$154,545Average Value$116Average Price per Sq Ft95Homes For Sale
A manufacturing city at a major Iowa crossroads
Road trips across Iowa often pause in Fort Dodge, a regional manufacturing hub at the intersection of U.S. Route 169 and Historic Route 20, about 100 miles north of Des Moines. “We have more hotel rooms than needed for most towns our size,” says Troy Anderson, longtime local and Broker at Coldwell Banker Associated Realtors. “We have so many people traveling through, some stopping here and some moving on. Our hotels are full throughout the week.” Though the city’s meatpacking industry has shrunk since its midcentury heyday, today’s major employers pull from surrounding farmland to turn corn into ethanol, lysine and high-protein animal feed. “We’re still a pretty small town and focusing on that small-town atmosphere,” Anderson says. “The local economy has a lot of good-paying industrial and professional jobs.”
Fort Dodge is the county seat of Webster County and is home to about 25,000 residents.
The historic Downtown Fort Dodge has a variety of buildings, businesses, and entertainment.
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A housing stock from the early- to mid-1900s and sparse Fort Dodge developments
The median price for a home in Fort Dodge is $132,500, far below the national average. Homes from the early- to mid-1900s occupy gridded streets throughout the city. "1980 hit us hard during a farm crisis, so there wasn't a whole lot built in the '80s or even into the '90s," Anderson says. "Our boom of new homes didn't really start until the 2000s." Newer subdivisions on the north side of town contain ranch-style and New Traditional homes with two- to three-car garages. "We have an aging population here where our young people tend to leave and come back later," Anderson says. "We do have some townhomes for people who are downsizing."
Data from the Iowa Department of Public Safety shows that crimes against people in Fort Dodge have increased by about 16% since 2019. Meanwhile, property crime grew by 6%.
Many homes surrounding the downtown Fort Dodge area are pushing 100 years old.
Newer homes can be found in developments and neighborhoods on the outskirts of Fort Dodge.
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Bus routes throughout Fort Dodge and direct flights to Chicago
Though most residents drive, Dodger Area Rapid Transit operates six fixed bus routes throughout Fort Dodge to destinations like Iowa Central Community College and UnityPoint Health - Trinity Regional Medical Center. The crossroads between U.S. Routes 20 and 169 puts the city on the path across Iowa and state lines. Fort Dodge Regional Airport runs two direct flights to Chicago a day. “It’s another plus that many towns our size don’t have, and a good connection to get to an international airport that can take you anywhere,” Anderson says.
Des Moines River parks and the Fort Museum
Most city parks are on the west side of town along the Des Moines River shoreline or Soldier Creek. Race courses and motocross tracks neighbor cornfields and industrial centers on the city’s outskirts. The Fort Museum and Frontier Village bring the city’s military history to life from spring to fall, showcasing a replica stockade and artifact-filled exhibit, including a one-room schoolhouse and log cabin.
Loomis Park sits along the Des Moines River and provides a natural respite from the city.
Frontier Village is home to over a dozen original buildings dating back to the 1800s.
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From the downtown historic district to the future Corridor of Commerce
The Webster County Courthouse looks out over mom and pop shops, breweries and professional offices in the Fort Dodge Downtown Historic District. Meanwhile, the former site of Crossroads Mall on Business Route 20 is now one of Fort Dodge's most significant developments. "They're calling it the Corridor of Commerce," Anderson says. "We're getting new sports facilities, restaurants, and reimagined mall settings with mostly outdoor strip malls and individual stores." Chain fare and big-box stores also line this stretch; some options, like Aldi and Walmart, are the only locations for miles.
Downtown Fort Dodge is home to the Webster County Courthouse and many other historical and charming buildings.
The "Corridor of Commerce" is located on Fort Dodge's west side.
