$152,419Average Value$102Average Price per Sq Ft41Homes For Sale
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.
Panther Pride runs deep in Creston and the surrounding countryside.
Creston celebrates its history while always looking to the future.
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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.
Older homes in Creston range from ranches and bungalows to four-squares and Victorians.
The several lakes around Creston offer lakeside living opportunities.
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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.
Creston Elementary and Middle Schools share a state-of-the-art campus on the north side of town.
Southwestern Community College hosts local students from Creston but also from all over the Midwest.
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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.
McKinley Park is home to Creston's city pool and many other amenities.
Green Valley State Park has fishing, camping, hiking, and much more just minutes from Creston.
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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.
Locals love to have Fareway and other grocery stores conveniently located in Creston.
Mario's Sports Bar & Grill has daily food and drink specials.
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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
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Luke Mancari
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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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.
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On average, homes in Creston, IA sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Creston, IA over the last 12 months is $125,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This Golden opportunity will not last long!! Manufactured home located in the heart of Golden Shores a 55+ community. Access to the pond for Residents who enjoy fishing!! This home has an open floor plan with lots of natural light and neutral tones throughout. Large Living Room that is open to Kitchen with island seating and additional eating area that opens onto the front covered deck - great
Welcome home to this charming and spacious ranch, tucked away on a beautifully shaded lot with mature trees. Offering 2 main-level bedrooms plus 3 additional basement rooms with egress, this home provides flexible space for bedrooms, a home office, gym, or hobby areas. Inside, you’ll love the wide-open living and dining area—perfect for gathering, relaxing, or entertaining. Natural light fills
This 3 Bedroom 1 bath home is located near uptown Creston and within walking distance to Shops , grocery store , Banks and restaurants. Several improvements have been the last few years along with fresh paint and flooring. Some newer windows and a new roof in 2018. great opportunity for Starter home or as an investment property. Call today for your showing!
Welcome to this pristine 5-bedroom, 2-bath home nestled on a large corner lot in Creston! The property features an attached tandem garage, an expansive paved driveway, and a fenced play area perfect for kids or pets. Relax or entertain outdoors with a dedicated patio and grilling space. Inside, you’ll find a light-filled family room with a wall of windows, a kitchen with built-in cabinetry and
The corner location and large yard could be utilized for parking or adding a garage. Durable brick construction, full walkout basement, and existing accessibility features like the wheelchair ramp and paved sidewalks provide a foundation for a residential conversion. Have a home-based business? Plan to? This could be the location for you to live and work from . This location is offering
This two bedroom Ranch style home has nice-size Living Room, two Bedrooms, Bath with walk-in shower, Kitchen with natural light & eating area and Laundry Room on main level. Many updates within the last 7 years! Appliances are included - Washer/Dryer new 3 yrs; Refrigerator/Stove new 2019; Sewer clean-out, Plumbing fixtures & Flooring in Bathroom. This home is sitting on two city lots with alley
Oversized City Lot half-way between Uptown Creston and McKinley Park & Lake with City pool and activities. Large corner lot (95x140) with established shade trees and easy building site. Existing double car garage, Electricity already existing in Garage and city water access is available. Beautiful lot - to build your home!!
This home has new flooring, brand new appliances, just painted, new blinds and is ready to welcome a new owner. New furnace and central air ! The attached garage is extra deep to afford storage or a work area plus a garden shed. Both walk up steps and a ramp provide entry options. Talk to the Community Manager for lot lease details and a manufactured housing dealer to make your offer.
Charming Bungalow Near Uptown – Handyman Special with Major Updates! Just steps from the uptown area, this two-bedroom, one-bath home is full of potential with the big-ticket items already done! Enjoy a fully updated kitchen with brand-new appliances, new flooring throughout, new windows, and a roof that's just been replaced. The HVAC system is only four years old, providing modern comfort and
This Ranch style has been completely remodeled with Designer touches throughout. Fresh neutral palette, Luxury Vinyl Wood Plank flooring, New stainless steel GE appliances, Quartz countertops and custom Cabinetry in Kitchen and Master Bathroom- with double vanity and walk-in shower. Full Bath with Tub/Shower glass shower. New Whirlpool Washer/Dryer in Laundry Room. New Gas Furnace. Oversized
Enjoy the lifestyle of Summit Park Lane . Just minutes from Creston. All hard surface roads to your new home location. HOA has a lift station so no septic ! Country views with service that you typically do not get when you are outside the city limits. Sewer and rural water. HOA requirements: dues are $10 per month bare lot $20 per month when a structure is erected. There is $1000 hook up fee to
This beautiful split-level home is located in west Creston only one block from McKinley Park, Creston Community Swimming Pool and walking paths. This family home has 5 bedrooms and 3 Bathrooms - one of which is a Master Bedroom en suite. The recently remodeled Kitchen includes new Cabinetry, Stainless Steel Appliances, Silstone sink and new patio door off Kitchen eating area - onto deck for
Summit House Apartments is located at 509 North Maple Street Creston, IA and is managed by Premier Real Estate Management L.L.C., a reputable property management company with verified listings on RENTCafe. Summit House Apartments offers 1 to 2 bedroom apartments ranging in size from 612 to 792 sq.ft. Amenities include Air Conditioner, Availability 24 Hours, Business Center, Clubhouse, Efficient
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