Eldora is a close-knit community by outdoor amenities in Hardin County
With a population of about 2,600, Eldora is a small community that comes together in meaningful ways, whether volunteering at the local food pantry or meeting at the county fair. “It’s just a small town, you know?” says Joan Grothoff, director of Eldora Public Library. “You know everybody.” The Iowa River and Pine Lake State Park neighbor the city, so residents have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors. Eldora is the seat of Hardin County.
The courthouse in Eldora has stunning architecture and stands tall over the city.
The Iowa River flows along the eastern bounds of Eldora and provides water to the city.
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Pine Lake State Park and the Iowa River are nearby
The Iowa River winds past Eldora. “It’s a great little river to float down,” Grothoff says. Kayakers and tubers can find several access points along the riverbank, including at Rock-n-Row Adventures. This campground and tube rental is cash-only and has live music on Saturday nights during the summer. At Pine Lake State Park, visitors go camping and hiking along trails that lead into the city or around the titular lake. Popular catches include bass and crappie. Twister Park is one of a handful of city parks and has baseball fields, tennis courts and a playground. The Eldora Aquatic Center, which is open during the summer, is also at the park. Patrons of the Eldora Public Library can find more than a catalog of books, with passport services and the Iowa Adventure Pass, which grants admission to popular destinations like Blank Park Zoo and the Reiman Gardens. “We just try to be a one-stop shop for everything you need,” Grothoff says.
Boat docks can be found at Pine Lake State Park for locals to embark along the Iowa River.
The Eldora Public Library hosts after-school clubs for local students.
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Homes dating back to the early 20th century are along Eldora’s streets
Sidewalks line most of Eldora’s shaded streets, where homes have grassy front lawns dotted with maple trees. Wide driveways lead to detached garages. Most properties date back to the early 20th century, including storybook-inspired cottages and Foursquares. “We have some really lovely homes in Eldora,” Grothoff says. There are several midcentury ranch-style houses and split-levels, and new construction is hard to come by. Depending on size and condition, prices generally range from $60,000 to $315,000. Investment properties cost as little as $6,000.
American Foursquares with patios are one of the most common housing styles in Eldora.
Large trees sit on many of the front yards in Eldora, providing shade through hot summers.
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Eldora-New Providence Elementary was recently renovated
The community is part of the Eldora-New Providence Community School District, also called South Hardin Schools. Eldora-New Providence Elementary School received a C-plus from Niche and went through renovations, including a new library. South Hardin Middle School is unrated. South Hardin High earns a B-minus and has extracurriculars like active Future Farmers of America and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapters.
Eldora-New Providence Elementary has a student-to-teacher ratio of 11:1.
South Hardin Middle School in Eldora teaches roughly 200 students.
South Hardin High has an "alternative high school" for qualifying non-traditional students.
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Most locals rely on cars to get around, with access to U.S. Route 65
While Eldora’s size makes it walkable, most residents drive. State Route 175 goes through the city and merges with U.S. Route 65, which leads about 75 miles to Des Moines. Des Moines International Airport, about an 85-mile drive, offers nonstop flights to over 20 destinations. The closest emergency room is at Hansen Family Hospital, about 15 miles away.
Residents support local businesses and food pantries
Most of Eldora’s shops and restaurants are locally owned. Opalane Boutique sells apparel for South Hardin and Iowa State University. The Pickin’ Preacher has a wide selection of antiques. Sunshine Cafe is known for traditional diner food, while Panda One serves Chinese. People enjoy burgers, wings and other American fare at Firehouse Saloon & Grill. Hy-Vee and Fareway are two grocery stores in the area. Locals can get fresh produce from the Eldora Farmers Market on Thursday evenings from the end of May through early October, or grow it themselves at the community garden in the city. “People can get anything for free, or you can buy a little plot for a very reasonable bit of money, and you can grow your own produce,” Grothoff says. Walmart is about 16 miles away. Pine Lake Food Shelf is the largest food pantry in Eldora and is open to residents twice a week. “A lot of people volunteer with the food pantry to help sustain them,” Grothoff says. There are several other pantries throughout the city, including at the library, where nonperishable donations replace overdue fines.
Sunshine Cafe in Eldora serves breakfast and lunch fare, like its signature Sunshine Chicken.
Pick'n Preacher is an antiques and collectables store with an eclectic collection in Eldora.
