$210,195Average Value$134Average Price per Sq Ft36Homes For Sale
The Jewel of the Prairie centered around Grinnell College
In the early 1900s, Grinnell was at the epicenter of automotive production for east-central Iowa, thanks to the arrival of the Spaulding Manufacturing Company. Today, life is centered around Grinnell College, which serves over 1,700 students in the heart of the city. With a population of over 9,000, Grinnell is the largest city in Poweshiek County and is an hour away from Des Moines and Iowa City. Rated an A-minus overall and named amongst the top 40 best places to live in Iowa by Niche.com, residents can see why this tight-knit community is nicknamed "The Jewel of the Prairie."
Grinnell originally formed around the Spaulding manufacturing plant, which now houses its city hall.
Grinnell College is both the town's largest employer, and the chief driver of its character.
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Diverse housing with growing apartment options
With architectural styles ranging from Victorian to contemporary aesthetics, Grinnell has a diverse real estate market that includes ranch-style houses, bungalows and split-level homes. "It doesn't have the feel of every house looking the same in a cul-de-sac," says Matt Karjalahti, Ward 4 councilmember and Re/Max Partners Realty broker. "The town has its own unique identity and character." The median sale price is $208,000, lower than the state and national median. The area is experiencing a housing shortage with fewer than two months' supply at a time, but the area is seeing a growth in apartment complexes developing on the western end.
Most of Grinnell's homes are older, with Victorian construction from the early 1900s common.
Midcentury and Contemporary homes can be found further on Grinnell's borders.
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The best liberal arts college in Iowa
Rated an A-minus on Niche for its quality of teachers and academics, the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District oversees five campuses and was rated the second-best school district in the county. Grinnell College was voted the best liberal arts college in the state by Niche.com and employs around 700 faculty members. Kindergarten through eighth-grade students also have a private education option in Central Iowa Christian School, which has been teaching in the area for over 30 years.
Grinnell's children complete their primary educations at Grinnell High School.
Grinnell College fosters learning and discovery at every turn.
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Downtown Grinnell is packed with shops, restaurants
Downtown Grinnell has over 50 local and chain retailers, from clothing boutiques to sporting goods stores. Downtown's nearly 30 restaurants include wine bars, like Solera, to family-owned pizzerias, like Pagliai's, which has been in business since 1957. Local grocery stores include Hy-Vee and Fareway, and McNally's Foods is a smaller market that has been stocking residents' shelves since 1902. "What we have tends to be really good and really well cared for," Matt says. "In many ways, it looks less like Iowa and more like our own mini-Chicago."
Grinnell's downtown is home to more than 50 shops, stores, and restaurants.
Pagliai's Pizza has been a Grinnell staple for nearly 70 years.
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Museums and local landmarks preserving history
With around 15 sites on the National Register of Historic Places, Grinnell is a community that takes pride in its historic preservation efforts. The Merchant's National Bank was designed by the "father of skyscrapers" himself, Louis Sullivan, in 1914 and currently houses both the city's chamber of commerce and visitors' center. The Grinnell Historical Museum has been run by volunteers since 1952 and preserves artifacts from Grinnell's frontier days. Plus the community has a substantial public arts presence that can be seen on the downtown murals and in the Grinnell College Museum of Art.
The Grinnell Historical Museum preserves the towns long history.
Downtown Grinnell is home to famed Merchants National Bank, designed by Louis Sullivan in 1914.
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Aquatics, arts and music in the park
The city has nine public parks and three aquatic centers, including the Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center. The Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park has multiple sports fields for baseball, volleyball, soccer and pickleball, and the Grinnell Area Arts Council also plans community events such as the Music In The Park series every summer. "Our chamber of commerce has a very active role in making sure our central park is always booked and full at all times," Matt says. "Something's happening pretty much every week from springtime until school lets out."
Ahrens-Paschall Memorial Park provides outdoor excitement for Grinnell residents.
Beautiful examples of public art can be found throughout Grinnell.
