Respected schools, plentiful parks and job opportunities in Algona
Home to about 5,500 people, Algona is an easy-going agricultural community in Kossuth County. The community has had a growing number of transplants after the COVID-19 pandemic led city-dwellers to seek quieter lifestyles in the country. “It first started with people who had family here or maybe grew up in the area, and during COVID, you had people who wanted to leave the city and come back home,” says Brad Hoover, a lifelong resident, city council member, and Algona team lead for The 515 Agency. “But then you started seeing a lot of people leaving larger cities because of COVID and they wanted to get away from people and have some more space.” Hoover says Algona offers room to breathe, a strong school system, a supportive environment and plenty of job opportunities. “We have a diverse economy that keeps us thriving even in the down years, with agriculture, manufacturing and a Hormel Foods plant," Hoover says. “We’re fortunate to have fiber-optic internet even in the rural areas so people can work remotely, and Kossuth County in general competes every year for the lowest unemployment rate in Iowa. We have more jobs than people.”
Variety of 20th century styles at a slightly higher price
The median home price in Algona is around $180,000, higher than nearby Humboldt’s median of $140,000. Housing options range from early 1900s styles like cottage, Cape Cod, National, Victorian, and American Foursquare, to post-1950s ranch and split-level homes, some with midcentury modern influences. Newer New Traditional builds are also present. Many homes sit on compact, tree-lined lots with sidewalks and green lawns.
Public schools, private Catholic education and a college campus
Algona Community School District, rated B by Niche, serves about 1,500 students across three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. The middle and high schools share a campus. “Our school system in Algona is second to none,” Hoover says. “We have an incredible band and chorus curriculum, and it just seems like any way, shape or form, you have opportunities here in Algona that measure up to if you were in a larger area.” Algona has private options, too. Seton Elementary School, a Catholic pre-kindergarten through second grade institution, is unrated by Niche, while the corresponding Bishop Garrigan School for grades 3-12 receives a C. Iowa Lakes Community College also has a branch in Algona.
Parks offer splash pads, river access and sports facilities
Algona features seven parks and a trail system, offering a variety of outdoor activities. Veteran’s Park, the largest at 20 acres, includes a playground, ball diamonds, sports courts, a radio control race car track and an enclosed dog park. Kayakers and canoers can launch onto the East Fork of the Des Moines River from Keith’s Landing at the park. “We’ve got Central Park, where we re-did the skate park and put in a splash pad, and that’s been awesome,” Hoover says. “We have young kids, and it’s awesome to take our kids to the splash pad and run through it because they’re not old enough for the pool yet.” Just two miles away, Ambrose A. Call State Park has camping, hiking trails and a disc golf course. Golfers can enjoy Eagle Hills Golf Course, River Road Golf Club, and Caddyshack Miniature Golf.
Grocery stores and locally owned restaurants
Hy-Vee and Fareway have groceries covered in town. “Unfortunately, you still see people leaving 45 minutes to go to Spencer or Mason City to go to a Walmart or go to Aldi,” Hoover says. “We don’t have as many restaurants, so we see a lot of people go out of town to eat too.” The city has some unique offerings like Algona Axe House, a bar and grill that offers axe throwing on the weekends, and The Perky Parrot, a cocktail lounge with an upscale but inviting atmosphere. “We have Cinco de Mayo, it’s really popular and they have good food and quick service,” Hoover says. “Premier Pizza is a mom-and-pop pizza shop. That was one of our favorites even in high school. When my brother comes here, there’s no question where we’re going for food.”
Annual events include Kossuth County Fair and Founders’ Day
Locals look forward to events like the Party in the Parks concert series in the summer and the Kossuth County Farmers Market from May through October. The Kossuth County Fair features a week of agricultural displays, food, carnival rides, live entertainment and racing at the Kossuth County Speedway at the fairgrounds in town. Founders’ Day weekend celebrates the town’s founding every July with a Friday night parade, kids activities and the annual Showboat Open Golf Tournament at River Road Golf Club.
Des Moines is about two hours away
U.S. Route 169 runs through town and leads to Des Moines and Des Moines International Airport about 130 miles away. Kossuth Regional Health Center offers medical care in town. Algona is also home to several houses of worship, including Lutheran, Catholic, Methodist and non-denominational churches.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
