Cheap Apartments for Rent in the South Park Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (40 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the South Park area of Des Moines.

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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Meredith Homes
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Meredith Homes

3716 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
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Libertad Des Moines
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Libertad Des Moines

4421 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
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Cedar Crest Apartments
2 Bedroom Apartments

Cedar Crest Apartments

3722-3726 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
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The Quarters on 9th
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Quarters on 9th

5209 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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920 Meadow Ln
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

920 Meadow Ln

920 Meadow LnDes Moines, IA 50315
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Community Homes
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Community Homes

5301 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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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.

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1201 E Bell Avenue
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1201 E Bell Avenue

1201 E Bell AveDes Moines, IA 50315
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Southview Manor
1 Bedroom Apartments

Southview Manor

2417 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
Senior Living
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Melbourne IV 55+ Living
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Melbourne IV 55+ Living

5514 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
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Southridge Senior Lofts
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Southridge Senior Lofts

695 E Army Post RdDes Moines, IA 50315
Senior Living
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The Meadows
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

The Meadows

7500 Meadowlands DrDes Moines, IA 50320
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Shelly Rose Estates
1 Bedroom Apartments

Shelly Rose Estates

3721 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

South Park, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Available South Park Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the South Park area of Des Moines, IA is a 1 Bed unit found at Ivy II priced from $667. Watrous Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $695. Here are the most affordable South Park apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Ivy IIClassic 1 bed/1 bath1BR,1BA$667
Watrous ApartmentsA11BR,1BA$695
Park Forest1x1 6301BR,1BA$705
The Oaks1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$719
1201 E Bell AvenueOne Bedroom Southside of Des Moines *No App Fee*1BR,1BA$725
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$725
Sutton HillA11BR,1BA$726
Park Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$750
The JeffersonJefferson 2bedroom2BR,1BA$765
The RidgesA1 - Renovated1BR,1BA$775

Best Value Apartments for Rent in South Park, IA

As of November 15, 2025 the best value apartment in the South Park area is the $0.88 price per square foot Plan B - two story Model at Southern Meadows Homes in the in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood starting from $1,215. The second greatest value South Park apartment is the 2323 E Porter Avenue #86 Model at 2323 E Porter Avenue #86 starting at $1,275 with a $1.05 price per square foot in the Southeast Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for South Park apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Southern Meadows HomesPlan B - two story3BR,2BA$0.88
2323 E Porter Avenue #862323 E Porter Avenue #863BR,2BA$1.05
The Meadows3 Bedroom - TH3BR,2BA$1.04
Magnolia Park3rd Floor 2/2.02BR,2BA$0.85
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.89
McKinley Apartments3BD/2BA3BR,2BA$1.04
Willow Bend2 Bedroom 2 Bath2BR,2BA$0.98
The JeffersonJefferson 2bedroom2BR,1BA$0.90
Woodside Park Apartments2 Bed A2BR,1BA$0.98
BNL Investments2 bedrooms2BR,1BA$1.06

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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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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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.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
South Park, Des Moines, IA

Ranked #46

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving.com compares millions of points of data to bring you Lifestyle Ratings of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, including South Park, Des Moines, and the greater Des Moines area. Lifestyle Ratings show you the best fit for your needs and interests. This takes in many factors including rankings of the best places for convenient access to the outdoors, luxury amenities, kid and pet-friendly communities, availability of transit options, and much more. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!

Getting Around the South Park Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

Walk Score®

62 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

41 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

31 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap South Park Apartments

What is the price of a cheap apartment in South Park?

The cheapest apartment in South Park is Ivy II which is listed at $667, while the average apartment in South Park costs $1,175.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in South Park?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 94 regular apartments in South Park that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in South Park?

Cheap apartments in South Park have an average cost of $418 which is $757 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in South Park.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.