Iowa is known for its wide-open spaces and friendly neighbors, and Warren County is no exception. The community offers a picturesque setting with rolling hills and lush vegetation within a short drive to big city amenities. "It is quite common to regularly see hot air balloons flying overhead, and often launching or landing in a greenspace near your neighborhood," writes Amanda Zwanziger, president and CEO of the Indianola Chamber of Commerce. Residents spend a lot of time outdoors walking their dogs and socializing. "You'll see people out strolling or riding their bikes," says broker associate Cody Pasa with Coldwell Banker Mid-America group and a county resident. "The community is very walkable." Routes 92 and 65 intersect in the middle of Warren County, creating a crossroads where locals can easily access shopping and dining options. In addition to residential areas, schools, parks and churches are peppered throughout the various neighborhoods. Streetscapes are impeccably neat, with uniform sidewalks on both sides of the road lined with mature shade trees. "The community is known for being friendly and welcoming, making it an excellent place for families, professionals and retirees alike," Zwanziger writes.
Bison used to roam the countryside around Annett Nature Center.
Townhomes in Norwalk are a easy-care option for homeowners in Warren County.
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New homes are popping up
The architecture comprises a mix of modern developments, historic houses and traditional Midwestern. Victorian and Craftsman-style homes are in the older parts of town, while newer neighborhoods feature ranch-style and contemporary homes. Most homes have garages. "We've been seeing a lot of new construction over the last five or six years, especially in areas like Carlisle, Norwalk and Indianola," Pasa says. Though there is a wide range of sale prices, most homes fall between $375,000 and $625,000. Lot sizes begin at ¼ acre and can go up to several acres depending on location.
Many bungalow-style homes can be found in the small towns of Warren County.
Brand new homes can be found on the outskirts of Cumming, Norwalk, and Indianola.
Developing neighborhoods continue to sprout up outside of Warren County towns.
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High school offers advanced programs
“We are seeing more and more first-home buyers drawn to the area for its schools,” Pasa says. Several school districts serve the Warren County community, including the Carlisle Community, Southeast Warren Community, Pleasantville Community, Martensdale-St. Mary's Community and Indianola Community all offer open enrollment. Students can start their education at Orchard Hills Elementary School, which has an A-minus grade from Niche. Southeast Warren Intermediate School has a B-minus grade. Students at Southeast Warren Jr-Sr High School, which has a B-minus grade, can enroll in several Dual Credit, Advanced Placement and Concurrent Enrollment courses.
Orchard Hills Elementary School serves second and third-grade students.
Welcome to Southeast Warren Intermediate School.
Southeast Warren Junior-Senior High School
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Time to re-charge
There is no shortage of parks and outdoor fun in Warren County. The Annett Nature Center, run by the Warren County Conservation Board, offers year-round recreational activities, including hiking, kayaking, fishing, geocaching, paddleboarding and picnicking. The board oversees 17 natural areas in the county. "We invite everyone to come out to one of our parks to recharge, unplug and re-center. And it's free," says Mallory Wells, office manager for the board." Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park is tucked into the rolling landscape between Indianola and Des Moines. The area was once the site of a coal mine and was turned into a state park in 2004. Summerset is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy fishing, hiking and biking. Otter Creek provides shady, winding trails, peaceful campsites, a prairie restoration area, and a small pond. The National Balloon Museum provides a fascinating journey into the history and understanding of hot air ballooning.
Annett Nature Center hosts camps for kids and indoor and outdoor events for all ages.
The large Lake Ahquabi attracts fisherman from far and wide.
The Banner Lakes at Summerset Park were the site of a large coal mine over a century ago.
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Pizza and ice cream
When it's time to pick up groceries, U.S. Route 65 takes residents to Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter. Z's Eatery & Draught Haus is a local favorite, a rustic community hangout with farmhouse décor. Crouse Cafe has served classic American comfort food for over 70 years. Pizza Ranch is a buffet chain offering pizza, fried chicken and sides in an Old West-themed setting. For a sweet treat, Pasa recommends Wendy's Ice Cream Shoppe and Outside Scoop.
HyVee Grocery Store in Indianola is one of several grocery stores in Warren County.
Z's Eatery in Indianola has won several awards and does daily specials.
The unique and rotating flavors of ice cream at The Outside Scoop in Indianola are all delicious
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National Balloon Classic
Warren County is home to the nine-day National Balloon Classic, beginning in July. This event is considered one of the country’s most competitive hot-air ballooning events. Balloon rides are available at a cost of $250 per person. Typically held the last week of July, the Warren County Fair features rides, games, concerts and livestock shows.
Health services are offered
Methodist West is one of the nearby hospitals. In addition, Warren County Health Services is a Public Health Agency providing locals with personal health services that includes at-home nursing, clinic programs, blood pressure screenings, foot care clinics for the elderly and diabetic, blood sugar screenings and cholesterol screenings. The county has only a few bus stops, so most residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting. Warren County has several major thoroughfares, including U.S. Highway 69 and Iowa highways 5, 28 and 92. Warren County is 21 miles from Downtown Des Moines, taking US-69 N, and Des Moines International Airport is a 20-mile drive via IA-92 W.
Low crime in Warren County
Crime in Warren County is minimal with a 1/10 on the CAP Index.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Warren County neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Warren County
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Warren County Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Warren County, Cumming sell after 112 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Warren County, Cumming over the last 12 months is $361,140, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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