$800,168
4900 E Watrous AveDes Moines, IA 50320
Land and lots · MLS 11964251 · Listed 56 days ago (Sep 3, 2026)
Des Moines River · River · Direct parcel frontage · Waterfront details
For sale: Listed and available according to the MyStateMLS feed.
About this land
Located on the southeast edge of the Des Moines metro, this 87.45± deeded acre Polk County farm offers a strong combination of highly productive farmland, recreational opportunity, and income potential. Situated in Allen Township along the Des Moines River, the property provides an opportunity to acquire a quality agricultural asset in a location where land of this caliber is increasingly difficult to find. The farm includes approximately 74± FSA tillable acres with an impressive average CSR2 rating of 86, providing highly productive soils and a strong foundation for annual agricultural income. Hard-surface road access and convenient proximity to the Des Moines metro and area grain markets add to the property's long-term agricultural and investment appeal. Beyond the tillable acres, the property benefits from Des Moines River frontage and the recreational opportunities associated with the river corridor. The combination of river habitat, timber, and water resources creates opportunities for waterfowl and deer hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. The recreational component may also provide potential for additional annual income through a hunting lease. With multiple potential income streams, highly productive soils, river frontage, and a strategic location near the Des Moines metro, this property offers a unique combination of agricultural and recreational value. It presents an attractive opportunity for land investors, agricultural operators, and buyers seeking a quality income-producing Iowa land asset with long-term potential. Property taxes are approximately $3,136 annually. The farm is located at the end of East Watrous Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa. Showings are available by appointment to pre-qualified buyers.
Description provided by the listing brokerage.
MLS-reported waterfront
Waterfront details
The listing represents the offered parcel itself as adjoining the water. This is what the listing reports, not a survey or a title finding.
- Relationship to the water
- Direct parcel frontage
- Water type
- River
- Water body
- Des Moines River (as reported)Name as reported by the listing (not matched to a mapped water body)
- Frontage length
- Not provided. Ask the listing agent.
- Water access arrangement
- Not provided. Ask the listing agent.
- Docks, slips, lifts, moorings
- Not provided. Ask the listing agent.
- Dock depth
- Not provided. Ask the listing agent.
- Shoreline
- Not provided. Ask the listing agent.
- Seasonal or tidal conditions
- Not provided. Ask the listing agent.
- Boating limits (bridges, depth, open-water access)
- Not provided. Ask the listing agent.
Why this is listed as waterfront
WaterfrontYN“Yes”: The listing is marked waterfront.WaterfrontFeatures“River Front”: Includes a "… Front" value describing frontage.PropertyTypeDetail“land”: Property form used to read the frontage relationship.
Classified from fields in the MyStateMLS listing data. It has not been independently verified, and it is not a survey, title examination or legal determination of shoreline or access rights. Rules version 2026-10-29.1. How we classify waterfront
Something wrong with this classification? Report a waterfront classification issue. Questions about frontage, docks or access are best answered by Glen Salow of Farm & Rec Real Estate LLC.
Facts
- List price
- $800,168
- Status
- For sale
- Property type
- Land and lots
- County
- Polk County
- MLS number
- 11964251
- Annual property tax
- $3,136
Facts are reported by the listing brokerage. Items not listed were not provided; that does not mean the property lacks them.
Location
The pin is the listing's reported coordinates and may be approximate. It is not a parcel boundary or shoreline, and no flood, wetland or hazard conclusion should be drawn from it. See more listings in Des Moines.
Price and status history
Changes observed by Waterfront Homes in MyStateMLS data since Oct 29, 2026. This is not a public-record sales history; MyStateMLS does not publish sold prices.
Estimate a monthly payment
Estimated monthly payment
$4,541 per month
An estimate for comparison only, not a loan offer or approval. Actual rates, taxes, insurance, PMI and fees depend on your lender, credit, location and loan program.
Questions to ask before you buy
Questions worth investigating for any waterfront property. They are not claims that this property has a problem or meets any condition.
- Who owns the shoreline and the land under the water, and are there easements or public-access rights along it?Ownership can stop at a high-water line, a survey line or a seawall. A title search and survey answer this, not the listing.
- Is a dock, slip, lift or mooring included, and do the rights transfer to you?Docks can be shared, leased, assigned by an association or held under a permit that does not automatically transfer.
- What permits exist for the dock, seawall or other shoreline structures, and what would new work require?Shoreline work is often regulated by local, state and federal agencies.
- How much does the water level change by season, by tide or by reservoir management?Depth at a dock in one season can differ a lot in another.
- What does flood insurance cost for this property, and what does the current flood map show?Get a quote from an insurer or agent. A flood zone is not a premium, and no zone does not mean no risk.
- What maintenance does the shoreline need (seawall, bulkhead, riprap, erosion), and what has been done recently?Shoreline structures are expensive to repair; ask for records and inspection reports.
- How are water, sewer or septic, and power provided?Waterfront septic systems and wells can have extra rules and inspections.
- How do you reach the property by road year-round, and who maintains that road?Some waterfront roads are private, seasonal or shared.
- What local rules apply: rentals, docks, boat lifts, fences, tree removal, setbacks?Rules come from the town, county, state, lake authority or association and vary widely.
Printable due-diligence checklist · Ownership budget planner · FEMA Flood Map Service Center (official flood maps; look up the address yourself)
Guides and next steps
Listing courtesy of Farm & Rec Real Estate LLC. Listing agent: Glen Salow. Co-listing agent: Colin Ortmeier. Listings provided by MyStateMLS.
Listing last updated by the brokerage Oct 12, 2026, 1:09 PM UTC. Waterfront Homes last received MyStateMLS data Oct 29, 2026, 9:01 PM UTC. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed; verify all details with the listing agent.