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A school district hub for Webster County
The Fort Dodge Community School District scores a C from Niche and extends to surrounding towns like Badger and Coalville. The new Fort Dodge Early Childhood Center opened its doors in 2021 to all prekindergarten and kindergarten students in the district. From there, kids attend one of four elementary schools before heading to Fort Dodge Middle School and Fort Dodge Senior High School. Iowa Central Community College offers dual enrollment courses to high schoolers virtually or in person at its campus off U.S. Route 169.
Fort Dodge Senior High School serves students in grades 9-12.
Iowa Central Community College is located on the south side of Fort Dodge.
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Music in Fort Dodge calls for a “Shellabration”
Getting involved in Fort Dodge often means putting on a show. The city is home to three independent theater organizations that recruit local talent for plays and musicals throughout the year. Civil War reenactors, a chain saw artist and a parade down Central Avenue are highlights of Frontier Days, a three-day celebration hosted by the museum. And what began as a partnership to restore the Oleson Park Bandshell has grown into Shellabration, Inc.: an all-volunteer board that organizes a namesake music event in July and the Downtown Country Jam in September. Cheering crowds and live acts replace traffic at the corner of Central Avenue and Ninth Street during each event.
Written By
Emma Downes
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Jeffrey Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Fort Dodge, IA sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Fort Dodge, IA over the last 12 months is $148,000, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in the desirable Woodlands neighborhood, this spacious split-level home offers 4 bedrooms, a 3 car garage, and a fenced in yard, perfect for privacy and outdoor enjoyment. A standout feature is the new 833 sq ft rec room addition, complete with a bar and space for a golf simulator, ideal for entertaining or relaxing. The main level also features laundry for added convenience. With a
Hard to find 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 4 level split in Knollcrest. This one offers the space everyone's looking for, with a primary suite, multiple living areas, and room to spread out. You'll love the 4 season sunroom overlooking the nicely landscaped yard, plus the patio and composite deck for entertaining. Cozy family room, large rec room, and a layout that just makes sense. New roof already taken
Welcome to 2528 13th Ave S in Fort Dodge, a well-maintained home on the south side. This property offers a comfortable layout with inviting living spaces, great natural light, and functional flow throughout. The kitchen provides ample cabinet and counter space and opens nicely to the main living area, making it ideal for everyday living and entertaining. You'll appreciate one spacious bedroom,
Spacious and inviting, this 4+ bedroom, 2 full bath home in the Feelhaver area, offers 1,648 sqft plus a finished basement, giving you plenty of room to spread out. The updated kitchen and flooring add a modern touch, while the layout provides both comfort and function. A 2-car tandem garage ensures ample parking and storage. Outside, you'll love the fenced lot over looking the ravine, perfect
3 bedrooms plus a non-conforming 4th bedroom on lower level, 2 bath and detached 2 car garage. In addition to the living room and family room there is a rec area on the lower level. Nice deck in the backyard with a fenced in yard. Call Stephanie Bishop 515-227-8627 or Jim Kesterson 515-570-0672
Charming hillside home featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, set on a wooded hilltop just outside of town for peaceful privacy. The inviting living room centers around a wood- burning fireplace, perfect for those long winters. Private master suite offers an en-suite bath and generous closet space. An oak kitchen with tons of storage Outside offers a gazebo for gatherings and a shed that provides
Welcome to a warm, inviting home designed for family life, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 2 car attached garage. A bright 19 x 6 sunroom with natural light and offers a versatile space an office, game room or gatherings. Gas fireplace provides a comforting centerpiece for cozy evenings together. Generous basement space ready for storage, a playroom, or future finishing to suit your family
This exceptional, almost 40-acre parcel, offers a rare combination of development potential and natural beauty just on the edge of town. With flexible commercial/industrial zoning, the property is ideally positioned for a wide range of business, mixed-use, or investment opportunities. The unique topography combines usable buildable land with natural landscape features, allowing developers to
Check out this great income producing 6 plex with high occupancy rate close to downtown! Five (2) Bedroom units and one (1) bedroom unit that are quite spacious. Nice location with wooded view overlooking the nature trail and near the new rivers edge discovery center. On site laundry gives your tenants a nice, clean, convienent way of washing clothes, and creates an additional income stream. Huge
26- unit ready for an investor with on-site laundry and carport. 2-2 bedroom units, 2-3 bedroom units and 22- one bedroom units. The scheduled rents are $550-$600 for the 1 bedroom units, $700 for the 2 bedrooms and $900 for the 3 bedroom units. Call Stephanie Bishop 515-227-8627 or Jim Kesterson 515-570-0672
Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath in round Prairie neighborhood! This property offers main floor bathroom and laundry. This home also features a 3rd nonconforming bedroom in the attic, storage shed, 2 car detached garage with a fenced in yard. Call Stephanie Bishop 515-227-8627 or Jim Kesterson 515-570-0672 for a private showing
Bring your ideas to life with this home. So much character that is ready to be brought back to life. This 2, bed 2 bath home is ready for new owners. Has a 1.5 car garage and nice size yard. Call your favorite agent today to take a look!!!!
