Creston is a hub for health care, education, employment and errands
Settled in the rolling terrain of southwest Iowa, Creston is a community of roughly 8,000 residents and the Union County seat. As the third-largest city in the region, the former railroad town stands out as a hub for jobs and essential services. “It’s a working community, and agriculture is still important. People are coming here for employment — we have the industries, we have the hospital, we have the community college, we have a local radio station and a newspaper,” says Ellen Gerharz, a resident for nearly 25 years and executive director of the chamber of commerce. Creston is home to the Greater Regional Medical Center and manufacturers like Bunn, Vanmark Equipment and Wellman Dynamics. Gerharz says that the community has a lot to offer newcomers looking for a rural setting away from the hustle and bustle of larger communities. “But we’re only an hour from Des Moines if you want to get out and enjoy a night on the town,” she says.
Creston has 20th-century homes
Creston has a mix of homes built throughout the 1900s, with styles ranging from early 20th-century American Foursquare and bungalow to midcentury cottage and ranch-style homes. The median sale price is about $150,000, which is lower than the Osceola median of roughly $200,000. Most homes cost between $150,000 and $300,000, depending on the size, age and condition. Country estates and lakeside homes can sell for $400,000 to $600,000.
Public and private school options, plus a community college
Iowa offers open enrollment, allowing students to apply to attend schools other than those assigned to their residence. Students in this area are zoned to attend Creston Community Schools, which receives a B rating from Niche. High school students can choose from concurrent enrollment options at Southwestern Community College, which is in the community. The college also partners with Buena Vista University to provide bachelor's degree programs online.
Creston has two private school options: Saint Malachy Catholic School, an A-minus-rated institution for kids in pre-K through eighth grades, and the unrated Mayflower Heritage Christian School, which serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Gerharz says most private school students transition to Creston High School. “Creston has a great school system and both private schools are equally well thought of," she says.
Parks in town and multiple lakes within 30 miles
Creston has more than 200 acres of green space, with McKinley Park being the largest. It’s home to the community swimming pool, skate park and campground, as well as a fishing pond, basketball and pickleball courts and an 8-mile paved trail connecting to Green Valley State Park. The state park has a campground, 10 miles of trails and a lake for kayaking and fishing. “We have five lakes just within a 30-mile radius of Creston, and we have people come from other parts of the state to enjoy our outdoor activities,” Gerharz says. Crestmoor Golf Club has a 9-hole course with limited tee times open to the public. Creston Arts has events and programs for all ages and an art gallery in Creston's Restored Depot.
Three grocery store options and local restaurants
Residents can grab groceries at Hy-Vee, Fareway or Walmart or stop by Dollar General for essentials. There are also several locally owned shops. “We pull a lot of employees from northern Missouri because we’re the closest community within 60 miles from there, so a lot of people do their grocery shopping here,” Gerharz says. Dining options in town largely lean casual, with several Mexican, Chinese and chain restaurants. Mario’s Sports Bar and Grill and Creston Family Restaurant serve American fare, and Adams Street Espresso is a go-to for a quick breakfast. Spencer’s Chophouse and Tavern, a popular option for special occasions, offers steak, prime rib and gourmet burgers.
An hour from Des Moines and daily Amtrak trains
It’s about 60 miles to the capital city of Des Moines and Des Moines International Airport, and Omaha, Nebraska, is roughly 100 miles away. Amtrak offers service on the California Zephyr line, which has one departure in the morning and one return train in the evening. “We have a passenger train that comes through town, but there’s coal hauling, too, and it’s pretty active,” says city clerk Brandea Leach. “The trains can definitely disrupt traffic.”
Hot Air Balloon Days brings color and crowds each September
For nearly 50 years, Creston has hosted Hot Air Balloon Days, a multiday festival that brings dozens of hot air balloons to town. The annual event is held on the third weekend in September. “They do a night glow where the balloonists will inflate their balloons, and it’s so neat to see the various colors against the setting skyline,” Gerharz says. “We also have a parade on Saturday morning, and we have a band competition. The marching band competitions are pretty big in Iowa, not only for the small schools but the bigger ones.”
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
