Living in Altoona means easy access to Des Moines and fun
Altoona maintains a suburban atmosphere and serves as an entertainment destination for the broader metro area. The growing area is home to an amusement park, a horse racing track and casino and an outlet shopping center. In addition to commercial developments, new homes and residential areas are popping up in Altoona. Residents often share the road with seasonal visitors as the city is only around 13 miles east of Des Moines.
Altoona is a growing suburb on the east side of the Des Moines metro area.
Residents love the Bass Pro Shop's beautiful aquarium.
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Tax abatements and pricing trends shaping Altoona housing
Established ranch-style homes, split-levels and townhouses make up much of the west side of town, while new developments and lots spread outward. Most of these recent developments feature Craftsman and Traditional-style homes with two-car garages. “There are some areas in Altoona that still have a tax abatement on new homes, which homeowners like to take advantage of,” says April Breig, Vice President at New Home Site Realty, a real estate company that's sold properties in new Altoona developments.
The median home price in Altoona is in the mid $300,000s, which is significantly higher than Des Moines’ median in the low $200,000s, but on par with nearby suburban communities like Ankeny and Pleasant Hill. Homes tend to stay on the market for an average of 85 days, longer than the national average of 53 days.
The city features a variety of home choices, from older ranch styles to contemporary homes.
Modern ranch and two-story designs are common.
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School choice gives families flexibility across districts
Most of Altoona is zoned for Southeast Polk Community School District, which has highly rated schools. A small number of students on the north side attend schools in the rural Bondurant-Farrar Community School District. Iowa law allows families to enroll their children in other districts within the state if space is available. Southeast Polk High School students can take classes at Des Moines Area Community College and earn college credit. Through DMACC, juniors and seniors can enroll in the Career Academy and complete courses in concentrations such as auto mechanics, computer programming and culinary arts.
Centennial Elementary School's signage proudly shows their mascot, the ram.
Southeast Polk High School was built in 2010.
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Most residents rely on cars for work and errands
Altoona is mostly car-dependent, but some homes are within walking distance of stores and restaurants. Downtown Altoona and many residential areas have sidewalks. The city sits on the eastern side of the Des Moines metropolitan area and is within 13 miles, which is about 15 minutes, of Downtown Des Moines. “The majority of commuters head downtown or to suburbs like Ankeny or West Des Moines,” Breig says. Residents can commute by getting onto U.S. Highway 65 to Interstate 235. Des Moines Area Transit System buses operate routes throughout the city.
Things to do in Altoona include theme parks and casinos
Altoona calls itself “A Development Friendly Community.” Its hotspots range from Prairie Meadows’ horse racing and casino to tract homes on the outskirts of the city. “There is a lot of both residential and commercial growth in Altoona,” says Ryan Rohlf, local Realtor and owner of dsmSOLD Team at Keller Williams Legacy Group. “The Adventureland Resort, Bass Pro Shops and the Outlets of Des Moines are key attractions.”
Adventureland Park’s drop tower and roller coasters come into view when driving on U.S. Route 65 through Altoona. “It’s the main amusement park not just for the Des Moines area, but for the state,” Breig says. “The only other small one is in Okoboji, which is 4 hours away.” The theme park is part of a wider resort development with a campground and hotel. Next door is Prairie Meadows, one of only two nonprofit casinos in the United States with horse racing, an indoor casino and a conference center from May to September.
Adventure Bay provides an alternative to Adventureland to cool off in the summer heat.
Prairie Meadows Casino features a full race track, a full service casino and hotel.
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How Altoona connects parks, trails and community amenities
Altoona has many expansive parks and indoor recreation spaces, several of which are located off 8th Street. “Sports are very big in Altoona,” Breig says. “A lot of teams play at the Sam Wise Youth Complex – soccer, baseball, they have it all.” The Altoona Campus is a state-of-the-art physical fitness facility offering Zumba, cycling, boxing and yoga classes. Bike trails run through subdivisions and connect to amenities like Altoona Aquatics Park and the Altoona Library, eventually linking to the wider Des Moines metro trail system. “And if one isn’t connected already, they are working on getting it all connected,” Breig says.
