3903 University Ave
Des MoinesIA50311
Cheap Homes for Rent in the Merle Hay Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $775 (18 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in the Merle Hay area of Des Moines.
1137 44th St
Des MoinesIA50311
1206 39th St
Des MoinesIA50311
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$8751 Bedroom Apartments Available Sep 5
4009 University Ave, Unit 3
4009 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311
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$8751 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
4009 University Ave, Unit 1
4009 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311
7815 Douglas Ave, Unit 2110
7815 Douglas Ave
UrbandaleIA50322
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
1685 Northwest Dr, Unit 4511
1685 Northwest Dr
Des MoinesIA50310
4211 65th St, Unit 77
4211 65th St
UrbandaleIA50322
1617 34th St, Unit 22005
1617 34th St
Des MoinesIA50310
3314 Valdez Ct, Unit 305C-LL
3314 Valdez Ct
Des MoinesIA50310
3001 30th St
Des MoinesIA50310
1144 Polk Blvd, Unit 3
1144 Polk Blvd
Des MoinesIA50311
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.
3822 52nd St, Unit 901108RW
3822 52nd St
Des MoinesIA50310
5924 Sutton Pl, Unit 7
5924 Sutton Pl
UrbandaleIA50322
4704 Valdez Dr
Des MoinesIA50310
1525 32nd St, Unit 1
1525 32nd St
Des MoinesIA50311
1524 33rd St
Des MoinesIA50311
4306 50th St
Des MoinesIA50310
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.
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Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA Local Guide
Copyright CoStar Group, Inc
How much does it cost to rent a home in Merle Hay?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merle Hay 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,452 | $1,130 | $1,700 |
| Merle Hay 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,793 | $1,300 | $2,400 |
| Merle Hay 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,750 | $1,750 | $1,750 |
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Browse Homes for Rent in this Neighborhood
There are currently 18 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Merle Hay Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
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Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available Merle Hay Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in the Merle Hay area of Des Moines, IA is a Studio unit found at 3309 University Ave priced from $600. Urban Heights has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $650. Here are the most affordable Merle Hay apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3309 University Ave | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $600 |
| Urban Heights | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $650 |
| The View on Douglas | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $675 |
| Forest Avenue Village | Studio | Studio,1BA | $690 |
| Legacy Meadows | A1 Classic | 1BR,1BA | $695 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merle Hay, IA
As of August 27, 2026 the best value apartment in the Merle Hay area is the $1.00 price per square foot 5000 Twana Dr Model at 5000 Twana Dr, Unit 1 in the in the Merle Hay neighborhood starting from $1,000. The second greatest value Merle Hay apartment is the 2 Bed Stellar Model at Urban Green Apartments - Urbandale starting at $995 with a $1.11 price per square foot in the Windsor Heights neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Merle Hay apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5000 Twana Dr, Unit 1 | 5000 Twana Dr | 2BR,1BA | $1.00 |
| Urban Green Apartments - Urbandale | 2 Bed Stellar | 2BR,1BA | $1.11 |
| Bexley Urbandale | bxl-B2c | 2BR,1BA | $1.21 |
| Crossroad Apartments | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $1.15 |
| Hickman One | Model A | 2BR,1BA | $1.20 |
| Kingstone Apartments 2 | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $1.21 |
| Legacy Meadows | B1 Renovated | 2BR,1BA | $1.18 |
| Hickman Hill Apartments HEAT & WATER INCLUDED | 1 Bedroom - FURNISHED | 1BR,1BA | $1.21 |
| Chad Estates | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.08 |
| Welcome to Manor Heights Apartments! | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1.15 |
Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.
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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.
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Pet Friendly LifestyleMerle Hay, Des Moines, IA
Ranked #40
Among cities in Iowa for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Merle Hay, Des Moines, IA
Hoover High School
Des Moines Independent Community School District
Public School - Grades 9-12 (874)
2 out of 10
School data provided by Great Schools
Frequently Asked Questions about Merle Hay
What type of rentals are currently available in Merle Hay?
There are currently 225 Apartments for Rent in Merle Hay, IA with pricing that ranges from $605 to $2,500. There are also 29 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Merle Hay ranging from $775 to $2,400.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Merle Hay?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Merle Hay ranges from $775 to $2,400 with an average monthly rent of $1,510.
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
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.
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.
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.
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.