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PeopleRides and commercial airport access
Interstate 80 provides highway access to the city, while the PeopleRides public transit service provides bus rides to Poweshiek and surrounding counties. UnityPoint Health's regional medical center offers 24-hour emergency care, and the city is conveniently located an hour away from three commercial airports, including the Eastern Iowa Airport, the Des Moines International Airport and the Waterloo Regional Airport.
Weather & Crime
Grinnell has mild summers and freezing winters, with average summer high temperatures of 82 degrees and winter low temperatures of 18 degrees. The area also sees an average of 30 inches of snowfall every year, with city crews plowing streets during peak snowfall times. According to FBI data, both violent and property crime rates are below state and national averages.
Written By
David Dunn
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Grinnell, IA sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Grinnell, IA over the last 12 months is $210,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover this east-facing, ground floor unit conveniently situated across from the underground parking garage. This condo features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, complemented by an open concept kitchen and living area. The sunroom/flex room, complete with a gas fireplace, is a highlight not to be overlooked. Tile flooring enhances the kitchen, entryway, and bathrooms. This unit boasts several
A wonderful family home is now available for purchase, situated directly across from Ahrens Park! 1425 Penrose features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and numerous significant updates. As you enter, you are welcomed by an enclosed front porch. Upon stepping inside, you will discover a spacious eat-in kitchen filled with lots of natural light. The large living room boasts a wood-burning fireplace
This bright second-floor condo offers comfortable living with peaceful seasonal countryside views. The open living and dining areas feature attractive hard-surface flooring, a cozy gas log fireplace, and east-facing windows that fill the space with natural light. The adjacent sun-room works perfectly as a home office, reading area, or flex space. The kitchen is open and functional with generous
Great location for this Grand 1900's 2 story home. Walk to down town or the college. 2 bedrooms 1 1/2 baths. Attic could be turned into more bedroom space w/some work. Home has a nice entry area w/open staircase. Enter the living room w/a newly remolded mantel w/gas fireplace insert. Living room is open to the quaint family room. Plenty of new windows to light up the rooms. Formal dining room has
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION COME TOUR THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME DON'T MISS OUT! Nicely Maintained 1900's 2 story. Charming 3 bedroom 1 3/4 bath home with open staircase. Large living room open to the dining area with column room dividers, built-ins in the formal dining room, Cozy kitchen has newer oak cabinets, beautiful decorative metal ceiling. All appliances stay. Large screened in sunroom off of the
Tucked into nearly 80 acres of rolling Iowa hills, just 7 miles west of Grinnell, 3 miles from I-80, 4miles from Rock Creek State Park, this one-of-a-kind property offers beauty, privacy, and convenience. Just across HWY 6 and down the road from Oakland Acres Golf Club, this setting is as peaceful as it is accessible. A handcrafted cabin-style home overlooks a private pond with nearly 1,000 feet
Step inside this beautifully preserved historic home where the character of careful craftsmanship and everyday comfort blend seamlessly. Gorgeous original hardwood floors, decorative wood trim, and two stained-glass windows give a nod to the home’s historic charm. The dining room features a built-in china cabinet that conveniently opens through to the kitchen—perfect for entertaining or everyday
Character meets modern luxury in this meticulously maintained Dutch Colonial home located in a prime Grinnell neighborhood. From the moment you step into the welcoming foyer you will notice the thoughtful updates and high quality finishes throughout. The expansive living room features a warm brick gas fireplace with a new remote and stunning Pella Architect series windows that flood the space
Prime Interstate development land, ready for you to break ground. Zoned Commercial. Situated within walking distance of two large service stations and two hotels, this commercial lot has a high traffic volume and is visible from Interstate 80! The lot is conveniently located off the Grinnell exit on State Highway 146/West Street S, North of Interstate 80, providing the lot with a desirable
Just YARDS, STEPS, LITERAL FEET, from Grinnell College, this spacious two-story duplex offers over 3,100 square feet of opportunity in a prime rental location. Originally built in 1882, the home blends vintage charm with versatile functionality, making it a great fit for investors or anyone looking to add value over time. One unit is currently leased, providing immediate income, while the second