Haines Park has sculptures scattered about the area for locals to look at.
The Sam Wise Youth Complex has batting cages for residents working on their swing.
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What to know before moving to Altoona
“They are growing because they have businesses,” says Shonna Murrey, a broker associate who is the area leader for Epique Realty and the team leader for The Murrey Group. “They’ve got Amazon there, and it also has a lot of server hubs.” Murrey also says that Altoona’s plentiful shopping and entertainment options make it feel more like a big city when compared to some of Des Moines’ smaller suburbs, like Polk City.
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Video By
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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.
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On average, homes in Altoona, IA sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Altoona, IA over the last 12 months is $339,450, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This Tuscan-style home is on a quiet cul-de-sac just minutes from both Hwy 65 and I80 in Altoona, with impressive curb appeal, featuring stone accents and rich, wood shutters; this 4-bedroom, 4-bath home is ready for new owners. Walk up the oversized drive with a three-car attached garage and step inside to the main level with rich woodwork and arched doorways to the living room with custom
Welcome home to this beautiful 4-bedroom, 3-bath ranch perfectly positioned on a spacious corner lot in a quiet Altoona neighborhood! Step inside to an open layout featuring a bright living room that flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining area 'ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Two bedrooms and a full bath offer comfortable space for family or guests, while the primary suite
Why rent when you can buy & have a cheaper monthly payment with something to show for your money! Very nice end unit townhome located in prime location/Altoona. Main floor offers living room with corner gas fireplace, nice dining area with patio view, kitchen includes all kitchen appliances. Laundry area (washer/dryer are included) and 1/2 bath, double car attached garage. Upstairs offers a
Located in Altoona, this well-maintained home offers great updates, functional space, and a fantastic location close to a bike trail, pond, and fishing. The exterior features durable vinyl siding, a new roof in 2023, and a mostly fenced yard with a patio -perfect for relaxing or entertaining. A shed is included for extra storage. The oversized two-car garage is a standout with its own mini-split
Back on market due to change in buyer's situation and no fault of seller. Great END-UNIT townhome in Altoona’s desirable Falcon Ridge community. Spacious ranch with everything conveniently located on the main level – spacious living room, dining space, 2 beds, 2 baths and laundry. Loads of extra space in the finished basement with a family room, 1 bedroom, 1 bath and storage room, plus a spacious
BUILDER PROMOTION FEATURED ON THIS HOME - $8,000 in total incentives to be used for rate buy downs, closing costs, appliances, blinds, or upgrades with approved vendors. Applies to non-contingent offers that are accepted by 4/3/2026, and must close within 60 days or sooner of contract date. Come check out Jerry's Home's popular Reed plan featuring LP siding and a 3 car garage. This home’s large
There is room for the entire family in Jerry's Homes Cedar plan that offers a spacious family room with a gas fireplace and a kitchen with tons of storage, a large peninsula, and dining area. The peninsula is the perfect place for quick meals or to set up for buffet-style entertaining. Ample cabinets with quartz countertops offer a beautiful, bright kitchen and LVP for ease of maintenance! Enjoy
Your new build home awaits at Spring Creek Ridge North in Altoona, IA. The Madison offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a 3-car garage, and 2,884 sq. ft. of living space, including an appliance suite, a finished basement, and stylish and elevated features throughout. At the front of the home, two secondary bedrooms share a full bath, while a locker area and laundry room provide convenient storage.
