Updated 5+ Days Ago
Location
4010 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA|Drake
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Property Overview
University West Apartments has a strong overall rating, with especially high marks for amenities, location, and quality, plus solid value and a competitive price point. It is also considered a good option for renters who prioritize pet-friendly access, nearby high school proximity, and better-than-average value for money, though public transportation is farther away.
This summary uses Zumper’s proprietary data. “Zumper Expert Ratings,” “Things you’ll love,” and “Great for” are based on our internal analyses of market trends and renter insights.
Things you’ll love
High school nearby- Less expensive
- Dishwasher
Great for
Pet owners
Floor plans
| UW 2BR 1B | 2 bed | 1 bath | 790 sqft | $895 /mo | 1 unit available | Location is key. Making your home at University West provides access within minutes to I-235, downtown Des Moines and the suburbs. Shopping, dining & bus stop are right at your doorstep. Check out your new home today! |
Let's explore this property.
Amenities for University West Apartments
Apartment Amenities
| Water |
Appliances
| Dishwasher | Garbage Disposal |
| Range | Refrigerator |
| Stove |
Building
| Cats OK | Onsite Laundry |
| Sewer |
Services
| Trash Removal |
Neighborhood
| On Bus Line |
Other
| Locked Entry |
Units, floor plans, amenities, dimensions, details, availability, and prices may be approximate and subject to change. Please contact a community representative for more information.
Policies and fees
Applicants
Applicants
One-time.
Contact Property
REQUIRED FEES
Security Deposit
One-time. Refundable.
Contact Property
Dog Policy
Not allowed
Cat Policy
Allowed
Limit1
Questions about this property’s policies and fees?
Building details
Property details
| Units | 23 |
|---|
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About University West Apartments
Location is key. Making your home at University West provides access within minutes to I-235, downtown Des Moines and the suburbs. Shopping, dining & bus stop are right at your doorstep. Check out your new home today!
Zumper Expert Rating
Our expert rating is based on a weighted average score of property attributes that renters care about most: price, amenities, location, quality, and trust.
8.5
/10
Very GoodWith a solid 8.5 out of 10 overall, University West Apartments is a great option for renters. While some aspects, like Trustworthiness, might not be as distinguished as other properties nearby, University West Apartments has a number of attractive features—namely its Amenities— so you can be assured your rent will come with a high standard of living.
Price·8A score that weighs the cost and location of the property, which we calculate by comparing rent prices of recent units to the median price of nearby rentals, adjusting for overall quality and features.
Scoring a 8/10, University West Apartments is a great option for renters looking for apartments in Drake. The rent is significantly lower than the median rent for the area, therefore this property is competitively priced for its location and its features. Residents here will find a home that meets their needs with few trade-offs.
Amenities·9A score based on the amenities offered at this property compared to other rentals in the area. We consider the quantity, quality, and popularity of features both on site and within the units.
University West Apartments goes above and beyond to provide sought-after conveniences and desirable perks, including cats allowed. Renters looking for popular or luxurious features will find them here—and for that reason, University West Apartments receives one of the highest amenities scores.
Location·9A score based on proximity and ease of access to shops, restaurants, schools, and public transportation while considering the desirability of the area.
University West Apartments is exceptional when it comes to location and conveniences. Communication with management or leasing staff is usually quick and easy and they often use advanced scheduling and communication tools to streamline the process. The location of this property offers easy access to popular points of interest in the area and options for getting around.
Quality·9A score based on what makes the property stand out, such as luxury features, unique offerings, age of the building, and our ability to verify the accuracy of these details.
University West Apartments has a few standout characteristics that set it apart from similar properties nearby. Having both verified status and features that cater to discerning renters, this is a great option for renters looking for a specific and exceptional lifestyle.
Trustworthiness·7A score based on the accuracy, completeness, recency, and usefulness of the information provided by this property, so you can trust that what you see is what you get.
University West Apartments provides some information about the features available in the community and its apartments, making it a reliable option for prospective renters. Renters should ask additional questions about amenities and non-negotiable items they are looking for.
