low-traffic layout give residents a noticeably private, established residential environment.
Just west of Southern Woods at 3915 Fleur Drive, historic Wakonda Club provides a prominent landscape landmark for the area. Founded in 1922, the private club features an 18-hole golf course, tennis facilities, aquatics amenities, and mature hills and trees. Its grounds help give nearby Southern Woods a greener, more spacious setting while connecting the neighborhood to one of Des Moines’ longstanding south-side institutions.
At 4337 Park Avenue, Jethro’s BBQ Southside is a convenient nearby dining destination for Southern Woods residents. The restaurant is known for hardwood-smoked meats, ribs, wings, oversized sandwiches, hearty sides, and a casual sports-bar atmosphere. Its location along Park Avenue makes it one of the neighborhood’s most recognizable food stops, especially for residents wanting a relaxed meal without heading downtown.
Southern Woods sits within easy reach of the Southridge retail area at 1111 East Army Post Road, the major shopping hub serving Des Moines’ south side. The complex offers everyday retailers, dining, fitness, services, and the DMACC Southridge Center. For neighborhood households, Southridge is especially useful because it combines routine errands, groceries, personal services, and educational resources in one nearby commercial district.
A short drive southeast, Easter Lake Park offers Southern Woods residents access to a 165-acre lake within a much larger park setting. The Mark C. Ackelson Trail forms a roughly four-mile loop for walking, running, cycling, and skating, with fishing piers, boat access, playgrounds, picnic areas, and Owen’s Covered Bridge. It is the neighborhood’s closest major destination for scenic outdoor recreation.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
This free, family-friendly celebration offers a convenient south-side cultural outing with music, art activities, food, and community traditions honoring loved ones. The Des Moines Art Center is relatively close to Southern Woods, making it an easy November weekend destination for families and residents interested in local arts and Latino culture.
View event details →Southern Woods families with children or teens can enjoy a nearby, low-cost creative activity focused on fall colors, textures, and nature. The program provides art supplies and snacks, offering an easy after-school option without requiring a long trip across the metro.
View event details →Residents can browse antiques, collectibles, home décor, jewelry, and other merchandise at a free-admission indoor market within a short drive of Southern Woods. It is a practical and relaxed weekend activity for bargain hunters, collectors, and families looking for seasonal shopping ideas.
View event details →This major regional craft show brings more than 300 exhibitors and thousands of handmade products to Des Moines, providing a convenient opportunity for early holiday shopping close to Southern Woods. Adults can browse unique goods while children 10 and under attend free.
View event details →Beginning November 20, this drive-through light display offers an easy, weather-friendly holiday activity for Southern Woods households. Families can enjoy elaborate illuminated scenes from the comfort of their car while supporting Make-A-Wish Iowa through a portion of event proceeds.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Southern Woods
Local characteristics and demographics for Southern Woods
