What Is Missing Middle Housing and Why Is Des Moines Talking About It?
As Des Moines grows, housing options are becoming a hot topic. You may have heard terms like duplexes, triplexes, or small multi-unit housing in Des Moines, but there’s another concept shaping conversations in neighborhoods across the city: missing middle housing.
So, what is missing middle housing, and why is it suddenly on everyone’s radar? Let’s break it down.
Understanding Missing Middle Housing
Missing middle housing refers to a range of housing types that fall between single-family homes and large apartment complexes. These include duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, and small multi-unit buildings.
Historically, many cities, including Des Moines, have predominantly zoned neighborhoods for single-family homes or large apartment buildings. This left a gap—or a “missing middle”—for housing that’s more affordable, walkable, and diverse, without the scale of high-rise apartments.
Think of it as the Goldilocks of housing: not too big, not too small, but just right for many families, young professionals, and retirees who want something in between. If you’re planning a move, understanding what home buyers should know before relocating to Des Moines can provide useful insight on housing options.
Why Des Moines Is Focusing on Missing Middle Housing
Des Moines is seeing rapid growth, and with it comes a need for diverse housing options that can accommodate different incomes and lifestyles. Missing middle housing can help:
Increase affordability: Smaller units cost less to build and maintain than large single-family homes, helping make housing more accessible.
Support walkable neighborhoods: Adding duplexes or triplexes allows more people to live closer to downtown, parks, and transit.
Preserve neighborhood character: These smaller-scale units blend more naturally with existing homes compared to towering apartment buildings.
City planners and developers in Des Moines are exploring policy changes, zoning updates, and incentives to encourage the construction of these mid-sized housing options. Learning about how the Des Moines housing market is shifting can also help you understand where missing middle housing is being introduced.
Examples of Missing Middle Housing in Des Moines
You’ve probably seen them around your neighborhood, even if you didn’t know the term:
Duplexes and triplexes: Two to three units within a single building that feel residential rather than commercial.
Small multi-unit housing in Des Moines: Buildings with four to six units, often tucked behind or beside single-family homes.
Townhomes and courtyard apartments: Compact, community-oriented layouts that provide privacy while maximizing space.
It also helps to explore the neighborhoods that are most popular with first-time buyers in Des Moines, where missing middle housing is increasingly common.
FAQs About Missing Middle Housing
Q: Is missing middle housing only for renters?
Not at all. Many of these units are designed for ownership as well, offering options for first-time homebuyers or downsizing homeowners.
Q: Will missing middle housing change the character of neighborhoods?
When thoughtfully designed, these homes complement existing streetscapes and can even enhance community interaction.
Q: How can Des Moines residents get involved?
Attend city planning meetings, review zoning proposals, and share your perspective on new developments. Public input can shape how missing middle housing integrates into neighborhoods.
Looking Ahead
As Des Moines continues to grow, missing middle housing will play a key role in creating inclusive, flexible, and livable neighborhoods. By offering a spectrum of housing types—duplexes, triplexes, and small multi-unit housing in Des Moines—the city can accommodate diverse populations while maintaining the charm and accessibility residents love.
If you’re curious about how missing middle housing could affect your community or are exploring your own housing options, staying informed is the first step.
Natasha Ratliff, Realtor, CRS, SRS
Ratliff Real Estate Group at RE/MAX Precision
Client-First Realtor – Des Moines Metro & Surrounding Suburbs
📞 515-943-0219
🌐 https://nratliff.remaxprecisiondsm.com/
Helping first-time buyers, move-up families, and luxury clients navigate real estate with confidence and care.
