$260,284Average Value$235Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Why De Soto appeals to commuters and families seeking quiet living
De Soto is a close-knit, primarily residential area with lush lawns and shady trees lining the quiet streets. Commuters and families are drawn to the city’s small-town atmosphere and convenient location at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Highway 169. While De Soto has long been known as a bedroom community, it maintains its own personality with its park, highly rated schools and annual events.
De Soto’s town center features well-kept older homes with unique character.
Fareway in Adel provides convenient grocery access for families.
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What typical home styles and prices look like in De Soto
Ranch-style homes and two-story New Traditional houses are typical throughout De Soto. “It gives you that rural feeling where you’ve got extra space and houses aren’t tucked in so tight,” says Jolene Lindell, a Realtor with Realty ONE Group Impact who sells in the area. Most houses are in the high $100,000s to the low $300,000s price range, but occasionally homes can go for as high as the mid $700,000s. “You can save a little bit of money, if you get out of the metro and don’t mind driving,” Lindell says.
New construction tends to be at the higher end of the price spectrum. “We’ve added about 40 units in the past few years – townhouses and such,” says Butch Ostrander, former De Soto mayor and lifelong resident. Townhouses tend to be in the mid-$200,000s. Properties stay on the market for around 20 days, compared to the national average of about 50 days. “There’s not a house that gets built that doesn’t sell,” Ostrander says.
Newer homes feature open floor plans and contemporary finishes.
Well-kept historic homes reflect timeless charm and distinctive style.
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ADM schools provide structured grade levels and college credit
De Soto is part of the highly rated Adel–De Soto–Minburn Community School District:
Elementary students can go to Adel Elementary School for preschool through first grade.
Second grade through fourth grade students are zoned for Meadow View Elementary School.
Fifth and sixth graders can attend DeSoto Intermediate.
Seventh and eighth graders can go to ADM Middle School.
ADM High School is part of the Des Moines Area Community College Career Advantage Program, allowing students to earn college credits while earning their high school diplomas. Families can choose other school districts within the state if space is available, per Iowa law.
Meadow View Elementary School in Adel serves De Soto students in grades 2-4.
ADM High School guides students toward academic and career success.
ADM High School guides students toward academic and career success.
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I‑80 and I‑35 offer fast connections to nearby cities
The City of De Soto is a car-dependent area. “Another big draw for the city is that Interstate 80 runs right through it,” Ostrander says. “Highway 169 and Interstate 80 crisscross right through De Soto, and those are two of the most highly traveled roads in the U.S.” Interstate 80 heads east to Des Moines and Chicago or west all the way to San Francisco. The drive to downtown Des Moines is around 25 miles and takes around 25 minutes in regular traffic. Interstate 35, around 15 miles from the neighborhood, runs north to Duluth, Minnesota and south to the Mexican border.
Residents reach Iowa’s capital, Des Moines, via I-80 in under 30 minutes.
Des Moines International Airport offers global flights just 24 miles away.
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Small businesses, parks and annual events shape local life
There are a handful of local restaurants and small businesses in De Soto, but most amenities will require a drive to Adel, West Des Moines and the surrounding metro area. “We’re a very attractive city,” Ostrander says. “People can shop in the city and live in the country.” Little Bridge Park is on the town’s southeastern side by the train tracks. The park has a playground and a little bridge crossing over a small creek. Up the road in Adel, Evans Park is home to a nine-hole disc golf course, a 125-foot zipline and a paved half-mile walking trail. De Soto Fun Days in late summer is an annual summer event with bounce houses, arts and crafts, food trucks and a parade.
Adel’s Evans Park features winding trails popular with walkers and nature lovers.
Little Bridge Park is perfect for picnics, play, and community gatherings.
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A growing community with its own utilities and amenities
While De Soto is a small area, it is growing with the rest of the metro area. “We have a sensible, involved community here. We’re going to explode someday,” Ostrander says. “There’s no doubt about it.” De Soto is one of the only towns in Iowa with its own self-sufficient water treatment facility. The city also provides sewer and trash services, and MidAmerican Energy offers electricity and gas services. They have a couple of different options for internet and cable providers.
Ambro's Roadhouse is De Soto’s only restaurant located along the main highway through town.
Railroad tracks run through the city, linking the town to destinations across the U.S.
