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.
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Warren County Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Warren County, Cumming sell after 103 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Warren County, Cumming over the last 12 months is $359,990, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**Have you always dreamed of owning your own piece of the country?** Make that dream a reality on 15 scenic acres, just 25 minutes from Jordan Creek Mall and West Des Moines.This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath farmhouse blends country charm with modern updates, including an updated kitchen with soft-close drawers, updated bathrooms, new roof (2023), new windows (2024–2025), new
Located just outside Indianola city limits, this ranch sits on approximately 13 scenic acres with hobby farm potential and zoning that allows horses and livestock. The home offers a functional layout featuring a main floor family room with a fireplace, a living room, 3 bedrooms, a full bathroom, a walk-out basement and a newly updated full basement bathroom. Major exterior updates include siding,
Welcome home to the space, comfort, and flexibility today’s buyers are searching for. Tucked away on a quiet street, this well-maintained home offers a thoughtful layout designed for everyday living. Natural light fills the inviting living spaces, while the spacious kitchen serves as the heart of the home with plenty of room to cook, gather, and stay connected to the dining area and living
This 22.21 +/- acre property is located in Warren County, Iowa, with direct access from hard-surfaced G76, east of Lacona. The property is made up primarily of tillable ground and also includes a potential building site. Approximately 17.5 +/- acres are tillable, with an average CSR2 soil rating of 45.11. The tillable acres are currently rented at $210 per acre, generating current annual rental
This 38.91-acre property is located in Warren County, Iowa, with direct access off hard-surfaced G76, east of Lacona, Iowa. The tract combines tillable farm ground with timbered acreage, and the tillable acres, along with the hunting value of the timber, are the two main features of the farm. Approximately 23.66 acres are tillable, with an average CSR2 soil rating of 65.54. Within that tillable
Discover the ideal setup for your horses, hobby farm, or future homestead on this 6.19 acre corner lot, the last available parcel in the well-loved Palisades Equestrian Estates. Located in Prole, Iowa, just minutes south of Norwalk and the greater Des Moines metro, this property offers the perfect balance of rural quiet and everyday convenience.Set less than 3/4 mile off Highway 28, the
If you’ve been looking for that perfect mix of space, location, and freedom, this 61± acre property between Carlisle and Hartford is worth a look. Sitting right off paved Highway 5, it’s an easy drive but still gives you the rural feel.The land itself has a great set up with rolling terrain, wide-open views, and a nice mix of timber and pasture. There’s an active creek running through it that
Discover 40± acres of Southern Iowa land just south of Milo, offering the perfect blend of privacy, natural beauty, and opportunity. Whether you're looking to build your dream home, establish a hobby farm, create a weekend getaway, or invest in Iowa land, this property provides a blank canvas for your vision.The property features healthy vegetation, a scenic pond, and a large graveled
Brodie WubbenRE/MAX Precision Land & Development Group
Offering 27.12 acres m/l of prime industrial development land situated within the city limits of Indianola, Iowa. Situated along the south side of Highway G36, this property is conveniently situated 1 mile from Highway 65/69 and 1.5 miles from Highway 92. The property is currently zoned M-2 (General Industrial). Zoning allows for Agricultural Sales/Services, Banks/Financial Services, Construction
Positioned within Norwalk’s established Brody’s Landing PUD, these two separate land areas offer a flexible mixed-use development opportunity in a growing residential corridor. Conveniently located along County Road G14 and E. 27th Street, the sites are near established neighborhoods, schools, and major transportation routes.The approved PUD designates the property for Commercial Flex
Brodie WubbenRE/MAX Precision Land & Development Group
Peoples Company is proud to present 68.72 acres m/l of premier building and recreational land located just south of Norwalk, Iowa, in Warren County. Situated within the Norwalk Community School District and less than one-half mile from the pavement of Highway R57, this property offers an outstanding opportunity to own a large tract of land with excellent building potential, recreational
Peoples Company is proud to present 10.22 acres on Hayes Street, just east of Highway R57 in Indianola, Iowa. The property is ideally situated between Indianola and Norwalk and offers a rare combination of location, convenience, and rural charm, just off pavement in a highly sought-after area of northwest Warren County, Iowa.The property features gently rolling topography, offering
Property Id: 2802441 2569 SE Hawkins Ave West Des Moines, IA 50265 Utilities and HOA fees paid and included! Owner renter - no management companies involved! This 3 bed, 3 bath townhome sits in a quiet, prime location in West Des Moines. Directly connected to the Great Western bike trail so you are a quick 20-30 minute bike ride from downtown and a 10 minute drive from most
Property Id: 1724690 Open concept main level with fireplace and kitchen with island and pantry. The upper level also features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and laundry. Finished lower level provides an additional family room, fourth bedroom and third bathroom.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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