$212,821Average Value$152Average Price per Sq Ft55Homes For Sale
Rich rail history and new opportunities coming to pasture
At the center of Iowa, Boone continues its legacy as an industrial hub. The city has a long history of coal mining and agriculture, with rich farmlands surrounding Boone's core. The Union Pacific Railroad expanded the city's sphere of influence, making it a major employer today. An economic development commission works to bring more business to Boone, such as a new Daisy Brands dairy processing facility proposed to be operating by 2029. Cherie Angstrom, a 47-year city parks department staffer, expects the factory to attract many more families —and cows — to the city. "I come from a small town, so I've always liked that Boone has more to offer without being too big," she says. "And if you can't find what you need in Boone, it's less than an hour's trip to Des Moines and half an hour to Ames."
Boone's railroad history is apparent right when you get into town.
Boone residents take pride in their homes, their city, and their community.
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Riding the rails and cliff trails
J.B. McHose Park is the city's largest, featuring six playgrounds, several sports courts, a dog park, nature trails and even an equestrian area. The park also has the Boone Municipal Pool. John Hansen Memorial Skate Rink is open in winter, and Franklin Park's playground was recently renovated to include an obstacle course suited for older kids. While not inside the city, Ledges State Park welcomes camping, fishing, canoeing and cycling along its streams and sandstone cliffs. A major attraction is the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad. The heritage rail offers passenger train rides daily and hosts the Rail Explorers. This experience lets people travel the rails via an open-air, pedal-powered vehicle. Railfans come from all over the state to enjoy the city's rail-centered attractions. "We have lots of tourist things here, and we welcome visitors. We need them to keep the economy going," Angstrom says.
Legdes State Park is just south of Boone as is a Midwest destination.
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad operates tours, programs, and a museum.
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New construction boom due to lucrative city incentive
Bungalows, ranch-style homes and two-story houses are typical. Most homes look nothing like their neighbors', sporting architectural quirks like asymmetrically slanted roofs, Queen Anne-style turrets and porthole windows. Median prices are around $195,000, less than half the national median. A housing-incentive program encourages new construction by offering homeowners $10,000 for each custom single-family home or townhome built to city specifications.
Large trees shade older Boone homes in the center of town.
New construction homes are popping up around the edges of Boone.
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Home of Fareway and Casey's General Store
Downtown's mom-and-pop shops stand alongside locally owned restaurants. In 1938, the first Fareway store opened in Boone. Now, the grocery store chain is a top 10 employer in the state, with more than 120 locations throughout the Midwest. The city is also the home of Casey's General Store, the nation's fourth-largest convenience store chain. Programs such as Jump Start Boone and the Boone Downtown Incentive Fund support the city's central businesses. "We were just named a Main Street USA, and that's brought a lot of money in to revitalize the downtown," Angstrom says.
Theaters, shops, restaurants, and local businesses can all be found in historic Downtown Boone.
Fareway was established in Boone and now has a newer store on the south side of town.
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Just a city over from Iowa State University
Over 2,000 students attend the Boone Community School District, which has a C-plus Niche grade. Des Moines Area Community College has operated its Boone campus since 1969, and the city is within 14 miles of Iowa State University. The institutions have B-minus and A ratings, respectively, with Niche ranking ISU as the state's top value college.
Boone High School is home to around 700 area high school students.
Boone also has a small Des Moines Area Community College Campus in town.
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Short commutes and low traffic
The city's thoroughfares are Story Street, Fourth Street and Highway 30. Angstrom says, "It's a 5-minute commute from one end of town to the other. You don't even notice the traffic until you get close to Des Moines." Union Pacific Railroad's mainline and Boone County Hospital are both beside downtown. The closest airport is Des Moines International Airport, 54 miles away.
Playing host to the annual Farm Progress Show
Pufferbilly Days celebrate the city's railroad heritage. The celebration is considered one of Iowa's top five festivals, with over 30,000 attendees. The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad hosts "Days Out with Thomas," featuring children's favorite Thomas the Tank Engine and the Boone Speedway holds the Speedway Motors IMCA SuperNationals. Boone also hosts the annual Farm Progress Show, which draws more than 200,000 attendees. During the college sports season, the city sees an influx of visitors. "We're really close to ISU in Ames, so we get some overflow when all their hotels are full on game days," Angstrom says. "People get a little peek of what it's like here and end up coming back because they didn't know we have so much."
Crime
Crime data for the city of Boone is currently available.
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Rebecca Askin
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Boone, IA sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Boone, IA over the last 12 months is $189,500, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 1-bath two-story home located in the heart of Boone. Built in 1870, this classic property blends historic elegance, offering over 2,100 sq ft of finished living space. Step inside to soaring 10-ft ceilings, original character, and generous room sizes. The main level features a bright kitchen, formal dining room, spacious living room, full
This charming Boone home is filled with timeless character and thoughtful details throughout. Offering three spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms, the home features gorgeous original woodwork, built-ins, and a cozy fireplace that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. A beautiful three-season porch and an expansive front porch provide the perfect spaces to relax and enjoy the mature, tree-lined
Turnkey investment or ideal owner-occupied opportunity! This totally remodeled ranch-style home offers 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, delivering both modern comfort and strong income potential. Every inch has been thoughtfully updated, providing a move-in ready property with low maintenance and high appeal. Please call to see your new home today.
