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Iowa Falls

Iowa Falls

Located in Hardin County

$164,898 Average Value
$113 Average Price per Sq Ft
29 Homes For Sale

Small community of Iowa Falls lives up to its Scenic City nickname

The Iowa River winds through the small community of Iowa Falls, earning it the nickname of the Scenic City. There are views of rocky river bluffs and shaded parks throughout the region, which are seen aboard the Scenic City Empress. Access to the outdoors, coupled with a vibrant downtown and close-knit community, draws people to the area. Iowa Falls receives a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.

Scenery abounds along the quiet curves of the Iowa River in Iowa Falls.
Scenery abounds along the quiet curves of the Iowa River in Iowa Falls.
Murals and public artworks are scattered throughout Iowa Falls.
Murals and public artworks are scattered throughout Iowa Falls.
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Recreation includes the Iowa River, parks and a private golf club

People boat, kayak and fish on the Iowa River. The Scenic Center Empress Boat Club runs boat tours every weekend from June through mid-October. During the winter, residents go ice skating. Several parks across the city have playgrounds and athletic fields. The Bill Riley Bandshell at Estes Park is named for local legend and broadcaster Bill Riley, founder of the Bill Riley Talent Search, which is still one of the main events at the Iowa State Fair. At Assembly Park, walking trails lead to a swinging bridge that goes across the river. Highland Golf Club has a private, nine-hole course and clubhouse that locals can rent for events.

Iowa Falls' Swinging Bridge draws visitors from all around the Midwest.
Iowa Falls' Swinging Bridge draws visitors from all around the Midwest.
Highland Golf Club is tucked into the wooded hills on the south side of the Iowa River.
Highland Golf Club is tucked into the wooded hills on the south side of the Iowa River.
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Mix of century-old homes and new construction in Iowa Falls

Oak trees shade Iowa Falls’ grassy lawns and sidewalks. Residences along the gridded streets are close together, with lots that are often half an acre or less and have driveways and garages. Late 19th and early-20th-century properties like Craftsman-style houses and bungalows, as well as mid-20th-century ranch-style homes and split-levels, make up most of the market. There is also some new construction. Smaller homes, up to 200,000 square feet, can cost $50,000 to $360,000, depending on size and condition. Larger ones range from $420,000 to $580,000.

Large, shady trees surround many homes in Iowa Falls.
Large, shady trees surround many homes in Iowa Falls.
Newer ranches can be found on the outer edges of Iowa Falls.
Newer ranches can be found on the outer edges of Iowa Falls.
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Downtown has shops, restaurants and the Metropolitan Opera House

Downtown Iowa Falls has several restaurants for locals to pick from. Princess Grill & Pizzeria serves burgers, pizza and other American fare. Diners play arcade games and pool at Top Flight. Chuong Garden is a Chinese restaurant that opened in 1995. Other businesses downtown include a variety of shops, like Antique Gallery & Tabletop Antics, and the Metropolitan Opera House, which opened as a theater in 1899 and went through major renovations in 2013. Its grand reopening included a notable guest, Hugh Jackman, who attended the premiere of his films “Prisoners” and “The Wolverine.” Locals get groceries from Hy-Vee and Fareway, and the city has a Walmart. The farmers market sells fresh produce on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings from May to October at Estes Park.

The varied building styles of downtown Iowa Falls give Washington Avenue a nostalgic feel.
The varied building styles of downtown Iowa Falls give Washington Avenue a nostalgic feel.
Fareway is one of several grocery store options in Iowa Falls.
Fareway is one of several grocery store options in Iowa Falls.
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Students attend Iowa Falls and Alden Community Schools

As part of the Iowa Falls and Alden Community School District, students can complete prekindergarten through second grade at Pineview Elementary, which scores a B-minus from Niche, and third through fifth grade at the B-rated Rock Run Elementary. Riverbend Middle School also receives a B-minus. Iowa Falls-Alden High has a C-plus and lets students earn Silver Cord Honors by completing at least 100 hours of community service by the end of their senior year. Ellsworth Community College, which was founded in 1892 and is the oldest in Iowa, offers associate degrees in fields like business administration and agriculture.

Students in Iowa Falls receive top-tier education in the Iowa Falls and Alden Community School District.
Students in Iowa Falls receive top-tier education in the Iowa Falls and Alden Community School District.
Ellsworth Community College provides Iowa Falls students with a local secondary education option.
Ellsworth Community College provides Iowa Falls students with a local secondary education option.
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Riverbend Rally is the largest celebration of the year

Riverbend Rally, the annual Fourth of July celebration, is one of the largest events in Iowa Falls. The weekend’s festivities include a disc golf tournament, craft vendors and live music. Local church groups also get involved, hosting an ice cream social and a community church service on Sunday morning. Other events include Lawn Chair Nights, a weekly free concert series in June, and the Scenic City Car Show, a vintage car show every Labor Day.

Locals can walk or bike, but most drive cars to get around

While downtown Iowa Falls is walkable and bikeable, cars are generally needed to get around. U.S. Route 65 leads about 80 miles to Des Moines. Many people fly out of Des Moines International Airport, which is about 90 miles away and offers nonstop flights to 35 destinations. Waterloo Regional Airport is a little bit closer, less than 60 miles away, and has daily flights to O’Hare International Airport. Hansen Family Hospital is in Iowa Falls.

The trails of Iowa Falls make for easy walkability and connectivity.
The trails of Iowa Falls make for easy walkability and connectivity.
Highway 65 bisects Iowa Falls and allows easy access to other highways and surrounding towns.
Highway 65 bisects Iowa Falls and allows easy access to other highways and surrounding towns.
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Zia Sampson
Written By
Zia Sampson
Drew Davis
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Ellie Brown
Video By
Ellie Brown

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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

Iowa Falls Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$167,500
Median Sale Price
$153,375
Median Single Family Sale Price
$155,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$322,450
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Last 12 months Home Sales
96
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
19%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$113

Area Facts

Number of Homes
773
Number of Homes for Sale
29
Median Year Built
1958
Months of Supply
3.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,432
Significantly below the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
889
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,463
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
910
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,494

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Iowa Falls Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,059
Median Age
41
Population under 18
23.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$49,969
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$61,025

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.3%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
24.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.6%
% Population in Labor Force
59.8%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
8°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
27''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

29 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

33 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
Iowa Falls