$217,386Average Value$140Average Price per Sq Ft43Homes 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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Dylan Stowell
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Vladislav Sedykh
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Grinnell, IA sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Grinnell, IA over the last 12 months is $224,000, up 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this gorgeously transformed, completely remodeled farmhouse-style home in Grinnell! Step up to the beautiful new front porch and enter an inviting layout packed with modern rustic charm, including warm wood floors, custom shiplap details, and updated light fixtures. The large, eat-in kitchen features crisp white cabinets, a classic farm-style sink, butcher block countertops, and
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
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
Located half a block from downtown Grinnell, one block from Grinnell College, two blocks from Central Park, and within the North Grinnell Historic District, this massive two story home presents an exceptional restoration opportunity. Owned by one family since the 1950s and formerly the Grinnell Historic Museum, the property retains tremendous scale and structural integrity. The main level opens
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
Great Price Reduction!!! Very well maintained 1900's craftsman 1.5 story home on large double corner lot.3 bedrooms 1 3/4 baths 2-1 car detached garages. Enter the home in the spacious sunroom great place for coffee. Large living room open to the formal dining area w/beautiful wood built-ins & a window seat. Quant county kitchen all appliances included. Main floor bedroom & full bath. Second
Welcome to an prime investment opportunity featuring strong occupancy history and extensive recent capital improvements, situated just two blocks from downtown and the hospital. This meticulously maintained duplex generates $19,800.00 in annual gross rents, making it an ideal asset for both seasoned investors and buyers looking to owner occupy. The property consists of two distinct residential
Price Improved!! Just 7 minutes from Grinnell! 45 Min from Des Moines!! 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
Corner lot on a Cul-de-sac, here it is! Your shot to build a house in NW Grinnell! Use whatever builder you prefer! Featuring desirable lot sizes ranging from 0.16 to 0.65 acres with municipal utilities already at the curb, this prime land parcel offers a seamless canvas for your custom home build or next residential project. Situated in an inviting Grinnell location, individual lots as well as
Very well maintained 1 1/2 story home with 3-bedroom, 1 full bath. Walking in to a large front entry area to get out of the cold. Then enter a spacious living room with a bright and airy feel. First floor has a convenient full bath and bedroom. Off the kitchen is a sunny area for a dining place with a main-level laundry. Second floor has 2 bedrooms. Back of the home you will enter into a large
Prime prime-location commercial development opportunity! This highly visible 1.71-acre level lot on Industrial Ave offers exceptional placement right in the heart of a high-traffic retail and commercial hub. Strategically positioned directly adjacent to major traffic generators including Walmart, Pizza Ranch, and a fully occupied, bustling strip mall, this parcel guarantees continuous exposure,
PRICED REDUCED. SELLERS IS LOOKING FOR OFFERS.Great location for the 4 bedroom 2 bath Split foyer home. Walk to school and the waterpark. Bike to Rock Creek State Park. Home has great potential add your touches. Large living room convenient to the Eat-in Kitchen with breakfast bar also access to the deck for grilling. Upper level has 2 bedrooms and a full bath. Lower level has family room and 2
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
New construction twin home for rent at 115 11th Ave, Grinnell — bright, low-maintenance modern living. This 1,478 sq. ft. rental features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, an open-concept living/dining area, and a contemporary kitchen with ample counter and cabinet space. The primary suite includes a private bath; additional bedrooms provide flexible space for family, office, or guests. Attached 2-car
New construction twin home at 121 11th Ave, Grinnell — modern, low-maintenance living in a prime location. This 1,288 sq. ft. residence offers 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths, an open-concept living and dining area with abundant natural light, and a contemporary kitchen with ample cabinet and counter space. The primary suite includes a private bath for added convenience. Additional highlights:
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