Four Mile is a tranquil neighborhood offering easy access to multiple green spaces nearby, perfect for outdoor appreciation. The area features a variety of single detached homes and townhouses, mostly built before 1960, with spacious two and three-bedroom options. It benefits from convenient parking availability and a few bus lines providing transit options close to most residences. The neighborhood supports bicycling as a reliable transportation method with good infrastructure. Residents also have access to several public and private schools within easy reach. Local dining options and grocery stores are available, adding to the convenience of daily living in this peaceful community.
People who prefer a slower-paced atmosphere will enjoy Four Mile. It is easy to get to public green spaces from the majority of locations in the neighborhood since there are a few of them nearby for residents to unwind in. This part of Des Moines is very quiet overall, as there tend to be low levels of noise from traffic.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
Stretching through east Des Moines along Fourmile Creek, this expansive natural corridor is one of the neighborhood’s defining features. The greenway’s restored wetlands, prairie plantings, wooded streambanks, and floodplain landscapes create habitat for birds and other wildlife while offering space for walking, nature watching, and future water-trail connections. It gives Four Mile an unusually strong conservation identity within the city. ([polkcountyiowa.gov](https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/fourmile-creek-greenway/?utm_source=openai))
At 3711 Easton Boulevard, the Fourmile Community Recreation Center serves as a practical gathering point for residents of the surrounding neighborhood. The city facility provides recreation and community programming, with renovated kitchen, rental, fitness, and activity spaces. Its location beside Fourmile Creek helps tie everyday neighborhood life to the area’s larger park and greenway system. ([bikemag.com](https://www.bikemag.com/news/fourmile-mountain-bike-park-des-moines-iowa?utm_source=openai))
Located at 1601 Williams Street, Fourmile Mountain Bike Park adds a distinctive outdoor destination to the neighborhood’s east side. Its 50-plus acres include nearly four miles of soft-surface flow trails, berms, boardwalks, stream crossings, and terrain for mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and winter fat biking. The park connects directly with the Gay Lea Wilson Trail and Fourmile Creek Greenway. ([polkcountyiowa.gov](https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/fourmile-mountain-bike-park/?utm_source=openai))
Sargent Park, near East Douglas Avenue and Fourmile Creek, is a recognizable neighborhood recreation landmark with direct access to the creek corridor. Its setting makes it especially useful for residents who want a traditional city park experience close to trails, open space, and water. The park is also identified as a Fourmile Creek water-trail access area, reinforcing Four Mile’s connection to local waterways. ([iconwatertrails.com](https://www.iconwatertrails.com/water-trails/fourmile-creek/?utm_source=openai))
Bright Grandview Golf Course, on the neighborhood’s western side near East 30th Street and East Grandview Avenue, provides a long-established recreational anchor amid Four Mile’s wooded creek landscape. The public course adds open green space and a more pastoral feel to the area, complementing nearby Grandview Park, Fourmile Greenway, and the residential streets around Easton Boulevard and East University Avenue. ([maps.dsm.city](https://maps.dsm.city/docs/maps/CityStreetMapBook.pdf?pdf=Mapbook&t=1647302400072&utm_source=openai))
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
Children ages 6–12 can create a sparkly diamond-painting project with supplies provided. Franklin Avenue Library is a convenient east-side option for Four Mile families looking for an affordable, hands-on after-school activity, and younger siblings may attend with their caregivers.
View event details →This relaxed adult craft session teaches creative ways to repair and personalize worn clothing. Residents near Four Mile can bring a favorite garment, learn practical mending techniques, and spend an evening meeting other local crafters without traveling across the metro.
View event details →Families with young children can meet other caregivers while exploring toys and activities built around reading, writing, singing, playing, and talking. It is a useful weekday outing for Four Mile parents or grandparents seeking social, developmental programming close to southeast Des Moines.
View event details →Teens and adults can drop in for a low-pressure evening of paper marbling with all materials supplied. Although slightly farther from Four Mile than the east-side branches, it offers a free creative activity and an easy way for local residents to connect with Des Moines’ broader library community.
View event details →This free community performance is part of Water Works Park’s 2026 Killinger Community Series and is designed for audiences of all ages. Four Mile residents can enjoy seasonal entertainment in a scenic Des Moines park, making it a worthwhile regional outing for families and neighbors.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Four Mile
Local characteristics and demographics for Four Mile
