$211,155Average Value$125Average Price per Sq Ft20Homes For Sale
Schools and local industries give Harlan small-town pride
As the seat of Shelby County, Harlan is a hub for surrounding rural communities in southwest Iowa. The city’s 5,000 residents have access to health care, job opportunities, restaurants and retail, all about 55 miles from Omaha in neighboring Nebraska. “It’s a beautiful town that not many people know about, which can be a good thing,” says city administrator Gervas Mgonja, who has lived in Harlan for almost nine years. “The schools, the hospital, the jobs — the amenities overall. I’ve lived in a lot of small towns, and this is one of the best.”
Harlan students love attending Harlan High School.
The Myrtue Medical Center is part of the industry in Harlan, Iowa.
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National and midcentury ranch-style homes line shaded streets
Most Harlan housing consists of midcentury ranch-style homes and National and Craftsman builds dating to the early 1900s. Some New Traditional homes have been added in the last 25 years, mainly on the southern side of town near Harlan Golf & Country Club. Narrow sidewalks and rows of mature trees line the central residential streets, where properties typically measure under a quarter-acre, though some newer builds offer more acreage. Most lots include shaded front and backyards and driveways, plus some garages. National and small ranch-style homes sell for $50,000 to $150,000, while split-level and Craftsman-style houses go for $165,000 to $335,000. New Traditional builds on large lots sell for $360,000 to $450,000. The area has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
National and Craftsman homes are fairly common in this community of Harlan, Iowa.
Midcentury ranch-style homes line the residential streets in Harlan.
New traditional homes are becoming more common in Harlan, Iowa.
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Local schools serve Harlan and nearby rural communities
Harlan Primary School receives a Niche grade of B-plus for prekindergarten through second grade. Harlan Intermediate School, rated B, serves students from grades 3 through 5, followed by Harlan Community Middle School, rated A-minus, and Harlan Community High School, rated B-plus. The high school participates in the TeamMates Mentoring Program to help students unlock their full potential. The district also serves residents of several nearby rural towns. Shelby County Catholic School, which is currently unrated, also serves prekindergarten through fifth. The private school is linked to St. Michael’s Catholic Church.
Students in Harlan begin their educational journey at Harlan Community Primary School.
Harlan is home of the Cyclones and Harlan Community Middle School.
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Harlan offers highway access and regional transportation
Monogram Foods, a food manufacturing company based in Harlan, is one of the area’s major employers. Myrtue Medical Center is also in town. Southwest Iowa Transit Agency offers workforce transport to Monogram, medical transport and on-demand shuttle service. U.S. Route 59 and Iowa Highway 44 intersect in Harlan, both heading to Omaha and Eppley Airfield, about 55 miles away
U.S. Route 59 and Iowa Highway 44 intersect in Harlan, providing residents with commuting options.
Harlan residents can take the short drive to Des Moines and enjoy some of what the city has to offer.
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Shops and restaurants surround the historic town square
Downtown Harlan surrounds a historic town square centered on the county courthouse. Coffee shops, boutiques and specialty stores fill the multicolored brick buildings. The Purple Door is a hip dining spot featuring exposed brick and an eclectic menu with everything from coconut shrimp to Greek salad to burgers and Italian specialties. Mexican cuisine takes the spotlight at Mi Casa, and regional chains Pizza Ranch and The Buck Snort are popular with locals. Homeowners can shop for the basics at Baxter Lumber & Hardware, Hineline Home Furnishings and Bomgaars department store. Groceries are available at Hy-Vee and Fareway Meat & Grocery.
Downtown Harlan has plenty of local shopping and dining options for residents and visitors to choose from.
Downtown Harlan is lined with local boutiques.
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Harlan’s parks offer fishing, disc golf, softball and swimming
Pioneer Park’s paved walking trail winds through a maze of trees, past a disc golf course, picnic areas, a fishing pond and a sledding hill. Rustic wooden play structures at Dream Playground entice the younger crowd. A basketball court and small skatepark sit alongside the outdoor pool and corkscrew waterslide at Norman D. Stamp Aquatic Center. JJ Jensen Park features baseball, softball and soccer fields for youth sports, and Shelby County Speedway loops around the fairgrounds in the city’s northern section. The 9-hole course at Harlan Golf & Country Club is open to the public. Dinesen Prairie State Preserve offers birding opportunities about 6 miles away.
Residents in Harlan use the trails at Pioneer Park to walk, run, and bike.
Rocky's Skate Park offers skaters many areas to improve their skills.
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Harlan events are centered on Shelby County Speedway
In July, the 10-day Shelby County Fair features agricultural shows, 4-H and FFA exhibits, mutton busting, home-baked goods, a carnival and auto races at Shelby County Speedway. The action-packed races at the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series first cruised onto the speedway in July 2024.
The Shelby County Fairgrounds is a popular space for community events in Harlan, Iowa.
Major roadways make it convenient for Harlan residents to get around.
