Nestled in the heart of Waterbury along picturesque, tree-lined Polk Boulevard, this charming 3-bedroom bungalow blends timeless character with modern updates. Richly refinished hardwood floors, original oak woodwork, and a striking fireplace flanked by built-in bookshelves create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Just beyond the living room, a sun-filled study or music room offers the perfect retreat with expansive windows and abundant natural light. The formal dining room showcases a beautiful built-in buffet with glass-front cabinetry, while the updated kitchen features tile flooring, quartz countertops, and a distinctive red tile backsplash. The renovated bath impresses with a spacious walk-in shower, quartz vanity, and iridescent tile accents. Two generously sized bedrooms complete the main level, while the upper level offers a spacious third bedroom filled with natural light. Outside, enjoy a large deck ideal for entertaining, a detached two-car garage, and thoughtfully landscaped gardens featuring native plantings. Major improvements include updated roof, furnace, air conditioning, siding, water service line, sewer line, electrical system, and concrete work, providing exceptional peace of mind. This beautifully updated Waterbury classic offers a rare opportunity to own a home in one of the city's most desirable and established neighborhoods.
Single-familyProperty Type
1922Year Built
8,778 sq ftLot Size
$222Price/Sq.Ft.
2 car garageParking
Listed by York Taenzer• Iowa Realty Mills Crossing
Waterbury, located between Grand Avenue and Ingersoll Avenue, is a residential and historic Des Moines neighborhood with curving, tree-lined streets and stately early-20th-century homes. The neighborhood’s character concentrates around the Ingersoll Avenue corridor near 42nd Street, where patios, coffee counters, and small storefronts set a steady, walkable rhythm. Greenwood Park’s wooded trails and the Waterbury neighborhood’s stonework details give the area a quiet, established feel. Architectural styles lean Tudor Revival and Colonial Revival, with deep setbacks and mature landscaping. Local pillars such as the Des Moines Art Center, the Rose Garden, and the Greenwood Park shelter area anchor everyday routines. The terrain rolls gently toward parkland, shaping a streetscape of winding blocks and pocket views.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Offer insights
688 Polk Blvd · $329,000
$334K and above
75% chance or better to win
Why $334K+ is a strong offer
DAYS ON MARKET
2 days
The average home goes pending in 25 days.
SALE-TO-LIST
98.9%
Most homes are selling 1% below list price.
About offer insights
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living
Interior features
Separate/formal dining room
Window treatments
Unfinished basement
One fireplace
Bedrooms
2 main-level bedrooms
Bathrooms
1 full bathroom
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stove
Flooring
Hardwood floors
Tile floors
Heating & cooling
Forced air heating (natural gas)
Central air conditioning
Exterior features
Wood fencing
Deck
Concrete road frontage
Rectangular lot
Home design
Detached property
Parking
Detached two-car garage
Security
Smoke detector(s)
Construction
Metal siding
Asphalt shingle roof
Brick/mortar foundation
Built on lot (0.202 acres, approx. 66 x 133)
Utilities
Public water
Public sewer
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
N5 is intended to preserve the scale and character of neighborhoods developed with a mix of bungalow and two-story houses, predominantly in the Victorian, Revival, and Arts and Crafts styles pursuant to House D building type in section 135-2.16 of this code.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Housing-Single unit
Infrastructure
Jul 7, 2023 • Final
Plumbing (residential) - other
Plumbing
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
3/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 103° expected this year, 15 days in 30 years
2/10 Wind Factor
Minor risk of severe winds over next 30 years
2/10 Air Factor
1 unhealthy days expected this year, 1 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Des Moines, IA • 50312
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
31
15
40
21
59
36
65
46
75
53
84
65
87
69
84
66
82
60
71
50
51
34
38
22
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
83/ 100
Very good sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
9.5 hrs
5 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 688 Polk Blvd
$328,436
$564 under list price of $329K
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 5 recent nearby sales, priced between $300K to $370K.