$261,055Average Value$215Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Rising from the Iowa prairie
For many years, De Soto has been known as a bedroom community for the nearby city of Des Moines, Iowa. It’s a small town rising gently among the sprawling midwestern flatlands – the kind of place where everybody knows one another. “De Soto has really been that type of town for a lot of years,” says Butch Ostrander, former De Soto mayor and life-long resident. Ranch-style houses dominate the housing market, though new construction is underway. There are also many available lots for buyers looking to build their houses from the ground up. Boasting a comfortable commute to Des Moines, a celebrated school system and a calculated approach to expansion, De Soto is a neighborhood that is well-positioned for its time to shine.
No matter where you are in De Soto, residents and visitors alike can feel a sense of home.
The De Soto Water Tower stands proud as one of the icons of the area.
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Getting distance from Des Moines
While ranch-style houses currently abound, De Soto has experienced a sizeable recent expansion. “We’ve added about 40 units in the past few years – townhouses and such. We’re a very attractive city,” Ostrander says. “People can shop in the city and live in the country. There’s not a house that gets built that doesn’t sell.” Ranch-style houses are often priced between $240,000 and $300,000, while newer split-levels rise as high as $400,000. Undeveloped lots sell between $150,000 and $200,000. Houses sit on bright green lawns, and the checkerboard neighborhood streets promise a calm respite from the rush of the city.
Older homes in the middle of town help highlight the history of De Soto.
De Soto also has newer homes for residents who prefer a modern feel.
De Soto also is home to many gorgeous townhomes.
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The distinctive ADM school district
Students in De Soto begin 6 miles away at Adel Elementary School, rated B-minus on Niche, which serves students from prekindergarten to first grade. Meadow View Elementary, which opened in Adel in 2021, serves second through fourth grade and hosts an annual Fine Arts Boosters Craft Show. De Soto Intermediate School earns a B-plus teaching students in grades five and six and is the only school in the district located directly in De Soto. ADM Middle School, which teaches seventh and eighth grades and scores a B-plus, offers power reading programs. Students finish at ADM High School, also rated B-plus, where the girls’ volleyball team completed an undefeated in-conference season in 2023.
Adel Elementary School keeps its grounds well maintained so kids can be safe while they learn.
Meadow View Elementary School in Adel serves De Soto students in grades 2-4.
The De Soto Intermediate School building shows the proud history that exists in its halls.
The ADM Middle School Tigers are known for great academics and successful athletics.
Adel DeSoto Minburn High School prepares Adel students for college and beyond.
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To Des Moines and beyond
“Another big draw for the city is that interstate 80 runs right through it,” Ostrander adds. “Highway 160 and Interstate 80 crisscross right through De Soto, and those are two of the most highly-traveled roads in the U.S.” I-80 heads east to Des Moines and Chicago or west all the way to San Francisco. Interstate 35, just 16 miles from the neighborhood, stretches north to Duluth, Minnesota and south to the Mexican border. Des Moines International Airport is roughly 24 miles from town.
Interstate-80 access
Access to Interstate-80
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Dining and DIY in De Soto
Residents can visit De Soto's Dollar General location for various consumer goods and grocery needs. Gas station locations Casey’s General Store and Kum & Go offer smaller market options for snacks and beverages. Ambro’s Roadhouse is a quintessential small-town eatery where locals catch up with neighbors over burgers and drinks. The area’s Tractor Supply Co. location provides residents access to various tools and gadgets for home repair and renovation, alongside various lawn, garden, agricultural and home improvement needs.
Ambro's Roadhouse is a popular spot for De Soto residents of all ages.
Dollar General provides a convenient stop for household items and simple grocery needs.
Casey's is known for it's delicious pizza by the slice or delivered to your door.
Kum & Go is one of three gas stations and convenience stores in De Soto.
Locals head to Tractor Supply Co for home and garden goods, along with clothing and pet supplies
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Little Bridge at home, Evans in Adel
De Soto’s solitary Little Bridge Park rests on the town’s southeastern side by the train tracks. The park features a playground and an aptly-monikered little bridge crossing over a small creek. A short 6 miles up the road in Adel, Evans Park is home to a nine-hole disc golf course, a 125-foot zipline and a paved half-mile walking trail.
The bridge in Little Bridge Park offers families a nice slice of nature and relaxation.
Little Bridge Park is a local park suitable and fun for all ages.
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De Soto Fun Days
Every year the city hosts De Soto Fun Days in late summer; the events often feature bounce houses, arts and crafts, food trucks and a parade. A short 25-mile drive down I-80 brings residents to downtown Des Moines, where music and heritage festivals are hosted regularly. High school sports are a popular pastime; many residents travel 6 miles to Adel to cheer on the boys’ basketball team at ADM High.
The train artwork at the De Soto Public Library adds just touch of color to the brickwork.
The De Soto boom
De Soto has experienced a boom of recent growth, becoming one of the only towns in Iowa with its own self-sufficient water treatment facility. Businesses buy up plots of land looking to take advantage of the town’s proximity to Des Moines without the downside of city traffic. A $50 million plan for the construction of a new high school was recently approved. Through it all, De Soto remains the picture of a small town where citizens come together to allow their community to thrive. Mr. Ostrander believes that the patience and good sense of the neighborhood are just beginning to pay off. “We have a sensible, involved community here. We’re going to explode someday,” he says. “There’s no doubt about it.”
The De Soto Water Tower stands proud as one of the icons of the area.
Discover the perfect blend of comfort, sustainability, and space with this exceptional 2,255 sq ft berm-home nestled on 9.25 acres of serene countryside just minutes from De Soto. Designed for energy efficiency and low-maintenance living, this unique ranch-style home offers a rare opportunity to enjoy expansive rural living without sacrificing modern conveniences. Step inside to find a spacious
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Brand new construction 2025. Located just South of I-80 just 18 minutes from Jordan Creek Town Center and 10 minutes from Adel DeSoto Minburn High School, this brand new construction 3 bed, 1.5 bath has nearly 1200 sq/ft of living space. The main floor has beautiful LVP flooring with an open concept from the spacious living room that includes a fireplace, dining area, and kitchen that includes
Located in the all ages manufactured home community of Holiday Terrace, this home is a brand new 2024 Champion Decatur with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms at approximately 1,150 square feet. This home comes with a full kitchen appliance package, Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring, and washer/dryer hook-ups. Plus, it has a spacious layout, great location and much more! Holiday Terrace offers a friendly
Brand new construction. Located just South of I-80 just 18 minutes from Jordan Creek Town Center and 10 minutes from Adel DeSoto Minburn High School, this brand new construction 3 bed, 1.5 bath has nearly 1200 sq/ft of living space. The main floor has beautiful LVP flooring with an open concept from the spacious living room that includes a fireplace, dining area, and kitchen that includes quartz
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Average Home Value
Source: Public RecordsDisclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
