Since its first baseball diamond was constructed in 1949, Carroll, Iowa, has built a small-town baseball legacy that carries on 75 years later. In the 1950s, the city's first semi-pro baseball team, the Carroll Merchants, regularly played against Iowa State League teams and even produced two major league ball players who went on to win the World Series. Today, the Merchants are still around, playing for the M.I.N.K. Collegiate Baseball League, and the city’s 10,000-plus residents are proud to continue supporting them, with some families volunteering to host visiting players during the summer season. Between the many outdoor amenities and educational offerings, life in Carroll is driven by America’s favorite pastimes. “It’s a strong community presence,” Greteman & Associates Partner Nathan Greteman says. “People care about their neighbors here.”
The city of Carroll, Iowa's motto is "Get Involved. Get Results."
Merchants Park is a Carroll sporting hub, hosting high school and collegiate games.
1/2
New neighborhoods in Northridge and Timber Creek
Ranch-style and split-level housing largely dominate the local real estate market, with a few manufactured homes available on the southern end. The median sale price is $195,000, well below the state and national median. However, the city is currently dealing with a housing shortage with fewer than three months of supply at a time. "It's still a sellers' market," Nathan says. "If something goes on the market, you've got to jump on it immediately." To address the limited supply, the city is offering a $20,000 incentive for new homes built by September 2026 and residential lots through the Northridge and Timber Creek developments. Prices range from $53,000 to $71,000 before construction costs.
Older and historic homes line the gridded streets in the center of Carroll.
New Traditional ranches are the popular style popping up on the edges of Carroll.
1/2
Home runs at Merchants Park
The 510-acre Swan Lake State Park has 115 campsites and is home to wildlife such as deer, songbirds and even turkeys. Carroll also has a top-notch baseball stadium in Merchants Park that can accommodate up to 1,200 attendees. "Our baseball field has been historically well-maintained and taken care of," Nathan says. "We've had the state tournament hosted here on and off for so many years." The Carroll Recreation Center also has its own baseball league and sports programs, and in the summer months, families can enjoy the pools and water slides at the outdoor aquatic center.
Swan Lake State Park is a popular spot for fishing, camping, and hiking.
Merchants Park is home to the Carroll Merchants, a semi-pro baseball team.
1/2
Carroll's economy is driven by manufacturing and health care
The largest company in the area is the Farner-Bocken distribution center, a division of Core-Mark that produces over 12,000 convenience store items and employs around 730 people. The local St. Anthony Regional Hospital is the area's go-to for urgent care and is the second-largest company with 700 employees. The Pella Corporation also manages a window and door manufacturing facility that employs over 600 people.
Farner-Bocken has a plant in Carroll and is a large employer of residents.
St Anthony Regional Hospital is the largest hospital for several counties around Carroll.
1/2
Community and Catholic schools
The city has a wide range of educational options in the Carroll Community School District, earning a B-plus on Niche.com and ranking amongst the top 50 school districts in Iowa. Private education is available at the Kuemper Catholic School, which serves over 1,200 students from preschool to high school. Additionally, the Des Moines Area Community College has a campus in Carroll that offers career and technical education through nearly 40 associate programs.
Carroll High School, home of the Tigers, is known for great academics and athletic successes.
Carroll's DMACC campus provides a local opportunity for secondary learning.
1/2
Transits and taxis with reduced ticket programs
With two major highways running through the city, Carroll has several public transportation options to get people around town. The Region 12 Public Transit provides door-to-door bus services that can be reserved 24 hours in advance, with one-way rides starting at $7. In addition to multiple cabs and taxi services, city hall also offers a reduced ticket program that disabled or senior residents can take advantage of. The closest commercial airport is Fort Dodge Regional Airport, 70 miles northeast in Webster County.
Limited shopping and dining selections
Carroll's retail scene primarily consists of department stores and thrift shops focused along U.S. Highway 30, which runs through the heart of town. Downtown has a handful of Mexican, Italian and American eateries, while the outskirts have a few additional family-friendly restaurants. Residents also have plenty of grocery store options close by, including Hy-Vee, Walmart and Fareway Meat & Grocery.
Downtown Carroll is a proud Main Street USA area with historic buildings and thriving businesses.
Walmart is one of several grocery store options in Carroll.
1/2
Weather & Crime
With an average of 30 inches of snow falling annually, the city conducts snow removal services as needed and prioritizes streets linked to essential services first. The Middle Raccoon River has the highest flood risk on the southern border, so residents are encouraged to avoid that area during heavy rain seasons. According to the Carroll Police Department, both the violent and property crime rates are below national averages.
Written By
David Dunn
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Jaried Frogosa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Vickie Errett,
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 Carroll, IA sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Carroll, IA over the last 12 months is $189,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tasteful features in this 2-4 bedroom, 2 bath area home! Walk into the living room with beautiful wood floors that really pop with the current paint colors. Kitchen has been freshly painted and the newer kitchen appliances are included. Large master bedroom with a patio door that leads to the fenced in backyard. Basement has newer flooring and has potential to add 1 or 2 more bedrooms. If you're
Extensively remodeled 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home with loads of character on a large lot. Kitchen and bathrooms have been remodeled, comes with appliances. Beautiful woodwork and lots of built ins. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other mechanicals are all updated. Currently has single car garage but room to add a 3 car garage.
Oh say can you see... a life well-lived, a childhood well-loved, and a future full of comfort and ease. Nestled in one of Carroll's most desirable neighborhoods on Ashwood Drive, this home is thoughtfully designed for both growing families and growing old gracefully. Located near schools, scenic walking trails, and golf courses, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath gem offers spaces that suit every season of
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.
