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Boone

Boone

Located in Boone County

$212,954 Average Value
$151 Average Price per Sq Ft
51 Homes 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's railroad history is apparent right when you get into town.
Boone residents take pride in their homes, their city, and their community.
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.
Legdes State Park is just south of Boone as is a Midwest destination.
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad operates tours, programs, and a museum.
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.
Large trees shade older Boone homes in the center of town.
New construction homes are popping up around the edges of Boone.
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.
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.
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 High School is home to around 700 area high school students.
Boone also has a small Des Moines Area Community College Campus in town.
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.

Isabel Butler
Written By
Isabel Butler
Drew Davis
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Rebecca Askin
Video By
Rebecca Askin

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
2,475
Number of Homes for Sale
51
Median Year Built
1920
Months of Supply
2.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,418
Significantly below the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,640
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
979
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
674
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 9
    Open Sat 12PM - 1PM

    1416 Aldrich Ave, Boone, IA 50036

    $445,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,504 Sq Ft
    • 1416 Aldrich Ave
    • New 13 days ago

    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

    Agent Photo
    Nate Nerem
    Nerem & Associates
    (515) 320-8393
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  • Saturday, May 9
    Open Sat 11AM - 1PM

    515 Tama St, Boone, IA 50036

    $164,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,138 Sq Ft
    • 515 Tama St
    • New 19 hours ago

    You don't want to miss out on this incredibly well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in Boone. You will enter into an inviting enclosed front porch with a porch swing--the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee or unwind at the end of the day. Inside, you will find a living room and two spacious bedrooms with an adjoining bathroom. . A versatile front room offers endless possibilities as

    Nicole Leusink CENTURY 21 SIGNATURE-Ames

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  • Saturday, May 9
    Open Sat 1PM - 3PM

    1722 Linn St, Boone, IA 50036

    $335,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,040 Sq Ft
    • 1722 Linn St
    • New 3 days ago

    This well-cared-for, four level split offers space, flexibility, and comfort throughout! With 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and over 2,000 square feet of finished living space, plus a rec room in the basement there's room for everyone to spread out and enjoy. The multi-level layout provides ideal separation of living spaces, while still feeling connected--perfect for everyday living or entertaining.

    Jen Burkamper RE/MAX REAL ESTATE CENTER

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
14
Median Rent
$1,295
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,695
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,000
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,795
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,795
Median Condo Rent
$695
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$695

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®®

40 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®®

40 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

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.
Boone
Ginger Atcheson
Real Estate Property Solutions, LLC
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