On the western edge of Raccoon River is the small-town community of Adel, situated approximately 25 miles west of Downtown Des Moines. In this neighborhood, residents can find a number of local restaurants, small businesses, parks and public schools all within walking distance. “People really love the close community feeling with the convenience of a bigger city just down the road,” says Tasha Garlick, a Realtor at RE/MAX Concepts who is local to the area. Anchored at the center of Adel is the historic Dallas County Courthouse, which was built in 1902 and displays elements of French Renaissance architecture; surrounding the courthouse are a number of retail stores and dining options with red-brick storefront exteriors, giving this neighborhood downtown area cohesive and cozy feel.
Craftsman- and Ranch-style homes
Homes here can be found on grid-style streets that branch away from Downtown Adel; residents can also find a number of cul-de-sacs and newer housing developments in the neighborhood’s southernmost area. Common home styles include ranch-style residences and new builds, but locals can also find a handful of American Craftsman-style properties built in the early twentieth century. Some three-bedroom ranchers constructed in 2023 can be priced around $350,000, while a restored 1910 Craftsman home with a detached garage can cost more than $455,000. Although housing is mostly made up of single-family residences, several apartment complexes and townhome communities also dot the neighborhood.
From historic to modern, Adel homes suit all kinds of styles or needs.
New construction development
With spacious driveways and lawns, Adel homes attempt to meet every family's needs.
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Grab a cup of coffee at The Morning Grind
One of Adel’s highlights is its downtown area full of small businesses and local shops. “Our little hardware store, pharmacy, and vision clinic are always helpful and welcoming anytime we stop by,” Garlick says. She also adds that Morning Grind, a family-owned coffee shop, is another local favorite: “All their pastries are homemade by the owner herself; it’s a great place to do some work and gather with friends.” Other local restaurants include Brickyard Burgers & Brews, Fiesta Mexican and River to River Bakery & Pizza. For groceries, residents can stop by Fareway Meat and Grocery and browse a selection of produce, dairy products, bakery items and dry goods.
Both local and name brand stores line the streets of Adel for plenty of options for residents.
Fiesta Mexican shines bight in the eyes of Adel residents as a great eatery for any occasion.
Dallas County Courthouse
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Students served by ADM Community School District
Students here are zoned for the Adel DeSoto Minburn (ADM) Community School District, which Niche rates a B-minus. Adel Elementary School is a B-minus-rated institution that serves young learners in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten through fifth grade. For grades five and six, students can attend DeSoto Intermediate, a B-plus-rated school located in the nearby town of De Soto. Older students might go to ADM Middle and ADM Senior High School, which both receive B-plus ratings, with ADM Senior High being named No. 4 on Niche’s “Best Public High Schools in Dallas County” list.
Adel DeSoto Minburn High School football field offers ample space for games.
Adel DeSoto Minburn Middle School teaches the local students of Adel.
Adel Elementary School keeps its grounds well maintained so kids can be safe while they learn.
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Raccoon River Valley Trail runs through Dallas County
Residents can enjoy access to a variety of parks throughout Adel; to the west, locals can find the Raccoon River Valley Trailhead and bike or walk along the walking path that traverses Adel and the Dallas County area. Located on the banks of the Raccoon River, Kinnick-Feller Park is a “great place for sporting activities,” according to Garlick, who refers to the park’s softball complex, tennis courts and large soccer field. In addition to a number of outdoor parks, locals can make a splash at the Adel Family Aquatic Center swimming pool and go bowling at the Adel Family Fun Center. For camping experiences, Adel residents have access to two nearby campgrounds: Dallas County Fair Campgrounds and Island Park Campgrounds, both of which also offer playgrounds and outdoor athletic fields.
Evans Park playground offers plenty of space for Adel families to play.
Kinnick-Feller Riverside Park has multiple different sports fields, popular for all ages.
Evans Park walking trails
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Attend the annual Dallas County Fair
This neighborhood is also home to the fairgrounds for the annual Dallas County Fair, where every year, attendees can enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment and food vendors. During the fair, residents can also check out rodeo shows and other livestock weigh-in contests. For a local community gathering space, the Raccoon Valley Bank recently reopened its Community House and is now taking reservation requests from locals looking to host events.
Dallas County Fairgrounds
Dallas County Fairgrounds is present in Adel, making festivals and events very close.