University West Apartments is great for:
Property highlights
We compared every listing in the surrounding area to determine which amenities are most common. If a building lacks an amenity that most others in the area have, it is a con. If a building has an amenity most others in the area do not, it is a pro. Similarly, price, schools, and size are calculated relative to the size, price, and distance to schools of the other properties nearby.How University West Apartments compares to other nearby properties.
Positives
- High school nearby
- There is a high school 1 mile away
- Less expensive
- The 2-bedrooms are cheaper than other similar listings nearby
- Dishwasher
- Dishwasher available in kitchen
- Laundry available on site
- Washers and dryers are available in-building or in-unit
Considerations
- Greater distance from middle schools
- The nearest middle school is farther than 1 mile away
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Rent trends in Drake
2-bedroom apartments at University West Apartments cost about 15% less than the average rent price for 2-bedroom apartments in Drake.
Median rents as of Jul 18 2026.
Drake
Des Moines
| Month | Median Rent |
|---|---|
| August 2024 | $849 |
| September 2024 | $935 |
| October 2024 | $937 |
| November 2024 | $884 |
| December 2024 | $898 |
| January 2025 | $897 |
| February 2025 | $895 |
| March 2025 | $825 |
| April 2025 | $783 |
| May 2025 | $774 |
| June 2025 | $773 |
| July 2025 | $773 |
| August 2025 | $767 |
| September 2025 | $753 |
| October 2025 | $750 |
| November 2025 | $750 |
| December 2025 | $750 |
| January 2026 | $762 |
| February 2026 | $791 |
| March 2026 | $795 |
| April 2026 | $798 |
| May 2026 | $802 |
| June 2026 | $801 |
| July 2026 | $804 |
| Month | Median Rent |
|---|---|
| August 2024 | $813 |
| September 2024 | $979 |
| October 2024 | $978 |
| November 2024 | $865 |
| December 2024 | $899 |
| January 2025 | $912 |
| February 2025 | $910 |
| March 2025 | $850 |
| May 2025 | $700 |
| July 2025 | $738 |
| August 2025 | $727 |
| September 2025 | $705 |
| October 2025 | $566 |
| November 2025 | $641 |
| December 2025 | $856 |
| January 2026 | $806 |
| February 2026 | $840 |
| March 2026 | $897 |
| April 2026 | $876 |
| May 2026 | $871 |
| June 2026 | $908 |
| July 2026 | $827 |
Affordability calculator
Can I afford to live at 4010 University Ave?
Bedrooms
2 bedroomsRent-to-income ratio
30%
Slide to adjust the percentage of your monthly income you are willing to spend on rent.
The general rule of thumb is to spend around 30% or less of your income on rent.
Recommended income
$35,800/yr
With your selected rent-to-income ratio, you'd ideally want to make $35,800 annually to afford this 2-bedrooms monthly rent price of $895.
For more information on rent affordability, visit our rent calculator.
Schools near University West Apartments
Hubbell Elementary School
800 42nd st
des moines, IA, 50312
K-5Public
C+
Ruby Van Meter
710 28th st
des moines, IA, 50312
K-12Public
Jessie Franklin Taylor Preschool
1801 16th st
des moines, IA, 50314
PKPublic
Mitchell Early Childhood Center
111 porter
des moines, IA, 50310
PKPublic
Woodlawn Early Childhood Center
4000 lower beaver rd
des moines, IA, 50310
PKPublic
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Internet available near University West Apartments
Getting around Des Moines near 4010 University Ave
Walking
7/10
Grab your reusable bags–many shops and stores are within walking distance.
Driving
10/10
Commuting is easy with multiple accessible routes and plenty of parking.
Transit
4/10
There are a few mass transit options within the area.
Points of interest for 4010 University Ave, Des Moines
Groceries
9/10
At least one grocery store within a few minutes' walk
Shopping
5/10
Variety of shops within walking distance
Cafes
6/10
Some cafés within walking distance
Restaurants
5/10
Some restaurants within walking distance
Primary schools
7/10
At least one elementary school within a 20-minute walk
High schools
4/10
No high schools within a 30-minute walk
Parks
6/10
Moderate amount of park space nearby
Nightlife
3/10
Few or no bars within walking distance
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