Step inside 1163 33rd Ct SW in Brook Ridge, Altoona, Iowa— a two-story home with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,053 sq. ft. of living space. The open-concept living, kitchen, and dining areas flow seamlessly, while all bedrooms are upstairs for added privacy. Just inside the front door is a versatile flex room — ideal for a home office, playroom, or formal dining. A guest bath and staircase connect the
Introducing the Lincoln floor plan at Edgewood Trail in Altoona, IA. This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom home with a flex room and over 3,000 sq. ft. of living space features a beautifully finished basement and elevated features throughout. As you enter, a grand foyer welcomes you and leads to the flex room, perfect as an office, playroom, or formal dining space. The open-concept living area is filled
Step inside 3322 12th Ave SW in Brook Ridge, Altoona, Iowa — a two-story home with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 2,053 sq. ft. of living space. The open-concept living, kitchen, and dining areas flow seamlessly, while all bedrooms are upstairs for added privacy. Just inside the front door is a versatile flex room — ideal for a home office, playroom, or formal dining. A guest bath and staircase
Welcome to Jerry’s Home’s popular Copeland ranch plan with a 3 car garage. This ranch plan features over 1,400 SF, vaulted ceilings with open concept living, designated laundry room, 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. As you enter you will love the convenience of the open floor plan with high vaulted ceilings that make entertaining a breeze. The kitchen features a large island with quartz countertops
*** Credit scores above 700 receive an additional $40 OFF EVERY month *** MOVE IN TODAY! or reserve an apartment for a future date. Water, sewer and trash included! Garages available! Emergency Maintenance 24/7. Cat friendly (restrictions apply), storage available, and a playground and laundry onsite. Bridlewood Apartment Homes in Altoona, IA, offers a picturesque living
Welcome to Blue Ridge Commons in Altoona, IA, where modern style and everyday comfort come together. Choose from spacious studio, one, two, or three-bedroom apartments and townhomes with sleek finishes. Enjoy a resort-style pool, fitness center, clubhouse, private fenced in yards, and game room. Just minutes from Adventureland, the Outlets of Des Moines, and top local dining, this community puts
Located in a vibrant community, Ironwood Condos offers the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation, with easy access to local attractions and nearby Des Moines. Our spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments range from 894 to 1391 sq. ft and feature modern layouts designed for your lifestyle. Enjoy convenient amenities like a swimming pool and clubhouse to enhance your lifestyle. Each apartment comes
Redwood Altoona is where youll find the single-story apartment you've been looking for. Live in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, pet-friendly home with an attached garage. Enjoy being surrounded by charming greenery, with all the amenities of the Altoona community just a stones throw away. Plus, you can get to the hustle and bustle of Des Moines in just 15 minutes. But more than that, you can feel at
Altoona Towers delivers clean, modern apartment living just minutes from Des Moines. Enjoy the convenience of nearby shopping, dining, and top Altoona attractionsall in a welcoming community that blends comfort, value, and small-town charm.
The Emory is a luxurious apartment community located in an unbeatable location in Altoona, IA, conveniently near Des Moines. With space ranging from 758 - 1,235 sq. ft. across a wide array of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom floor plans, we're sure to have a place you can call home. Residents get to enjoy various amenities including a swimming pool, private on-site dog park, fitness center, clubhouse, outdoor
Venbury Trail is located on the green belt in Altoona, a suburb of Des Moines. It is adjacent to the 40-mile bike trail and the Altoona Service Campus fitness facility. Venbury Trail includes a large playground and picnic area. This is a superb location is close to shopping and allows easy interstate access to all areas of Des Moines.
Altoona Terrace is a eighty-four unit, three story complex. Secure entry. Beautifully landscaped grounds. Easy access to 80/35. fifteen minutes to downtown Des Moines.
Adventureland Village is a seventy-two unit multi-family complex located at the corner of Adventureland Drive and 14th Avenue N.W. Easy access to 80/35. Fifteen minutes to downtown Des Moines.
You can have it all at Centennial Place! - Celebrate Value...Enjoy conveniences designed to make your life carefree, like a private playground and basketball court at your front door, full size energy efficient appliances for minimal utility usage, and Altoona's Elementary School located just across the street. You can have it all!
Move-In Special: Free 55” TV — call for detailsEnjoy peaceful, comfortable living just off I-80 in a community designed for quality, energy efficiency, and privacy. Located in the highly rated Southeast Polk School District, these homes offer modern conveniences in a quiet, well maintained settingApartment FeaturesBrand-name appliancesNeutral, modern floor coveringsGas heat &
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