Des Moines(pronounced as de moin’) is a magnificent city nestled in the King County of the state of Washington, USA. It encompasses a total land area of 6.3 square miles and is found along the eastern shore of thePuget Sound. If you’ll check the map, you’ll notice that it lies in between two flourishing cities, Seattle and Tacoma respectively. It has been a Northwest community for more than a hundred years and its history dates back to 1867.
The Discovery
It is established in history that the very first settlers in America were actually the Indian tribes or the Native Americans. In the case of Des Moines, any permanent settlement of the Indians was never proven. This is primarily due to the absence of archeological and historical evidence. Nevertheless, there’s adequate proof that Native Americans actually went to the city to fish for salmon and dig for clams.
In fact, it was during one of their foraging and hunting activities that Des Moines was initially discovered by European explorers. Captain George Vancouver discovered the land on May 26, 1792. While exploring the Puget Sound, he saw a very thick cloud of smoke that pointed out the exact location of the city. At that time, the Native Americans were out hunting for deer and they burned some bushes down to drive the animals out of their hiding places. The fire then produced the thick cloud of smoke that hung on the high bluffs, catching the attention of the curious voyagers.
Another batch of explorers from the Hudson’s Bay Company also saw the land in 1824 but Des Moines still wasn’t charted. In 1841, an American expedition sailed along thePuget Soundled by Charles Wilkes who was then responsible for the recording or charting of the coastline. They were able to visit a part of the land but it wasn’t only until 1867 that settlers finally inhabited Des Moines. That’s seventy five years from the time Des Moines was first seen by Capt. George Vancouver.
The Start of Settlement
In 1867, John Moore claimed about 154 acres of land and built the very first cabin in Des Moines. His claim of the estate was granted and the certificate was released the 2nd day of July, 1872. After 12 years of settlement, it was said that he went insane and was then committed to a mental institution in 1879. His land was sold to Fountain O. Chezum who then sold it to F.A. Blasher.
A number of homesteaders took their respective shares of the land and in 1887, Blasher convinced some of his friends to invest in the improvement of the town. He sold his land to John W. Kleeb and Orin Watts of The Des Moines Improvement Company. The said party consequently worked on the platting and selling of the lots. The town’s plat was recorded and was then named Des Moines, after the improvement company itself. If truth be told, the Des Moines News claimed that it’s the best and the most prosperous city on Puget Sound.
The Road To Development
The town developed gradually and started with lumber mills as the very first industry to provide jobs for its people. During the 1900s, World War I was still on that lead to a surprising amount of visitors who then chose to settle in town. Large homes were built, docks were enlarged to make way for the shipment of the farmer’s fruits to the canneries and Puget Sound became a very hectic channel. The Mosquito Fleet, a huge number of private transportation companies, provided the means of getting into the gates of Tacoma, Seattle and Vashon Islands. Des Moines didn’t only provide a means of transportation via water but also served as a haven for food and recreation.
Automobiles soon entered town but roads were unpaved and high bluffs caused a lot of problems in land transportation. So in 1910, gravel and brick roads were constructed. It was in 1916 when the very first thorough fare, the Brick Highway, was finished. During the same year, an automobile ferry service connecting the city to Portage, an isthmus located between Maury and Vashon Island, was also established. Because of these new roads and means of transportation, residents were able to travel to and from neighboring cities. People from Seattle and Tacoma came to visit the so-said countryside. It should also be noted that tourist attractions were built to serve as recreation centers for all residents and visitors. The Des Moines BeachPark and Salt Water Park lured people into the city that visitors eventually moved in to Des Moines. In fact, the population quickly reached its 2000th mark in 1930.
During these times, farming was the primary source of living for residents. Small farms grew berries and raised chickens which weren’t only for household consumption. The produce were also shipped to other cities and sold in different markets. When the Pacific Highway Southor SR-99 was completed in 1930, the shipment of these goods became a lot easier. Not only that, entrepreneurs also started to put up different businesses in Des Moines. In no time, the city flourished in motels, restaurants and service stations. Shops, boutiques and parks also sprouted one by one, thereby enticing more and more travelers.
