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De Soto

De Soto

$269,178 Average Value
$225 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

Why De Soto appeals to commuters and families seeking quiet living

De Soto is a close-knit, primarily residential area with lush lawns and shady trees lining the quiet streets. Commuters and families are drawn to the city’s small-town atmosphere and convenient location at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Highway 169. While De Soto has long been known as a bedroom community, it maintains its own personality with its park, highly rated schools and annual events.

De Soto’s town center features well-kept older homes with unique character.
De Soto’s town center features well-kept older homes with unique character.
Fareway in Adel provides convenient grocery access for families.
Fareway in Adel provides convenient grocery access for families.
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What typical home styles and prices look like in De Soto

Ranch-style homes and two-story New Traditional houses are typical throughout De Soto. “It gives you that rural feeling where you’ve got extra space and houses aren’t tucked in so tight,” says Jolene Lindell, a Realtor with Realty ONE Group Impact who sells in the area. Most houses are in the high $100,000s to the low $300,000s price range, but occasionally homes can go for as high as the mid $700,000s. “You can save a little bit of money, if you get out of the metro and don’t mind driving,” Lindell says.

New construction tends to be at the higher end of the price spectrum. “We’ve added about 40 units in the past few years – townhouses and such,” says Butch Ostrander, former De Soto mayor and lifelong resident. Townhouses tend to be in the mid-$200,000s. Properties stay on the market for around 20 days, compared to the national average of about 50 days. “There’s not a house that gets built that doesn’t sell,” Ostrander says.

Newer homes feature open floor plans and contemporary finishes.
Newer homes feature open floor plans and contemporary finishes.
Well-kept historic homes reflect timeless charm and distinctive style.
Well-kept historic homes reflect timeless charm and distinctive style.
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ADM schools provide structured grade levels and college credit

De Soto is part of the highly rated Adel–De Soto–Minburn Community School District:

  • Elementary students can go to Adel Elementary School for preschool through first grade.
  • Second grade through fourth grade students are zoned for Meadow View Elementary School.
  • Fifth and sixth graders can attend DeSoto Intermediate.
  • Seventh and eighth graders can go to ADM Middle School.
ADM High School is part of the Des Moines Area Community College Career Advantage Program, allowing students to earn college credits while earning their high school diplomas. Families can choose other school districts within the state if space is available, per Iowa law.

Meadow View Elementary School in Adel serves De Soto students in grades 2-4.
Meadow View Elementary School in Adel serves De Soto students in grades 2-4.
ADM High School guides students toward academic and career success.
ADM High School guides students toward academic and career success.
ADM High School guides students toward academic and career success.
ADM High School guides students toward academic and career success.
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I‑80 and I‑35 offer fast connections to nearby cities

The City of De Soto is a car-dependent area. “Another big draw for the city is that Interstate 80 runs right through it,” Ostrander says. “Highway 169 and Interstate 80 crisscross right through De Soto, and those are two of the most highly traveled roads in the U.S.” Interstate 80 heads east to Des Moines and Chicago or west all the way to San Francisco. The drive to downtown Des Moines is around 25 miles and takes around 25 minutes in regular traffic. Interstate 35, around 15 miles from the neighborhood, runs north to Duluth, Minnesota and south to the Mexican border.

Residents reach Iowa’s capital, Des Moines, via I-80 in under 30 minutes.
Residents reach Iowa’s capital, Des Moines, via I-80 in under 30 minutes.
Des Moines International Airport offers global flights just 24 miles away.
Des Moines International Airport offers global flights just 24 miles away.
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Small businesses, parks and annual events shape local life

There are a handful of local restaurants and small businesses in De Soto, but most amenities will require a drive to Adel, West Des Moines and the surrounding metro area. “We’re a very attractive city,” Ostrander says. “People can shop in the city and live in the country.” Little Bridge Park is on the town’s southeastern side by the train tracks. The park has a playground and a little bridge crossing over a small creek. 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. De Soto Fun Days in late summer is an annual summer event with bounce houses, arts and crafts, food trucks and a parade.

Adel’s Evans Park features winding trails popular with walkers and nature lovers.
Adel’s Evans Park features winding trails popular with walkers and nature lovers.
Little Bridge Park is perfect for picnics, play, and community gatherings.
Little Bridge Park is perfect for picnics, play, and community gatherings.
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A growing community with its own utilities and amenities

While De Soto is a small area, it is growing with the rest of the metro area. “We have a sensible, involved community here. We’re going to explode someday,” Ostrander says. “There’s no doubt about it.” De Soto is one of the only towns in Iowa with its own self-sufficient water treatment facility. The city also provides sewer and trash services, and MidAmerican Energy offers electricity and gas services. They have a couple of different options for internet and cable providers.

Ambro's Roadhouse is De Soto’s only restaurant located along the main highway through town.
Ambro's Roadhouse is De Soto’s only restaurant located along the main highway through town.
Railroad tracks run through the city, linking the town to destinations across the U.S.
Railroad tracks run through the city, linking the town to destinations across the U.S.
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Joyelle Ronan
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Drew Davis
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Garrett Ludwig
Video By
Garrett Ludwig

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Chris Kew, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

De Soto Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$252,500
Median Sale Price
$245,950
Median Single Family Sale Price
$245,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
14
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-14%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$225

Area Facts

Number of Homes
272
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Median Year Built
1977
Months of Supply
3.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,265
Significantly below the national average
1,930
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,325

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Weather

Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
10°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
22''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

18 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

23 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: 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.
De Soto