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Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Garrett Ludwig
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brandon Winn,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in De Soto, IA sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in De Soto, IA over the last 12 months is $242,450, down 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
*SALE PENDING* The perfect blend of modern living & country charm w/ this exceptional 4.81-acre property located in the highly sought-after ADM School District; just 1/4mi from paved roads. Rest easy knowing this beautiful 4-bedroom ranch home has already been inspected & has a premier home warranty is INCLUDED! Featuring 3.5-baths, 2,728sqft finished living space, a main-level primary suite, an
Sean AsadaIowa Land Man (Remax Real Estate Center)
De Soto buyers this is the one!Small-town charm meets everyday convenience in this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath split-level home, just minutes from the interstate and located in the highly desirable ADM School District, all under $300K!Perfectly situated just blocks from the school, this home offers the ideal setting for families. Inside, you'll love the spacious, modern kitchen
Build your home on this awesome daylight lot backing to trees & a corn field with Keystone Equity Group. Keystone Estates neighborhood is located just down the road from the ADM Middle School. With easy access to the interstate you can be in Waukee in just 10 minutes. We have multiple ranch and 2-story floor plans to choose from. Quality new construction homes starting in the $280,000s. Keystone
Welcome to this split-level home offering 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. The functional layout features aneat-in kitchen and a lower-level family room with a cozy fireplace & slider to an enclosed porch,perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Fresh interior paint & new carpet are already done, with room toadd your own cosmetic touches & build equity. Major updates have been completed,
Located in the all ages manufactured home community of Holiday Terrace, this home is a brand new 2026 Clayton with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms at approximately 1,140 square feet. This home comes with a full kitchen appliance package, Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring, and washer/dryer hook-ups. Plus, it has a spacious layout, great location and much more! Holiday Terrace offers a friendly atmosphere,
Located in the all ages manufactured home community of Holiday Terrace, this home is a brand new 2026 Clayton with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms at approximately 1,136 square feet. This home comes with a full kitchen appliance package, carpet and Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring, and washer/dryer hook-ups. Plus, it has a spacious layout, great location and much more! Holiday Terrace offers a friendly
Keystone Equity Group presents the Zeta XL Plan, a thoughtfully designed ranch featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with quality construction at a price point that’s hard to beat. Keystone prioritizes craftsmanship and durability, featuring Pella windows, architectural shingles, maintenance-free vinyl siding, a triple-plated foundation, insulated rim joists, and more.Step inside to an
Showstopper Custom Ranch w/ unbeatable pond views in Oak Hill Crossing in DeSoto, IA, just 20 mins from West Des Moines! Welcome to 340 Chestnut St, a stunning new custom walkout ranch nestled in the desirable Oak Hill Community, backing to a serene 10+/- acre community pond. W/ over 3,200 finished sqft, this 4-bed, 3.5-bath home offers an incredible blend of luxury, design, & functionality. Step
This flat lot backs to a corn field- no backyard neighbors! Keystone Estates neighborhood is located just down the road from the ADM Middle School. Keystone Equity Group has multiple ranch and 2-story floor plans to choose from. Quality new construction homes start in the $280,000s. Standard specs include vinyl siding, Pella windows, 2x4 construction with triple plated foundation & insulated rim
Keystone Equity Group presents the Zeta XL Plan featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Quality construction is of upmost importance when Keystone builds your home at a price that cannot be beat-Pella windows, architectural shingles, maintenance free vinyl siding, triple plated foundation, insulated rim joists and the list goes on! Walking in you’ll be greeted by tons of natural light and an open
*Rent Special - Get 1 Month Free with a 13 Month Lease! Must move in by 5/1/26. Ask us for details!* Located in the all ages manufactured home community of Holiday Terrace, this home is a 2026 Clayton with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms at approximately 1,136 square feet. This home comes with a full kitchen appliance package, carpet and Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring, and washer/dryer hook-ups. Plus, it
Josh MintonHoliday Terrace
$2,395 per month
4-Bedroom Walkout Ranch Home in De Soto with Finished Basement & Attached 2-Car Garage
This newer construction ranch home in De Soto offers over 2,000 square feet of finished living space and a walkout basement. The main level features an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, a spacious family room, dining area, and kitchen with stainless steel appliances.The primary bedroom includes a private full bathroom and walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms and another full
*Rent Special - Get 1 Month Free with a 13 Month Lease! Must move in by 5/1/26. Ask us for details!* Located in the all ages manufactured home community of Holiday Terrace, this home is a brand new 2026 Clayton with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms at approximately 1,140 square feet. This home comes with a full kitchen appliance package, Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring, and washer/dryer hook-ups. Plus, it
Josh MintonHoliday Terrace
$2,395 per month
Must see this 4 Bedroom Walkout Ranch Style in Desoto
This spacious home offers more than 2,300 square feet of finished living space, including a walkout basement. Upon entering, you are welcomed by a comfortable open floor plan featuring a generous family room with vaulted ceilings, a dining area, and a kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances. This home is only 10 minutes from Grand Prairie Parkway in Waukee. Enjoy small-town living with
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