The Incorporation
Right after World War II,Des Moines’ population boomed that the city government was no longer capable of providing local control concerning issues of infrastructure and development to its residents. Kent, a nearby town, started to annex lands and instead of becoming a part of the said town, the people of Des Moines chose to finally become their own city. It was on June 17, 1959 when it was incorporated. What followed was the construction of its marina and pier.
A City of Pioneers
In America, almost every state or city has its own nickname. Des Moineswon’t be called “A City of Pioneers” for nothing. John Moore was its first non native resident. In the field of medicine, Dr. Barney Clark was the first person to undergo an artificial heart transplant. Currently, Des Moines is home to 28,000 people. Ferries are no longer present in their harbors but it still remains as the first town that was established along thePuget Sound.
Great completed new construction in Des Moines. Enjoy the quality and comfort of a well built PBC Inc. home. Plenty of room with 4 large bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Entertain in the best way with in a gorgeous cherry wood, granite counter topped kitchen which flows directly into the family/rec room. The built in desk centrally located will keep everyone together during work or play time. Great amenities are close by. This home is walking distance to the Des Moines Marina.
Here is a great piece of Commercial property! 2.51 acres. Zoned RM 3600. Numerous options to what is available for building. Come build your own income producing multi family complex. Seller has plans for 6 and 9 unit apartments.
Des Moines, WA....A Waterfront City on Puget Sound
I love Des Moines! I live in Des Moines, so I am partial to the area. But, I want to give you an idea of what is the town is like for people who have never been there. Here is the 1st of a series of blogs on Des Moines, WA. Now, I will be adding some additional post on the Housing Market, History, Demographics, etc. But, when choosing if a town is right for you, what do you really want to know?
Here is a list I have come up with.
Schools
Neighborhoods
Amenities
Commute
When it comes down to it, it is about location. You have all heard the term "Location, Location, Location". But what does it really mean? Real Estate wise, the more desirable your location, the more valuable your property will be. But what do you we mean by desirable? What I desire in a location may differ from what you desire. Selling Real Estate for a living, I find these are the general factors why people pick a place to live.
Des Moines WA Schools: We have a rating of 5 out of 10 from greatschools.org. We have some really top notch schools and some average schools. The rating is based on public school test scores. I would venture to guess that most Public School Districts land in the middle. The main component is to look at the individual schools to find what options are there and fit your child's needs and goals. Other options are:
Private schools
Co-op Schools
Christian Schools
Montessori
Community College
Neighborhoods: Des Moines has plenty of Great Neighborhoods. My favorites include Zenith, Redondo, and Woodmont. All of these neighborhoods has gorgeous views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Most of the waterfront homes sit on a tall bluff. You can find anything from new to old, small to large. Here are a few of the waterfront homes.
Amenities: Des Moines has everything you could want. There are major park and hiking trails all around. You can hang out at the beach or walk on the marina. Fish for salmon, shrimp, and crab off the pier. The Marina is huge with its own gas and moorage. Lovely boutique, international, fine dining, and seafood restaurants are all around. Major grocery stores in town, and big malls and home improvement stores are very conveniently located.
Commute: Des Moines is located right in the middle of Seattle and Tacoma. If you travel national or internationally the Sea-Tac international airport is only 10 minutes ways. The link light rail into Seattle is at the airport. Bellevue is only 20 minutes as well. This is one of the most centrally located city in all of WA.
Des Moines in my opinion is a beautiful little gems in WA state. It has everything you are looking for in a metropolitan area with a small town feel. Come and visit it and check it out!
Thanks for reading my blog, and if you have some favorite places in Des Moines, or questions please comment.
I am excited to start the Puget Sound Waterfront Homes Blog!
What's going on around the waterfront cities and neighborhoods in the Puget Sound area?
Well, that is what I wanted to know, and while looking for the information I realized there was not alot on the subject. That being said, I thought I would start a blog that could be a resource for local or non local people to learn about one of the most beautiful places I know, Puget Sound.
