Cresco draws families and retirees with its slower pace
Surrounded by the wilderness and farmlands of northern Iowa, Cresco is well-loved by many of its residents as a retreat from nearby metro areas like Rochester and La Crosse . “We’re a rural area that’s very strategically located,” says Steve Linderbaum, an agent with Country Life Real Estate. “We’re an hour’s drive from some top-notch medical facilities. People are friendly and housing’s affordable – it’s pretty attractive to retirees and families.” With a population just below 4,000, Cresco leans into its small-town pride with annual community celebrations and monuments dedicated to historic locals like the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Dr. Norman Borlaug. “I think quieter living brings people to the area,” says Linderbaum, who’s lived in Cresco his entire life. “We’ve sold homes to young, old and everything in between.”
Most homes are midcentury ranches on quarter-acre lots
Residential zones are laid out in neat, rectangular lots bordered by sidewalks and tall, mature trees. Quarter-acre lots are typical, and backyards frequently end in gravel alleys dotted with carports, sheds and trash cans. Midcentury homes are most common in the area, with ranch-style designs typically selling between $60,000 and $300,000. Turn-of-the-20th-century National and Cape Cod homes are also available, with prices that range from about $40,000 to $180,000, depending on their condition.
Private school tuition may be covered by state programs
Students can begin at Crestwood Elementary School, which has a B-minus from Niche. From there, seventh through 12th-grade students can enroll at Crestwood High School, which has a B. Between 2018 and 2024, the high school’s football, wrestling, girls basketball and cross country teams made it to their respective championship qualifiers at least once. Iowa has an open enrollment program that allows students to apply to schools outside of their assigned district. For a private education, students between kindergarten and sixth grade can attend Notre Dame Catholic School, which has not yet received a score from Niche. Qualified students can take advantage of the state’s Students First Act, which offers state-funded tuition assistance for a private school education.
Wildlife areas nearby attract hikers and bird watchers
Local neighborhood parks like Kessel, Beadle and Evans have standard amenities like playground equipment and short walking trails. However, with its proximity to several wildlife areas, locals don’t have to go far for a deeper dive into nature. With 410 acres of woodlands, streams and trails, Turkey River Wildlife Area is a popular spot for hiking, hunting, fishing and camping. Further afield is Cardinal Marsh Wildlife Management Area, home to hundreds of species of birds that shift with every migratory season. As a result, it’s gained a reputation among birders and nature lovers of every stripe, who bring their cameras and binoculars to its trails year-round. Built in 1914, the historic Cresco Theatre and Opera House is a 425-seat performance space that regularly hosts live performances and screenings of the latest films.
Locally owned eateries outnumber chain restaurants
Most area shopping is near the city center, including clothing stores, outdoor suppliers, local boutiques and a Fareway Meat and Grocery. Locally owned and operated restaurants easily outnumber franchises and chains, with several options for pizza, Mexican and other comfort foods. Dough & Joe has a vast selection of coffee, espresso and tea drinks to go with its freshly made doughnuts, kolaches, croissants and other baked goods. Fat T’s Café offers laid-back fare with a menu of burgers, pizzas and grilled sandwiches.
Community events celebrate agriculture and local pride
Every summer, the Mighty Coward County Fair fills the fairgrounds with carnival rides, performance spaces and thousands of visitors. Stock car races, tractor pulls and livestock showings fill five days of food and community cheer. Named for the Novel Prize-winning agriculturalist and Cresco native, the Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest combines a weekend farmers market with live events and family friendly competitions. Locals can show off culinary skills at the steak cook-off, bid on some comfort at the quilt auction and say hello to their neighbors at the Harvest Fest Parade.
Emergency care is available within city limits
The area’s main highway is state Route 9, which cuts through the middle of the city. The Regional Health Services of Howard County provides the city with emergency and general health services, though specialized care from other reputable institutions isn’t far away. The Mayo Clinic is in Rochester, about 60 miles away, while the MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center is about 30 miles away.
