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Iowa Real Estate For Sale
The state of Iowa is a vast land that long ago established itself as a major agricultural hub, with over 92,000 farms within the bounds of the state and an unofficial moniker as the Corn State. However, Iowa has so much more to offer than crops and farmland. Scenic views, crime rates so low that Iowa is considered one of the safest states in the United States, and affordable homes with a median in the upper $200k range all make Iowa real estate an excellent option for potential newcomers.
Iowa Real Estate Market
More than half of Iowa's population lives in its urban areas, especially in the cities of Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. Due to migration from rural areas to the cities, small towns are becoming less common, but there have been some campaigns to preserve the rural population.
Cities & Counties in Iowa
Des Moines is the capital of Iowa, with a population of over 200,000. Its biggest distinction is its status as an insurance powerhouse; many major insurance companies are headquartered or operate out of the city. Its neighborhoods and suburbs are among the most coveted residential areas in Iowa. There are plenty of job opportunities in an array of industries, including finance, insurance, healthcare, and even publishing–the headquarters of the company that publishes Better Homes & Gardens is located in Des Moines.
Cedar Rapids is the other large city in Iowa, and its position as an economic center for the state means there are plenty of jobs in the area. It's a wonderful city for raising a family due to low crime rates and high-performing schools. Several colleges are located in the city, creating some pockets that are largely inhabited by students and other people associated with the schools.
The Sioux City metropolitan area is located in the northwestern area of Iowa near the borders of Nebraska and South Dakota. Sometimes, locals use the name Siouxland to describe Sioux City and the towns and suburbs surrounding it in Iowa and its neighboring states. Victorian homes dating back to the 1890s can be found in some areas, including the Heights, Morningside, and the North Side. There are four major commercial districts, including Downtown, Historic Fourth Street, the Stockyards, and Southern Hills.
Iowa Schools
Iowa real estate has access to some of the first high schools in the United States in the era between 1910 and 1940 when people began to be more open to secondary schooling. Iowa has been a leader in K-12 education, with the country's highest graduation rate.
Iowa's public school systems differ from the norm in many other states. Often, the best schools can be found in the largest cities. While Des Moines and Cedar Rapids certainly have their share of exceptional schools, small communities tend to rank the highest. For example, Pleasant Valley Community School District in Bettendorf (Scott County) has some of the best elementary, middle, and high schools in the country. Its award-winning high school is a Blue Ribbon school, the highest honor a school can earn in the United States. Denver Community School District in Bremer County is another rural school district known for excellence in education.
Iowa City has been home to the highest-ranked high school for several years running. West Senior High School in the Iowa City Community School District has the highest rank for college readiness in the state, and students routinely test higher than the state average in the areas of math, reading, and science.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa Real Estate
Where is the best place to live in Iowa?
For families with children
The small city of Davenport lies halfway between Chicago and Des Moines. It is the largest of the Quad Cities, a region in southeastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois. The government, businesses, and residents of the Quad Cities have worked diligently since the early 90s to improve the region, and that work has paid off. It has been recognized as one of the most affordable metropolitan areas in the country as well as one of the best places to buy a home.
Davenport itself has become a highly desirable area for families looking for affordable Iowa real estate. It has developed a number of points of interest, including some unique attractions like the Figge Art Museum and the Davenport Skybridge. There are over 50 parks, 20+ miles of trails for hiking and other recreation, 32 playgrounds, 3 splash pads, 3 public pools, and a number of other amenities that attract families from all over.
For singles and young professionals
Young adults beginning their careers tend to gather in large cities, and this trend continues in Des Moines, Iowa. Sherman Hill, Downtown, and East Village are some of the more popular neighborhoods for young professionals. Sherman Hill is the oldest neighborhood in Des Moines, which is reflected in its beautiful Victorian homes dating back to the 19th century. Most people who live in the downtown area rent, but those looking to buy real estate in Iowa will find extremely affordable condos and townhomes available. The East Village is probably the most eclectic of Des Moines neighborhoods, blending historic beauties with modern shopping options. This area of the city is also extremely walkable.
For retirees
Life after retirement should be relaxing – and, if possible, have a waterfront view. You're sure to find both relaxation and affordable Iowa real estate in the northern part of the state right on the water in Clear Lake located in Cerro Gordo County. Plenty of recreation options are available on the water and out, such as arts centers, theaters, gardens, and even a ferry boat for scenic cruises around the lake after which the city is named. If you want to reminisce about the good old days of rock and roll, you can visit the Surf Ballroom, the site of the last concert Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper ever performed.
What is the weather like in Iowa?
Like much of the midwest, Iowa has a humid continental climate. Winter and summer often bring extreme temperatures. Some areas are particularly cold in the winter; Des Moines averages about 36.5 inches of snow each year, with about 26 days of snowfall. Summers, too, can be extreme, with temperatures even exceeding 100°F in some parts of the state. Most areas, however, have humid summers whose temperatures average around 90°F.
Spring is Iowa's severe weather season when thunderstorms are most frequent and the chance for tornadoes is highest. Iowa experiences an average of 47 tornadoes each year, though that number has been increasing in the past few years.
Where is the nearest commercial airport in Iowa?
The largest and only international airport in Iowa is Des Moines International Airport (DSM). Smaller airports providing domestic commercial service are also located in Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, Dubuque, and Waterloo.
What major landmarks/attractions are a must-see for Iowa?
Because so much of it is rural, Iowa real estate is surrounded by natural beauty. You can experience much of it by visiting any of Iowa's 63 state parks. One of the most popular is the Maquoketa Caves State Park. This gorgeous park has the most caves of any state park in the country, and the public is invited to explore. Some are accessible by walking, while others require more skill. The park also features a 50-foot tall natural bridge.
Outside of Iowa City, take a walk on the remains of an ocean floor dating back over 300 million years. This area of Iowa was not discovered until 1993. Within the gorge, you can see fossils that come from the eras before even dinosaurs roamed the earth.
The Mississippi River borders Iowa for around 300 miles, and one of the best ways to experience the river's wildlife is a visit to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque. Here, visitors learn about what is being done to conserve the wildlife of the Mississippi River. There's even a working steamboat!
When do schools in Iowa start this year?
Schools in Iowa may not begin earlier than August 23rd, according to a law passed in 2015. There must also be 180 school days during the school year, so most schools end around Memorial Day at the end of May.
Local Tips for Living in Iowa
- Iowa's cost of living is nearly 10% lower than the national average. Its poverty rate is below the national average.
- An invention so great that it's used as the benchmark for all other great inventions, sliced bread was first manufactured and sold in Iowa.
- Des Moines is ranked fourth in the number of golf courses per capita, while the state of Iowa, in general, is ranked third, after North Dakota and South Dakota.
- Crime is very low in Iowa and has in the past been considered the number one safest state in the United States which makes real estate in Iowa a good investment.
- Because most of Iowa is sparsely populated, you will rarely deal with traffic in the state, even in its most populous cities.
- Iowa raises more hogs than any other state and is also the location of the country's largest cereal and popcorn production plants.