$151,279Average Value$119Average Price per Sq Ft55Homes 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?
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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 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Creston, IA over the last 12 months is $128,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
It is an easy walk to school, the trail system, fitness center and more .Welcome to this beautifully crafted Arts & Crafts meets American Prairie style home on N. Sycamore Street in Creston, IA. With 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and 1,930 square feet of living space, this property offers timeless hardwood flooring, high ceilings, and stunning woodwork throughout. Enjoy the feature fireplace, and
Welcome to Quiet Harbor Estates ! This home is undergoing interior renovations to include fresh paint and flooring. Preview this 3-bedroom, 2-bath manufactured home that offers comfortable living.New flooring , fresh paint , new HVAC and skirting in progress. Your titled purchase includes 1-car detached garage, providing extra storage and convenience. As a resident of this vibrant 55 plus
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 Creston Landmark was constructed in 1928 - and more recently repurposed into a beautiful Condominium with 2,317 finished sq. Ft.. Keeping with many of the original architectural details, millwork and arched windows - it was professionally redesigned with new Kitchen - Custom cabinetry with pull-out shelving, quartz countertops, stainless steel French door Refrigerator, Oven Microwave and Gas
Welcome home to this well-maintained three-bedroom ranch home nestled in an established neighborhood just minutes from the Creston schools. The inviting main level offers comfortable living, while the full basement provides abundant storage space along with a spacious family room perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Step outside to a large rear deck overlooking the fenced backyard-ideal for
This Traditional Two-Story home shows off the craftsmanship of early 1900 with custom built-ins and woodwork - in excellent condition throughout the home. It starts at the Entry foyer with open staircase and divided light French doors into the large Living Room with tons of natural light. Formal dining room with wood-trimmed window seat and craftsmen display cabinets. Solid wood interior doors
Easy, low-maintenance living in a 55+ community! This 3 bed, 2 bath home built in 2003 offers approximately 1,400 sq ft, a 2-car attached garage, on a lot with minimal upkeep required. Inside, practical design with move-in ready appeal with room to make it your own over time. Pet-friendly (with approval), and water is included to keep monthly expenses simple. Monthly lot rent is $575, with
Enjoy the best of both worlds with this spacious ranch on 0.80 acres just outside of town, offering views of Summit Lake and two ponds while still minutes from everyday conveniences. With over 1,800 square feet on the main level, this home offers a functional layout for both everyday living and entertaining. The updated kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring a massive center island, abundant
The sellers have serious plans to make a move and have priced this property accordingly . Love that farmhouse vibe? Have some critters but don't want to be out in the country? Then this is the place for you . Creston City Council does require a request to have livestock on properties in town. Don't miss this energy efficient home featuring 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, spread across 1,152 square
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
Welcome home to this charming three-bedroom, one-bath ranch offering the convenience of all living facilities on one level! Enjoy a cozy living room highlighted by a fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings. The kitchen and all three bedrooms have been freshly painted, and new carpet in the bedrooms adds a fresh, move-in-ready feel and new central air unit installed on 7/16/2026. Situated on a
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
Now Available! This inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is ready for its next tenant! Enjoy a brand-new deck that's perfect for relaxing or entertaining, along with updated electrical for added peace of mind. The home comes equipped with a washer and dryer, as well as a stove, refrigerator, and microwave, making moving in a breeze. Comfortable, convenient, and ready for you to call home—don't miss
Residential Home for Rent in Creston, IA. This two-story house offers four bedrooms and two full bathrooms, plus an additional bedroom as listed, providing flexible living space. The layout features full bathrooms on each level and a practical floor plan suitable for varied needs. Conveniently located in Creston, the property presents a straightforward rental opportunity with essential amenities.
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