Centerville sees fewer residents but growing economic efforts
Founded in 1846, Centerville was a thriving coal mining community for decades in rural southern Iowa. The coal mining industry eventually dwindled in this small city, and hundreds lost their jobs at the Rubbermaid factory that shut down in 2006. These are some of the factors that led to the gradual decline in population from nearly 8,500 in 1920 to 5,400 in 2020. “A lot of our small businesses are doing what they can to keep afloat,” says Melanie Cowan, an associate broker with Re/Max Pride, who has lived in Centerville her whole life. “We have PACT, which is our economic development, and they are working on getting new businesses in town.”
Century-old homes in town and newer builds in the outskirts
The median home sale price is $115,000, lower than the state median of about $250,000. Grid-pattern streets branch out from the Square. Homes dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s range from small bungalows to large Victorians. Ranch-style and split-level homes from the mid-1900s are also common. Housing developments are scarce. Most homes built between 2000 and the 2020s are custom-built houses scattered around town and in the rural outskirts.
Shops and restaurants in Iowa's largest town square
Centerville serves as the seat of Appanoose County, with the courthouse in the middle of what is considered the largest town square in Iowa. Historic Italianate-style buildings wrap around the Square occupied by offices, restaurants and small shops. Pit Pony Pub & Eatery is one of the city’s newest restaurants, opening in 2022. Meanwhile, George & Nick’s Pizza & Steakhouse has been serving the community since 1968. The Square's southeast corner has a short one-way street known as Pill Row because it was once all doctors' offices. Now, it’s home to other businesses, including Gordies Bar & Grill and The Majestic Theater, a historic space that serves as a special events venue and shows movies about once a week, according to Cowan. A Cinema 4 movie theater is off of Iowa Highway 5, along with other businesses, including a Hy-Vee Grocery Store and Walmart.
Local parks and nearby Rathbun Lake provide recreation
Morgan Cline Park’s tree-lined walkways weave through the hilly green space, passing tennis courts, picnic pavilions and a playground. The many trees make for obstacles on the park’s disc golf course. The park also has an outdoor pool, featuring two twisting water slides and a high diving board. Locals can also visit Lelah Bradley Park to go boating and fishing on the two reservoirs or go on a nature walk. Rathbun Lake, one of the largest lakes in Iowa, is about 15 miles away with a beach and swim area, a state park and several campgrounds.
Small public school classrooms and Indian Hills Community College
Students attend Lakeview Elementary School and Howar Middle School, each receiving a C grade from Niche. Centerville High School is graded a B-minus and has about 400 students. “People like the smaller schools,” Cowan says. “They feel their kids get more one-on-one attention.” The high school uses an online program called Exact Path to assess the academic strengths and weaknesses of each student. Indian Hills Community College is in Centerville, offering nearly 100 programs of study and 19 varsity sports. The Indian Hill Warriors compete in Division I of the National Junior College Athletic Association. The men’s golf team has won six national championships since 2000, with the most recent victory in 2018.
Celebrating Pancake Day since the 1940s
Pancake Day has been an annual tradition since 1949, when a former Pillsbury plant provided the batter. The event is held on the last Saturday of September in the Square and has a new theme every year. It features a parade, a pageant with the crowning of the Miss Pancake Day Queen, live music and lots of free pancakes. In 2021, the city served 14,280 pancakes, breaking the Guinness World Record.
Access to Iowa Highways 2 and 5, about 90 miles to Des Moines
Centerville is primarily a car-dependent community. However, locals can get around by taking a 10-15 Transit bus, which provides transportation by appointment to and from grocery stores, MercyOne Medical Center and other places throughout town. Iowa Highways 2 and 5 are Centerville’s two main roads. It’s about a 90-mile drive to Des Moines and its international airport, which takes less than two hours.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