Step back in time with this classic 1910 home that's ready for your vision and personal touch! Inside you will find a spacious layout that's waiting for updates. With some TLC, this could become a beautiful blend of old-world character and modern comfort. Whether you are an investor, a flipper or someone looking to restore a vintage home to its former glory, this is a great opportunity to add
Welcome to District 29 in Fort Dodge, Iowa.Discover comfortable, modern living in a convenient Fort Dodge location. District 29 offers thoughtfully designed studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with functional layouts that fit a variety of lifestyles.Each apartment features in-unit washers and dryers, walk-in closets, air conditioning, and private balconies or patios.
Welcome to 2nd Avenue Rowhomes – Modern Living in Fort Dodge!Discover contemporary comfort at 910-920 2nd Ave South, Fort Dodge’s newest apartment community. Offering thoughtfully designed one and two bedroom Rowhome style apartments, these residences blend style and convenience in a walkable, central location.Each home features:-Bright, open-concept floor plans with large
*******Market Rate Apartments********SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY TO FIND OUT MORELive in the newly renovated Phillips Luxury Apartments that truly bring a new meaning to class. Converted from original classrooms and academic spaces into modern proper-designed apartments, the Phillips Luxury Apartments, showcase a respect to the past while displaying an avant-garde style of living.
This property at 302 S 8th St apt 3 Fort Dodge features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within a total of 1,000 square feet The living room offers ample space for relaxation and includes natural light from large windows. Each bedroom is adequately sized, providing comfortable living quarters. The bathroom is equipped with standard fixtures and includes a tub/shower combination. The kitchen is
This property at 302 S 8th St apt 3 Fort Dodge features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within a total of 1,000 square feet The living room offers ample space for relaxation and includes natural light from large windows. Each bedroom is adequately sized, providing comfortable living quarters. The bathroom is equipped with standard fixtures and includes a tub/shower combination. The kitchen is
This 800 square foot property at 902 3rd Ave N features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and includes natural light from large windows. The bedroom is designed for comfort and includes sufficient closet space. The bathroom is equipped with standard fixtures and provides essential amenities. The kitchen includes necessary appliances and has a functional
This 600 sq. ft. property located at 1423 5th Ave S features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and is equipped with air conditioning for comfort. The bathroom includes standard fixtures and provides essential amenities. The bedroom is adequately sized, suitable for a single occupant or couple. This property is smoke-free, promoting a healthier living
This 900 sq. ft. property located at 2025 2nd Ave S features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and is complemented by air conditioning for comfort. The bathroom is functional and includes essential fixtures. Each bedroom provides sufficient room for furniture and storage. Additional amenities include smoke-free living . The exterior of the property is
This property at 1302 2nd Ave N features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within a total of 900 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and is designed for easy furniture arrangement. The bathroom is equipped with essential fixtures and provides convenient access from both bedrooms. Each bedroom is adequately sized, suitable for various furniture layouts. Additional amenities
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