$210,946Average Value$140Average Price per Sq Ft39Homes 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.
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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.
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On average, homes in Grinnell, IA sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Grinnell, IA over the last 12 months is $212,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Looking for that affordable acreage? This is the one! 3 Bedroom, 1 1/2 bath home that has been remodeled and is move-in ready! Kitchen includes all appliances and washer and dryer are included too! Living room, Kitchen and dining are are open concept. Stay cozy all winter long with the living room fireplace w/pellet insert. Basement has the laundry and storage galore! Two-plus vehicle garage is
As you walk up to this home in Grinnell, Iowa you are sure to notice the large, covered porch with shaker wood siding. Inside the gorgeous wood banister will catch your eye along with most of the original woodwork. On the main level is a living room, formal dining room, primary bedroom suite, kitchen with eat-in nook along with included appliances and a pantry for additional storage. Upstairs are
Discover this masterfully reconstructed residence where historic character meets modern structural integrity in a complete top to bottom transformation. Stripping the home back to its original studs allowed for a comprehensive overhaul including all new electrical and plumbing systems alongside a geo HVAC unit. The massive investment in the foundation features a brand new basement, multiple
Introducing a beautiful professionally remodeled 1 3/4 story house, nestled in the Grinnell Historic District. This turn of the century home has undergone a thoughtful and COMPLETE RENOVATION, seamlessly blending modern comforts with its timeless character. Step inside to discover beautiful hardwood floors swimming in natural light. Make your way from the spacious living room to the adjoining
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
Discover this resurrected and meticulously maintained two story single family home located at 1016 Elm Street which is perfectly situated just moments from the vibrant heart of Grinnell Central Park and the prestigious Grinnell College campus. This residence has undergone a comprehensive and soulful transformation that has breathed new life into what was once a neglected and tired property. The
Rare market opportunity! Offered for owner occupied purchase for the very first time, this 1969 ranch style home has served as a beloved church parsonage for decades. Situated on a highly desirable lot on the western edge of Grinnell, the property offers an expansive layout that feels almost like an acreage while keeping the convenience of city water and sewer. The location is unbeatable,
Step into this charming four-bedroom home situated in an unbeatable prime location just one block from Grinnell College and a short four-block stroll to the vibrant downtown Grinnell, Central Park, and Fairview Middle School. From the moment you arrive, you will be captivated by the classic curb appeal as you walk up the steps to the expansive covered front porch that wraps around the corner,
In the golf course community of Oakland Acres, 21 Eagle Drive offers a wonderful blend of comfortable living and generous outdoor space. The exterior features a private backyard with an expansive deck built in July 2024 that is perfect for watching the sunset. Around the front, to the front deck new in 2024, a large driveway that was newly resealed in October 2025 to accommodate plenty of parking
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
1900's 1 1/2 story home 3 bedroom 2 bath. If you are handy this home has great potential. Large enclosed wrap around porch. Home has hardwood floors throughout. Spacious living room and formal dining area. Main floor bedroom and a kitchen you could do so much with. Main floor laundry and 1/2 bath. Second floor has 2 bedrooms and full bath. One bedroom has a sun room attached. Full basement for
When you call The Arbors Apartments home, you'll 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
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: 1813333We are renting our charming four-bedroom, two-bathroom furnished home with 2100 square feet of comfortable living. (We can offer it largely unfurnished if desired.) The living room and dining room areas have newly refinished hardwood floors. There are four comfortable sized bedrooms, two newly remodeled bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with pantry and
12 Month Lease, $1,100 deposit, Available NowCharming 3-Bedroom, 1.5-Bath Duplex on Grinnell's East Side Welcome to this spacious and inviting 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath duplex located in a peaceful neighborhood on the east side of Grinnell. Key Features: Three Generously Sized Bedrooms: Ample space for rest and relaxation, with plenty of natural light and storage options. Bright & Open Living Area:
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
Great Short-term Large Home for Rent (from 6 months to 2 years)We are renting our charming four-bedroom, two-bathroom furnished home with 2100 square feet of comfortable living. (We can offer it mostly unfurnished if desired.) The living room and dining room areas have newly refinished hardwood floors. There are four comfortable sized bedrooms, two newly remodeled bathrooms, a
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
1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment for rent in Grinnell. This is a freshly remodeled apartment. The unit is on the second floor and parking is steps away. Laundry is located in the bedroom. Tenant pays utilities. Call your local agent today for a showing!
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