Grinnell, IA Homes for Rent

Grinnell, IA, known as "The Jewel of the Prairie," is a small city with a population of over 9,000, centered around Grinnell College. Located an hour from Des Moines and Iowa City, Grinnell is the largest city in Poweshiek County. The Grinnell-Newburg Community School District is highly rated, and Grinnell College is recognized as the best liberal arts college in Iowa. The city features diverse housing options, including Victorian, contemporary, ranch-style houses, bungalows, and split-level homes, with a growing number of apartment complexes on the western end. Downtown Grinnell boasts over 50 shops and nearly 30 restaurants, including Solera wine bar and Pagliai's pizzeria. Local grocery stores such as Hy-Vee, Fareway, and McNally's Foods cater to residents' needs. Grinnell is rich in history, with around 15 sites on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Merchant's National Bank designed by Louis Sullivan. The Grinnell Historical Museum and the Grinnell College Museum of Art highlight the city's cultural heritage. The city has nine public parks and three aquatic centers, with Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park offering multiple sports fields. Community events, like the Music In The Park series, are organized by the Grinnell Area Arts Council. Grinnell experiences mild summers and freezing winters, with average summer highs of 82 degrees and winter lows of 18 degrees. Crime rates in Grinnell are below state and national averages, contributing to a safer environment. The city is accessible via Interstate 80 and has public transit through PeopleRides, with three commercial airports an hour away.