Now let me tell you, I am bias. I love Puget Sound waterfront homes and the neighborhoods they are in. I grew up in this area and have always been really fond of it. The western sunset views are some of the best I have seen anywhere. I may not be an expert, but I have been to almost every state in the US.
Some of my favorites:
The Colorado Rockies are septacular!
The Alaskan Wildness make you realize how "AW" stiking nature can be!
Arizona Desert rockscapes have a very unique perspective!
North Carolina Coast is Beautiful!
Hawaiian Island beaches are 2nd to none!
With that being said, my heart has always stayed in WA, in the area I grew up in. Nowhere in the world do you have every climate you want within a 2 hour drive.
Now I could blab on and on about this the waterfront area of Puget Sound, but I think I will save that for later blogs. What I really want to do is be resource on these subjects.
I will be covering Puget Sound waterfront homes from from NorthEast Tacoma to Burien. That includes:
Browns Point
Dash Point
Des Moines
Normandy Park
Redondo
Three Tree Point
Woodmont
Zenith
Plus all of the other small communities with Puget Sound. Please enjoy the reading and make comments. I will be working on my expertise as I go. If I leave something out or need some corrections along the way please let me know.
I hope you enjoy this blog about Puget Sound waterfront homes!
This is a national perspective of what is going on in Real Estate this month. Those of you familiar with Keller Williams know the videos well. They are put on Jay Papsan and Bryon Ellington at KW international.
I was reading an MSN article this morning "4 lessons from a 97-year-old real-estate agent". In this seemingly time of crisis, speaking of the real estate market, it is nice to get short history lesson. If history has taught us anything, it is that: Through it all, After every housing recession, the market has "gone higher than the one before."
Just Ask George W. Johnson, a 97-year-old real-estate agent who has been working in the Seattle market since 1936. Johnson says he has learned many enduring lessons. The one mentioned above is chief among them. The linked MSN article tells us 4 lessons from a man who has seen every market. The value from the lessons are found in the simplicity. Why do we over analyze and make everything so complicated? I think I would rather listen to somebody who has been there, rather than rely on financial analyst that have too broad of a picture. If history repeats itself, which it usually does, has for the 97 years George has been alive. Then real estate will rise again. Let's remember that. Hopefully 4 lessons from a 97-year-old Seattle boker's will help us along the way. Thanks George.
Rarely does a home of this quality become available. Enjoy one of the finest views Puget Sound has to offer. No details have been excluded in this gorgeous like new home! Large family room sits side by side with a wide open kitchen. The Olympic Mnts. & Puget Sound lines these windows. State of the art entertainment system. A kitchen suitable for any gourmet. A divine master suite with a private deck looking over the water. A large patio with outdoor fireplace and BBQ.
The President signed the stimulus package on February 17, 2009 and in it are changes to the current Home Buyer Tax Credit. Below are some of the details of this tax credit and how it can help 1st time home buyers get into a home.
First time home buyers purchasing any kind of home - new or resale - are eligible for the tax credit.
The law defines "first-time home buyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.
The tax credit is equal to 10% of the home's purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
The home purchase must occur on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner.
The credit does not need to be repaid as long as the home buyer uses the residence as a principal residence for at least three years.
The buyer will claim the credit on their federal income tax return. The fact that the credit is refundable means that the home buyers credit can be claimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability to offset. Typically this involves the government sending the taxpayer a check for a portion or even all of the amount of the refundable tax credit.
How big of a smile will you have on your face when you receive your check from the government?
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Well, that is what I wanted to know, and while looking for the information I realized there was not alot on the subject. That being said, I thought I would start a blog that could be a resource for local or non local people to learn about one of the most beautiful places I know, Puget Sound.
The President signed the stimulus package on February 17, 2009 and in it are changes to the current Home Buyer Tax Credit. Below are some of the details of this tax credit and how it can help 1st time home buyers get into a home.
How big of a smile will you have on your face when you receive your check from the government?
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