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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Victoria York
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Adam Bugbee,
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 Altoona, IA sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Altoona, IA over the last 12 months is $345,495, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Cheers to the perfect blend of country living and in-town convenience! Welcome to this one-owner, thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath walkout ranch with incredible outbuilding situated on an acre with breathtaking views in every direction. Enjoy the peace and privacy of your own slice of paradise while being just 2 minutes from Southeast Polk High School and all the amenities of Pleasant Hill
This 3+ bedroom home sits on a well-manicured corner lot in a convenient Altoona location, just two minutes from Highway 65 and a few blocks from the Spring Creek Sports Complex. Pull into the drive to the attached, two-car garage, and walk up to the covered porch with room for a swing. Step inside to the sitting room, with great natural light, perfect for a home office or library. The kitchen
Experience carefree 55+ living at its finest in this beautifully appointed co-op home in the sought-after Classic 55+ Community of Altoona. This spacious Willow floor plan offers 1,050 square feet featuring 1 bedroom, 1 full bathroom, a versatile den perfect for a home office or guest space, and an open concept living and dining area with a private terrace. The kitchen is equipped with furnished
Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac and listed an incredible $60,000 below assessed value, this stunning craftsman-inspired home offers exceptional value while blending timeless character with the modern conveniences today's buyers are looking for. The open-concept main level is designed for both everyday living and entertaining, featuring a massive 7' x 3' kitchen island, eat-in dining area,
Prime Multi-Family & High-Density Residential Development Opportunity in Fast-Growing Polk County. The Kew Real Estate Team is proud to present the generational Vandehaar Farm. Located in the Agricultural Transitional District bordering the city limits of Altoona. Unlock the immense potential of this multi-parcel assemblage in the heart of Polk County. Totaling a significant 38.26 acres, these
Step inside 812 2nd St NE in Altoona, IA. This two-story home offers 4 bedrooms, a flex room, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,356 sq. ft. of living space. The open-concept main level is perfect for entertaining, while all bedrooms are tucked upstairs for privacy. Enter through a spacious foyer leading past the flex room—ideal for a home office, play area, or formal dining—and a convenient half bath for
*MODEL HOME-NOT FOR SALE* D.R. Horton, America’s Builder, presents the Hamilton in our Spring Creek Ridge Community just a few blocks away from Clay Elementary School & Loupee Park. You'll also enjoy easy access to the Spring Creek Ridge Sports Complex and Southeast Polk Middle & High Schools! - The Hamilton Ranch home includes 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, and a Finished Basement providing over 2,400
Luxury, space, & custom finishes come together in this stunning 6-bedroom, 4-bath ranch on a desirable corner lot! Offering 1,809 sq. ft. on the main level plus 1,270 sq. ft. of finished basement space, this home features over 3,000 sq. ft. of beautifully designed living space. Step in to soaring vaulted ceilings with a striking wood beam, floor-to-ceiling shiplap fireplace, floating shelves, and
Welcome to the Hamilton in Brook Ridge - a beautifully designed ranch-style home offering 2,190 sq. ft. of finished living space with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, including a finished basement. From the moment you enter, the bright foyer leads past two spacious secondary bedrooms and a full bath—ideal for guests or a home office. At the heart of the home is an open-concept kitchen featuring white
Introducing the Jonas Ranch, a thoughtfully designed modern ranch blending style, comfort, and everyday functionality. This open-concept plan features approximately 1,800 sq ft on the main level with a spacious 3-car garage, soaring great room, and designer kitchen with large island perfect for gathering and entertaining. The private primary suite offers a relaxing retreat with spa-inspired bath
Step inside 932 33rd St SE in Altoona, IA — 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 connect the main and
Welcome to the President floor plan by Patriot Communities! This beautiful 5 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom, 2 story home offers space for everyday living and entertaining, tons of storage and cost efficient, sustainable and durable features throughout. The master has a massive walk-in closet! This home offers a bright and open kitchen with durable, low maintenance quartz counter tops, large center island
*** 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
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
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!
Center Place Lofts features beautiful 1 bedroom 1 bathroom apartments in a convenient Altoona location. Each apartment offers stainless steel appliances, soft close cabinets, and oversized countertops with a breakfast bar. Private balconies and open layouts create a comfortable and modern living space.Located directly across the street from a park and bike trail, Center Place Lofts makes it
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 &
Triple Crown offers 2 bedroom apartments as well as 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes. Our apartments and townhomes are clean, well-maintained, and a conveniently located option, near Adventureland, Paririe Meadows, and I-80. All homes are being refreshed with updated flooring and modern paint colors. Our property has tons of yard space, a playground, basketball court, gazebo, and community laundry
Property Id: 2725991 Available mid August! 2 bed 1 bath apartment in Altoona! Clean and quite 8 plex close to schools and shopping! 12 month lease. No smoking.
Property Id: 68607 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! We do allow cats. Please visit for more information and to
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