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Events include Eldora Pine Lake Festival and Hardin County Fair
Locals come together every year for the Eldora Pine Lake Festival, a celebration of community every summer. Programming includes Truck-A-Palooza, where kids can see big trucks and farm equipment up close, and the annual BBQ Cook Off hosted by the Eldora Police Department. There are food vendors, inflatables and live music all weekend. The Hardin County Fair is every July and includes events like livestock shows from local 4-H and Future Farmers of America chapters. There are also carnival rides and live music. Other celebrations throughout the year include the Eldora Christmas Festival, which includes a tree lighting and a visit with Santa.
Written By
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On average, homes in Eldora, IA sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Eldora, IA over the last 12 months is $139,000, up 41% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming 1.5-story home on a spacious lot, complete with a rare 3-stall garage! This move-in-ready property offers 4 bedrooms (including one conveniently located on the main floor) and 1.5 bathrooms. Inside, you’ll love the flow of the main level with a welcoming living room, formal dining room, and a newly updated kitchen featuring modern finishes and plenty of storage. Upstairs, you’ll find
Charming 2-story home. The main level offers a spacious bedroom, convenient laundry, and a kitchen with classic oak cabinetry. Upstairs, you’ll find three additional bedrooms and a full bath. Enjoy a small attached garage and a quiet paved patio, perfect for relaxing outdoors. Ideally located just a few blocks from the Courthouse Square, coffee shops, the theater, grocery stores, library, and the
**Charming Historic Home with Timeless Elegance** Step into a piece of history with this beautifully preserved historic home, where original architectural details blend seamlessly with modern updates. This stunning residence features 3000 square feet, 4 to 5 spacious bedrooms and 1.5 elegantly appointed bathrooms, providing ample space for family and guests. As you enter, you'll be greeted by
Step into this charming 2-story home filled with original woodwork and character throughout. The exterior has seen a major upgrade with a brand new roof on both the home and porch, including new plywood, restructured support, and fresh shingles for peace of mind for years to come. Inside, you’ll appreciate the classic layout featuring a formal dining room, a cozy sitting room, and a large living
Charming two-story craftsman home perfectly situated across from the elementary school and daycare! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence blends classic character with modern updates, featuring beautiful original woodwork throughout and a newly renovated kitchen. The main level offers a welcoming living room, formal dining room, and a bright bonus room at the back of the home that opens to a large,
Welcome home to 708 17th Ave in Eldora! This charming 1910-built home perfectly blends timeless character with modern-day comfort, offering over 2,400 finished square feet of inviting living space. Nestled on a .19-acre lot, this property is truly a hidden gem with a setting that feels like your own private retreat. Step inside and fall in love with the expansive open-concept layout, where the
Located close to downtown this 4 bedroom home is ready for an update. With original hard wood floors, an open layout and nice sized bedrooms with ample closet space this property would make a great family home. Some updates have been made including a full roof replacement in 2015, and upstairs bathroom. Don't miss your chance to turn this home into something special, call today!
This expansive 1.11-acre lot presents a blank canvas for your dream home, nestled in a prime location that combines tranquility with convenience. Situated in close proximity to the well known Twister park and Eldora pool, this property offers the perfect balance between natural serenity and modern amenities. One of the standout features of this lot is its suitability for construction. With
Fixer upper on a large lot. Property being sold in AS IS, WHERE IS condition. No repairs will be made by the seller. This property is also being marketed via auction.
1. A 1.5-story home with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, featuring a spacious yard ideal for building a new garage. It is situated across the street from the city pool, parks, and a ball diamond. The property requires interior repairs; however, the exterior updates include new windows, spray foam insulation, siding, and a roof installed in 2009. The furnace was replaced in 2005. Cash buyers only.
Check out this older home full of character- it's just looking for someone who's not afraid of a little work to return it to its glory! Living room, kitchen, dining room, and bonus room all located on the main floor. The bonus room has a closet in it, so it could be made into a bedroom by adding doors. There is also a full bath located on the main floor. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs, plus a
Building opportunity! This land offers a peaceful view with rolling hills to the south and west, making it an ideal spot to build a new home or add extra garage space. The lot includes a two-stall garage on a 0.19-acre lot. DO NOT enter the house! The house must be completely torn down, and a hold harmless agreement is in effect. Buyer must abide by city ordinances/code for vacant structures and
This property at 310 Vinton Ave features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within a total of 804 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and is designed for easy furniture arrangement. The bathroom is equipped with standard fixtures and provides necessary amenities. Each bedroom is adequately sized, suitable for various furniture layouts. The property includes washer/dryer for
This property at 310 Vinton Ave features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within a total of 804 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and is designed for easy furniture arrangement. The bathroom is equipped with standard fixtures and provides necessary amenities. Each bedroom is adequately sized, suitable for various furniture layouts. The property includes washer/dryer for
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