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Both the highway and Raccoon River run through Adel, making travel easy for all.
U.S. Route 6 travels east toward Downtown Des Moines
U.S. Route 169 runs north-south through the neighborhood while U.S. Route 6 extends eastward, giving Adel residents access to the surrounding Dallas County area and Downtown Des Moines. Route 169 also runs south to the town of De Soto, where it connects to Interstate 80. The Des Moines International Airport is an approximately 31-mile drive away and offers domestic flights to a number of major metropolitan areas.
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Video By
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Adel, IA sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Adel, IA over the last 12 months is $344,990, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This modern and private home sits on over an acre in an ideal Adel neighborhood just steps from the high school. Pull into the picturesque lot with ample mature trees to the three-car attached garage with newly epoxy-coated floors. Step up to the porch with room to enjoy your morning coffee, and enter into the oversized foyer and open-concept living space. With custom built-ins and a 12-foot
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Located just off Nile Kinnick and blocks from ADM High School, this 4-bed, 3-bath home sits on a quiet lot with a tree-lined southern boundary for privacy & serene views. The quality details are apparent the moment you step inside the foyer and see chair rail moulding, engineered hardwood floors, and spindle staircase railings. The open-concept living space features a family room with a stone
Beautifully maintained home in Adel offering the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and thoughtful upgrades. This property features inviting living spaces filled with natural light, a well-designed layout, and pride of ownership throughout.The home offers comfortable, well-sized bedrooms that provide flexibility for a variety of needs whether for family, guests, or a home office.
NEW LOWER PRICE!!! NO HOA! Beautifully maintained and move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 2-bath home situated on a desirable corner lot with a fully fenced white vinyl backyard! This home offers a bright, open feel with vaulted ceilings, new carpet, new interior trim, and a stylish spindle staircase with stair lighting.The spacious primary bedroom features beautiful shiplap accents, a tray ceiling,
NEW LOWER PRICE! Move-in-ready 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home with a newly finished basement in the highly desirable Adel-DeSoto-Minburn (ADM) School District! Offering 1,732 sq. ft. above grade plus additional finished lower-level living space, this home provides the space, updates, and location buyers are looking for.The bright, open-concept main level features LifeProof luxury vinyl plank
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Discover the perfect blend of countryside charm and convenient access with these beautiful 10 +/- acre buildable lots nestled in the heart of Dallas County, Iowa. Ideally situated just north of De Soto and south of Adel, these spacious parcels offer the rare opportunity to build your dream home in a peaceful rural setting--while remaining just minutes from town amenities and major
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Rare opportunity to purchase 3.5+/- acres just outside of De Soto, IA, located approximately 6.5 miles west of the Des Moines metro, only 1/2 mile from Interstate 80, and less than 15 minutes to West Des Moines. This small acreage offers the perfect combination of privacy, space, and convenient access to metro amenities. The property includes a 30' x 90' Morton building that provides excellent
John SchoolenRE/MAX Precision Land & Development Group
Discover Comfortable Living at Sunrise Valley Trails Apartments in Adel, IAWelcome to Sunrise Valley Trails Apartments—where small-town charm meets modern comfort. Nestled in the heart of Adel, our community offers a peaceful setting with convenient access to everything you need. Enjoy spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes designed with open-concept layouts, contemporary
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Property Id: 2832431 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment for rent. Full remodel in 2023 with kitchen appliances, quartz countertops, new bathroom, LVP flooring, paint. Located In Adel close to city parks and walking path on a quiet street with off street parking, this unit has everything to offer for small town living with close access to the Metro. Tenant pays their own utilities, and has
219 S 14th St, Adel, Iowa Available August 2026 Adorable 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom house for rent in Adel. Nice single-family home has a private feel in the middle of town. Basement area is open with washer/dryer hook-ups available. Enjoy afternoons and evenings sitting in your backyard. Garage parking is also available. 2 pets considered (additional fees required)
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Property Id: 2836161 For Rent: 4BR/3BA Ranch Home - Adel, Iowa $2,800/month | $2,000 Security Deposit | Available September 1 Welcome home! This spacious 2,190 sq. ft. ranch-style home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a 3-car garage, and an open-concept layout perfect for comfortable living. Highlights: Bright foyer leads to two guest bedrooms and a full bath — great for
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