Step inside this beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom 1.5 bathroom home that perfectly blends modern convenience with classic character. Every inch has been thoughtfully updated while preserving the warmth and charm of its original design. Enjoy amazing natural light streaming through large windows in every room, highlighting the home's open and inviting spaces. The gorgeous remodeled kitchen features
Why build new when you can move into a home that's already been fully re-imagined? This stunning property combines modern luxury, thoughtful design and every upgrade you could dream of, plus walking access to the new Boone Ledges elementary school, Boone Middle School and Cedar Point Golf Course. You are welcomed to the front of the home by a new concrete & brick walkway leading to the front
Come build your dream home in the Oak Park Development located on West Park St and Marion St. 53 proposed lots to chose from, with a location that is unmatched....3 miles or less from work and 3 minutes from all the great amenities of Boone IA. Such as McHose park, Rail Explorers, Ledges State Park, Seven Oaks Ski Hill, and many more. All builders are welcome, so call to get more information
Come build your dream home in the Oak Park Development located on West Park St and Marion St. 53 proposed lots to chose from, with a location that is unmatched....3 miles or less from work and 3 minutes from all the great amenities of Boone IA. Such as McHose park, Rail Explorers, Ledges State Park, Seven Oaks Ski Hill, and many more. All builders are welcome, so call to get more information
Come build your dream home in the Oak Park Development located on West Park St and Marion St. 53 proposed lots to chose from, with a location that is unmatched....3 miles or less from work and 3 minutes from all the great amenities of Boone IA. Such as McHose park, Rail Explorers, Ledges State Park, Seven Oaks Ski Hill, and many more. All builders are welcome, so call to get more information
Come build your dream home in the Oak Park Development located on West Park St and Marion St. 53 proposed lots to chose from, with a location that is unmatched....3 miles or less from work and 3 minutes from all the great amenities of Boone IA. Such as McHose park, Rail Explorers, Ledges State Park, Seven Oaks Ski Hill, and many more. All builders are welcome, so call to get more information
Come build your dream home in the Oak Park Development located on West Park St and Marion St. 53 proposed lots to chose from, with a location that is unmatched....3 miles or less from work and 3 minutes from all the great amenities of Boone IA. Such as McHose park, Rail Explorers, Ledges State Park, Seven Oaks Ski Hill, and many more. All builders are welcome, so call to get more information
Come build your dream home in the Oak Park Development located on West Park St and Marion St. 53 proposed lots to chose from, with a location that is unmatched....3 miles or less from work and 3 minutes from all the great amenities of Boone IA. Such as McHose park, Rail Explorers, Ledges State Park, Seven Oaks Ski Hill, and many more. All builders are welcome, so call to get more information
Come build your dream home in the Oak Park Development located on West Park St and Marion St. 53 proposed lots to chose from, with a location that is unmatched....3 miles or less from work and 3 minutes from all the great amenities of Boone IA. Such as McHose park, Rail Explorers, Ledges State Park, Seven Oaks Ski Hill, and many more. All builders are welcome, so call to get more information
Kading Properties prides itself on building living communities that bring people home. That means our communities are safe, friendly, well kept, well lit and close to nearby amenities for recreation, shopping and work.So whether you’re looking to upgrade from apartment living, to find a comfortable home for your family, or downsize from a home to less hands-on maintenance, Kading delivers on
Linden Station Apartments features a combination of both family and senior affordable housing in Boone, Iowa.The exclusive living spaces at Linden Station are thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience in mind. Conveniently located within minutes of Fareway Grocery, Walmart, The Boone County Hospital and many more conveniences, this is a great place to call home! To be
$750 SIGNING BONUS ON NEW TOWNHOME LEASES!Discover the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience with our new apartments and townhomes in Boone, Iowa. Thoughtfully designed with spacious layouts and high-quality finishes, these homes are ideal for individuals, families, and professionals. Located just off Highway 30, you're still just a quick drive away from the shopping,
When you call Boone Sundance Apartments home, youll find yourself surrounded in a beautiful, lush, park-like environment. Our spacious, luxury, two and three bedroom, two bath apartment homes include a variety of great amenities. The professional, on-site management staff will assist you in meeting all of your needs.
Offering 1 & 2 bedroom apartments in Boone, IA. Boone is located just 15 minutes from Ames, Iowa, Boone offers cultural and recreational activities for all. From the popular Seven Oaks recreation area to nearby Ledges State Park there are opportunities for outdoor activities. Spend some time perusing local shops or enjoying Boone’s local dining options. The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad, Kate
Property Id: 2346409Discover your new home at 718 Ringold St, a stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse built in 2025, offering 1,331 square feet of contemporary living space on the main level with a full basement thats franed to be finished for a total of over 2400sqft! This beautifully designed property features vaulted ceilings, providing an airy ambiance, and a cozy fireplace perfect
Property Id: 2263946Welcome to 1428 Story street - A stunning 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home that’s been completely transformed from top to bottom. Enjoy peace of mind with brand-new room. New energy efficient windows and doors, new insulation, upgrades 200-amp electrical panel (all new wiring), electric vehicle charging outlet in the garage. Inside the open layout shines with Luxury plank
Property Id: 22261824 Bedroom (1 on main floor)1 bath (walk in shower)Freshly painted, wood floors refinished and new flooring in Kitchen & bathcredit and background check required
Property Id: 2346368Welcome to your dream home at 714 Ringold St, Boone, IA! This beautifully constructed 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom townhouse, built in 2024, offers an expansive 2400 square feet of living space designed for comfort and style. Step inside to discover vaulted ceilings and an open-concept layout, perfect for entertaining. The spacious kitchen comes equipped with modern
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