Apartments for Rent in the Merle Hay Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA (254 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Des Moines's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about Des Moines and the best places to live with original content written by our Local Expert Joseph Isenberg

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

close
View Me
5000 Twana Dr, Unit 1
$1,000
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,000

Total Monthly Price
$1,000
2 Bedroom Apartment Available Now

5000 Twana Dr, Unit 1

5000 Twana DrDes Moines, IA 50310
Cost Per Sq.Ft.
  • Smoke Free
property at 4704 Valdez Dr

$1,200

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,200

Total Monthly Price
$1,200

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Aug 31

4704 Valdez Dr

Des MoinesIA50310
property at 3520 37th st

$1,545

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,545

Total Monthly Price
$1,545

3 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

3520 37th st

Des MoinesIA50310
property at 3001 30th St

$1,130

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,130

Total Monthly Price
$1,130

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

3001 30th St

Des MoinesIA50310

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

property at 1260 34th St

$695 - $860

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Sep 2

1260 34th St

Des MoinesIA50311

Neighborhood & Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent

Master your search for the perfect apartment. Location is everything. Discover how to leverage community insights, public data, and personal visits to make a fully informed decision about where to rent.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Learn the property manager's true secrets to a zero-deduction move-out. Use this step-by-step guide on documentation, cleaning, and lease-reading to reclaim your security deposit.

Read Article
Decorative image

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Tour smarter and choose with confidence. Get the essential 18 questions that reveal the truth about a rental property's maintenance, utilities, and safety.

Read Article
Decorative image

Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

Read Article
Decorative image

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA

Ranked #39

Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving.com compares millions of points of data to bring you our detailed rental search system called 'Lifestyle ratings', composed of rentals in cities across the United States including Merle Hay, Des Moines, and the greater Des Moines area. Our Lifestyle Ratings help you zero-in on the perfect place to call home. This takes in many factors including rankings of the best places for outdoor amenities like tennis courts, luxury amenities, pet-friendly features, features that make it easier to raise kids, proximity to transit, and how walkable or bikeable each community and area is. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.

Luxury Living Rating

This part of town has established a name for itself as one of the A-list upscale neighborhoods in town, with a score of 4.0 out of 4. Luxury Lifestyle Scoring is based on having high-end community amenities like racquetball and tennis courts, luxury pools, on-site concierge services, views, access to parks, and kitchen details like granite and high-end fixtures. Luxury submarkets also often offer tile, hardwood, and fine carpeting, tennis courts, and for some communities, even a doorman to greet residents.

Frequently Asked Questions about Merle Hay

What is the current pricing and availability for apartments for rent in the Merle Hay area of Des Moines, IA?

As of today, August 26, 2026, there are currently 254 available Merle Hay apartments priced from $605 to $2,500, with an average monthly rent of $1,015.

How much are Studio apartments in Merle Hay?

There are currently 111 Studio Apartments in Merle Hay with rent ranges from $605 to $880 with an average price of $788.

What is the current price range for One Bedroom Merle Hay Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Merle Hay ranges from $633 to $1,640 with an average monthly rent of $950.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Merle Hay cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Merle Hay range from $643 to $2,500. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $1,025.

How expensive are Merle Hay Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 26 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Merle Hay on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $1,185 to $1,725 - averaging $1,509 for the location.

Expert Rental Resources

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for A Local Expert's Guide To the Top Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Des Moines, Iowa article

A Local Expert's Guide To the Top Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Des Moines, Iowa

Written by: Joseph Isenberg

I'm Joe, the ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Des Moines and Central Iowa. My parents moved to Central Iowa in 1967, and my family has been here ever since.

decorative image for Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags   article

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags

Written by: Robin Stewart

Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently

Written by: Robin Stewart

Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

Written by: Robin Stewart

Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.