This1 1/2 story Victorian home close to downtown and the park. Home features Open staircase large entry area. Enter into the large living room and formal dining area. Hardwood floors. Small office or reading area with full bath. Nice sized kitchen with plenty of counter top space and cabinets. There is also an updated 3/4 bath w/ laundry access to the basement. Three bedrooms on 2nd floor all
An exceptional development opportunity spanning over 2 acres, conveniently located just half a mile from the I-80 interchange (Exit 182) and Highway 146 leading into Grinnell, Iowa. This parcel is next to a newly constructed residential apartment complex (Reserves at South Lake) and directly across from a shopping strip, offering excellent visibility to Walmart. Grinnell is perfectly positioned
We don't just rent apartments. From the moment you walk through the front door you'll feel the comfort that makes our residents happy to call us home. Cutting edge amenities, meticulously-groomed grounds, and a dedicated staff contributes to a higher standard of living. Convenient shopping, award-winning schools, local museums and parks are all close at hand, with sponsored activities to develop
Apartment for Rent in the Heart of Downtown Grinnell! Looking for a beautiful place to call home? This newly renovated 2 Bed, 1 Bath apartment sits right above Comeback Café at 901 Main St, Grinnell, IA; offering stunning views of downtown and tons of natural light. All new appliances (including washer & dryer). Prime location off Main Street. Modern finishes throughout. Rent: $1,000/month;
When you call The Arbors Apartments home, youll find yourself surrounded in a beautiful, lush, park-like environment. Our spacious, luxury, two and three bedroom, one and two bath apartment homes include a variety of great amenities. The professional, on-site management staff will assist you in meeting all of your needs.If you would like to learn more about calling The Arbors Apartments
Looking for a rental in Grinnell? Check out this well-kept 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment located within walking distance of Grinnell College and Downtown. There is a main floor bedroom with the remaining three bedrooms on the second floor. The unit has a nice-sized kitchen and living room. There are full bathrooms on both levels. The second floor bathroom has been completely remodeled. The
We offer low-income housing for individuals 55 years of age or older and or disability. We provide an array of amenities that make living here a little easier! We not only have indoor mail delivery, but we also have a computer lab, a library and laundry machines on each floor!!! Our apartment homes have plenty of space throughout the apartment with natural lighting coming through the large living
Welcome to Spaulding Lofts, your ideal community where comfort, leisure, and entertainment seamlessly align with your lifestyle. Located in a great area and featuring exceptional amenities, our pet-friendly apartments for rent in Grinnell offer everything you need to feel right at home. Experience the perfect blend of quality living and convenience at Spaulding Lofts!Whether you opt for a one
Property Id: 2288823Are you looking for a well-cared for and updated house to rent in Grinnell? Here is your chance! This property is perfect for students or working professionals. The property offers comfortable and convenient living. This is a spacious two-story home with 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and detached 3 car garage. Rent is $1750 plus utilities. These are nice-sized bedrooms
This property at 1614 5th Ave features 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms within a total living space of 1,000 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The kitchen is equipped with essential appliances, including a washer and dryer for added convenience. Each bedroom provides sufficient room for furnishings and storage. The full bathroom includes standard
RARE OPENING! Contact us for your tour today! The Row on Reed offers a living experience unlike any other in the market. This small scale residence offers studio, 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom living spaces, each with their own private entrance, state of the art appliances, high-end finishes, spacious closets, high ceilings and in-unit laundry. Located in a quite neighborhood setting, The Row on
RARE OPENING! Contact us for your tour today! The Row on Reed offers a living experience unlike any other in the market. This small scale residence offers studio, 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom living spaces, each with their own private entrance, state of the art appliances, high-end finishes, spacious closets, high ceilings and in-unit laundry. Located in a quite neighborhood setting, The Row on
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