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Glenwood

Glenwood

$279,325 Average Value
$148 Average Price per Sq Ft
18 Homes For Sale

Historic Glenwood offers quiet living near Omaha and Council Bluffs

Glenwood rests in a hollow of the Loess Hills in southwest Iowa, about 5 miles east of the Nebraska border. Historic buildings recall the city’s early days, when its economy was centered on a psychiatric hospital that shuttered in 2024. Glenwood is the seat of Mills County and home to roughly 5,000 residents, many of whom commute to Council Bluffs or Omaha on the Nebraska side of the border. “You’re close enough to the city, if you need to go to Council Bluffs or Omaha,” says city clerk Theresa Simonetti. “Omaha has pretty much everything you need, but a lot of people move here because it’s quiet.”

Many acreages can be found just outside of Glenwood.
Many acreages can be found just outside of Glenwood.
Take a stroll through history among the beautifully restored facades and storefronts in downtown Glenwood.
Take a stroll through history among the beautifully restored facades and storefronts in downtown Glenwood.
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Historic homes and ranches line Glenwood’s hilly streets

Glenwood’s residential streets include brick-paved thoroughfares like Hazel Street, which feature historic homes on shaded knolls. Queen Anne and National style builds, foursquares and bungalows date to the early 1900s, while most ranch-style homes were built between 1950 and 1990. Lot sizes in central areas typically measure under a quarter-acre; on the outskirts, New Traditional homes occupy lots measuring 1 to 2 acres. Sidewalks border many streets, but can be patchy and uneven due to hilly terrain. Paved driveways and attached garages are common, especially for newer homes. Fixer-uppers sell for $100,000 to $150,000, and small ranch-style and National homes cost $160,000 to $300,000. New Traditional and larger ranch-style houses cost $300,000 to $550,000.


Mills County experienced extreme flooding in March 2019. While Glenwood wasn’t affected as directly as nearby towns like Pacific Junction, the city was on a boil advisory for weeks afterward. Homes near Keg Creek are likeliest to be affected by flooding during periods of heavy rain.

Mature trees frame the elegant historic properties that define the character of central ⁠Glenwood.
Mature trees frame the elegant historic properties that define the character of central ⁠Glenwood.
Shaded knolls and brick-paved thoroughfares like Hazel Street showcase the diverse architectural heritage of Glenwood.
Shaded knolls and brick-paved thoroughfares like Hazel Street showcase the diverse architectural heritage of Glenwood.
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Regional chains and a local brewery in downtown Glenwood

Glenwood’s historic downtown centers on the town square and Mills County Courthouse. Beer lovers sample brews like Breakdown Brown and Brick Red Ale at Keg Creek Brewing. “They brew their own and distribute it throughout the area,” Simonetti says. Several popular regional chain restaurants have Glenwood locations. The Buck Snort is known for its sandwiches and burgers, and Casey’s takeout pizza earns high marks. El Porton Mexican Grill is another local hot spot. Family Fare supermarket has a convenient downtown location, and Bomgaars department store, Russ’s Market and several fast-food chains can be found on the city’s southwestern outskirts. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) recently granted the city over $500,000 for a downtown revitalization project, which is estimated to be complete by November 2025.

Experience authentic Italian flavors and fresh-made dough right on the historic town square in Glenwood at Adriano’s Brick Oven.
Experience authentic Italian flavors and fresh-made dough right on the historic town square in Glenwood at Adriano’s Brick Oven.
Glenwood Buck Snort is known for its sandwiches and burgers.
Glenwood Buck Snort is known for its sandwiches and burgers.
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Mixed Niche ratings for Glenwood schools

Northeast Elementary School receives a B from Niche and serves students from prekindergarten to Grade 2. For grades 3 through 5, students move to West Elementary School, rated A-minus. Next is Glenwood Community Middle School, rated B-plus, and Glenwood Community High, rated C-plus. The high school partners with Iowa Western Community College so students can earn college credit before graduating. Iowa recently passed the Students First Act, which makes state funding available for kids in grades K-12 to attend private school anywhere in the state.

Glenwood Senior High School is located on the east side of Glenwood.
Glenwood Senior High School is located on the east side of Glenwood.
West Elementary School is easily accessed in the town of Glenwood.
West Elementary School is easily accessed in the town of Glenwood.
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Local parks, pools and sports fields offer outdoor fun

The Glenwood Community Recreation Complex is the city’s primary outdoor gathering space. An amphitheater sits on a hill overlooking the fishing lake, and multiuse paths weave through wooded areas, past picnic shelters and a playground. Tennis and basketball courts, baseball fields and a disc golf course invite competitive play. Exhibits at Mills County Historical Museum explore the region’s history, going back to the early Native days. The rec complex is close to the high school and surrounding sports fields and the indoor and outdoor pools at the Mills County YMCA and Glenwood Aquatic Center. Glenwood Golf Course is open to the public.

Local residents enjoy baseball games at Glenwood Community Recreation Complex.
Local residents enjoy baseball games at Glenwood Community Recreation Complex.
Glenwood Lake Park is the largest park in Glenwood.
Glenwood Lake Park is the largest park in Glenwood.
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Performing arts and police events bring the community together

Mills Masquers, a nonprofit performing arts theater, stages classic plays and contemporary works throughout the year, and Davies Amphitheater hosts family-friendly live entertainment on summer weekend evenings. In August, the Glenwood Police Department gives locals the chance to meet their public service officials over games and demonstrations at the Cultivate Community event.

Major highways lead to services in Omaha and Council Bluffs

U.S. Route 34, Glenwood’s primary traffic artery, connects to Interstate 29 for the 25-mile drive to Omaha and Eppley Airfield on the Nebraska side of the border. Residents can access on-demand shuttle service through the Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA). Health care services are available at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, about 20 miles away.

Sunday worship at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Glenwood was established by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1848, when the city was known as Coonsville. Although many members left the area in the 1850s, the church on Elderberry Road north of the city holds Sunday worship and sacrament meetings.

Adrienne Ryan
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Seth Johanson
Photography Contributed By
Seth Johanson
Jaried Frogosa
Video By
Jaried Frogosa

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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

Area Facts

Number of Homes
836
Number of Homes for Sale
18
Median Year Built
1958
Months of Supply
2.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,535
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,583
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,583

Open Houses

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Glenwood Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
1
Median Rent
$1,700
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,700
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$1,700

Demographics

Total Population
5,133
Median Age
40
Population under 18
27.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$75,179
Below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$94,364

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.5%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
26.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9%
% Population in Labor Force
69.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
13°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
18''

Area Factors

Fairly bikeable

Bikeability®

50 / 100

Fairly walkable

Walkability®

50 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

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.

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.
Glenwood
Bob Hughes
Jim Hughes Real Estate
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