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Photography Contributed By
Matt Pangman
Video By
Amon Parson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Vickie Errett,
an experienced agent in this area.
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 Harlan, IA sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Harlan, IA over the last 12 months is $215,000, up 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
An acreage right on the edge of town. 1.7 Acres with ranch-style 3- 4 bedroom, 2 bath home, full finished walk out basement and attached 2-car garage. The kitchen-dining room has an eating bar with seating to divide the areas and an abundance of wood cabinetry. Main floor also includes two bedrooms, bath and the living room with fireplace that overlooks the truly captivating back property. The
Great family home or investment property with 4 bedroom and, 2 baths. Main floor includes a living room, large dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bath and kitchen. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms and a bath and the home has a full basement. Within the last 4 years there has been a new roof, new furnace, new hot water heater, new wiring,new plumbing and the home was fully insulated. Additional new
It is the white picket fence home that everyone wishes was theirs. This cottage-style 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has great character. The totally redone home features an open floor plan w/ cozy brick, gas fireplace. The kitchen has new cabinets, top-grade appliances & solid surface counter top. The master bedroom on the main floor has sliding doors out to the private, large composite deck. The
This is basically a NEW home. The structure was gutted down to the studs and everything is new from there on out preserving the beautiful original woodwork trimming the windows. A gorgeous, spacious family home offering 4 bedrooms and 3 amazing baths with quartz countertop vanities. Gourmet kitchen with soft-close new cabinetry, eating bar, deep efficient sink, lots of practical storage. Also,
Welcome to this charming and well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the friendly community of Harlan, Iowa! Built in 2011 and situated on a 0.23 +/- acre lot in Shelby County, this cozy residence offers a perfect blend of comfort and modern updates. The home features a spacious two-car garage and a practical layout ideal for everyday living. Recent upgrades completed in 2025
We can't wait for you to see the charm & character this Cape Code style home has to offer. With 3,280 finished square feet among the 3 levels, this 5 bed, 3 bath home is ready for its next owner to put their customized TLC on it. This home offers new exterior paint, a new roof, new Thrasher's waterproofing... full walkout basement in a great neighborhood. The laundry can be on the main level or
Nestled on the outskirts of town in a serene country setting, this exquisite 4-bed, 4-bath ranch offers a private, picturesque acre with no backyard neighbors. The gourmet kitchen is a showcase of craftsmanship and design, featuring custom pickled birch cabinetry, Wolf appliances--including a traditional and steam oven--an induction cooktop, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer. The lower level
Kara JohansenBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Good Life Group
Rarely available, stately 4-bedroom, 3-bath Victorian home on historic Silk Stocking Row, thoughtfully restored to its former grace while blending modern convenience. Two fireplaces add warmth and character, while tall wooden columns with intricate terra cotta capitals define the carport and welcoming front porch, perfect for relaxing. One-inch tiger oak flooring flows throughout both levels. The
This charming Cape Cod style home is ready for its next owner. A few updates include newer appliances, furnace, and new sewer line. On the main level you'll find a spacious living room, you'll enjoy the natural light coming into the dining room, and a solid amount of cabinet storage in the galley-style kitchen. You will also fine the main bedroom and main full bathroom on the main level. Upstairs
Don't miss this well maintained 3-bedroom, 3-bath ranch home with 2 car attached garage, built in 2005 with over 1,300 SF on the main level and 700 SF of finish on the lower level, all on a corner lot with partially fenced yard! Main level features: ensuite with walk-in closet and titled bath with tub, vanity, and stool; eat-in kitchen with pantry closet, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and
Nestled on the outskirts of town in a serene country setting, this exquisite 4-bed, 4-bath ranch offers a private, picturesque acre with no backyard neighbors. The gourmet kitchen is a showcase of craftsmanship and design, featuring custom pickled birch cabinetry, Wolf appliances—including a traditional and steam oven—an induction cooktop, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer. The lower level
This excellent acreage features a 5 bedroom home with main floor master with private full bath and huge walk-in closet, as well as 2 additional main floor bedrooms with walk-in closets and full bath with space for stack laundry. You'll love the large living room with beautiful built-ins, original woodwork, and large windows providing amazing views and walk out to large deck, perfect for relaxing,
Come see what you've been missing at Regency Villa of Harlan! Spacious living areas, newly renovated community center, laundry facilities on site, 24/7 maintenance, two beautiful outdoor gazebos, and a whole lot more! Rental Assistance may be available! Rent is based on income! Apartments designated for persons 62 of age or older, handicapped, regardless of age. "This institution is an equal
Property Id: 13084581 Bedroom, 1-Bath Apartment Unit for Rent in Harlan!Rent: $750/month | Deposit: $750Pets: Negotiable ($300 fee per pet + $35/month per pet)Utilities: Tenant responsibility (includes lawn care, snow removal etc)Income: 3x rent | Credit: 580+Lease Duration: 12 months with discount available for longer durationsHousing Vouchers: Accepted (HUD,
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.
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