$270,854Average Value$147Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes For Sale
The Ice Cream Capital of the World
Le Mars, Iowa, claims to be the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” thanks to being the home of Wells Enterprises, Inc., the makers of Blue Bunny Ice Cream and the country's largest family-operated ice cream manufacturer. The ice cream manufacturing facility now characterizes much of the small city’s skyline with a 12-story refrigeration tower and employs more than 1,000 of the city’s roughly 10,000 residents. In addition to its largest employer, the city hosts popular community events and a growing downtown district with locally owned shops and restaurants. “We have a great family environment, a Walmart and other grocery stores, and we’re close to a few major airports,” says Misty Szczech, Realtor with EXIT Realty Midwest. “But you still feel small town enough that you know your neighbors and their dog’s name.”
Ice cream cones are found all throughout the city of Le Mars.
Happiness served one scoop at a time at Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor in downtown Le Mars.
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Homebuyers looking for a different housing market than nearby Sioux City
Home prices range from around $70,000 to about $750,000, depending on age and condition. Colonial revival-style homes date back to the early 1900s, while new construction styles tend toward modern craftsman-style homes. The median home price is about $270,000, more than half the national median. Affordability is similar to nearby Sioux City, Szczech says, but homebuyers moving to Le Mars appreciate the smaller city for its schools and community atmosphere. “I moved here 23 years ago thinking I’d be here a couple of years, but we had two kids, and they have great schools,” she says. “Our kids have great experiences.”
Tree-lined streets create a peaceful atmosphere in Le Mars.
Spacious homes offer room for growing families in Le Mars.
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Technical career studies at Western Iowa Tech Community College
The Le Mars Community School District earns an overall B-plus on Niche. The district educates more than 2,300 students and has a 16:1 student-teacher ratio. Public schools within the district include three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Gehlen Catholic Schools offers private school options from elementary through high school. Western Iowa Tech Community College has a campus in Le Mars and offers certificate and degree programs.
Western Iowa Tech Community College has a campus in Le Mars and offers certificate and degree programs.
Le Mars High School serves students in grades 9-12.
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Le Mars parks for swimming, playing and local events
Le Mars has 13 parks and manages more facilities catering to sports like baseball, golf and tennis. In the summer, the Outdoor Swimming Pool and Park offers residents a place to stay cool, and the Olson Cultural Events Center is a popular place for social gatherings and community events. On the west side of town, Walton’s Pond serves as the community’s local fishing hole.
The Olson Cultural Events Center is a popular place for social gatherings and community events in Le Mars.
Le Mars has 13 parks and manages more facilities catering to sports like baseball, golf and tennis.
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Local shops, restaurants and art galleries in downtown Le Mars
Downtown Le Mars holds local tattoo shops, toy stores, and small retail businesses. “Our downtown is fantastic,” Szczech says. “We have coffee shops, a couple of women’s stores, children’s boutiques and a men’s clothing store. We have a cute new flower shop, and we’re getting a bookstore soon.” Locally owned restaurants offer American fare, Mexican cuisine, ice cream and more. The Le Mars Community Theatre hosts a full calendar of community theater shows, and Browns Century Theater brings live musical acts from across the country. Just south of downtown, the Le Mars Art Center holds three art galleries, a gift shop full of locally crafted goods and studio spaces where classes are held and local artists can work.
Local brews crafted with care at Habitue Coffeehouse and Bakery in Le Mars.
A stroll through downtown Le Mars offers unique shops like Jordan’s Meat Market.
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Ice Cream Days and other events
The main event in Le Mars is Ice Cream Days, a weekend of live music, local food vendors and ice cream. In July, the city hosts one of the state’s largest county fairs, the Plymouth County Fair. The fair lasts five days, and attractions include carnival rides and games, fair food and live music. “The country fair is always a big draw,” Szczech says. “You pay for admission, but all the entertainment is free.” Holiday events include Hometown Christmas and the city’s Christmas parade.
Getting around Le Mars requires a car
Le Mars has no public transportation service, but residential streets are lined with tree-shaded sidewalks. Interstate 29, the closest interstate, sits about 12 miles west of the city. State Route 75 runs along the city’s western border, putting downtown Sioux City 26 miles away. The Sioux Gateway Airport is the closest major airport and connects residents to larger international airports nearby. For emergency services, Floyd Valley Healthcare offers primary care and emergency care. The hospital is a certified Level IV Trauma Center.
Plains winds on the edges of town
The city’s crime rates tend to follow national and state rates. Environmental data suggests minor flooding impact risk from the Floyd River, which saw record flooding in parts of the county in 2024. Summers are pleasantly warm, though winters bring average annual snowfalls of about 11 inches. Because Le Mars sits on the plains, winter winds can be particularly chilling on the outskirts of town, Szczech says.
Written By
Konrad Solberg
Photography Contributed By
Seth Johanson
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Pageler,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Le Mars, IA sell after 109 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Le Mars, IA over the last 12 months is $360,000, up 32% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Open your Back Door to NATURE. Will never have a backdoor Neighbor! Over 16,000 Square Foot Lot, Fenced-In Backyard overlooking West Floyd Park & Frisbee Golf Park. This attractive 4 BR/3 Bath Home was Built in 1984 it Features an Open Kitchen/Dining Room with Vaulted Ceiling, Patio Doors lead to a multi-level Deck. The Upper Level of Home has Primary BR with 3/4 Shower Bath - Smart Toilet, 2
Beautiful 3-Story Home with Spacious Fenced Yard Step into this charming 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home featuring a blend of character and updates. Situated on a generous fenced-in lot, this property offers privacy, space, and room to enjoy the outdoors. Inside, you’ll love the large family room addition, perfect for gatherings and everyday living. The finished third-floor attic provides versatile
Pristine 2-Story Home on Corner Lot This pristine 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home offers over 2,100 sq ft of comfortable living space with timeless style. The main floor features oak floors, a cozy gas fireplace, and a spacious layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen and dining area open to a private patio where you can relax or host gatherings. Full bath with sky light and
Perfect Plymouth County building site with 4.49 +/- acres just under 600' from K49, a hard surface road and South facing too! Just North of C60 1 mile.
Sitting on almost 4 acres next to the Floyd River and on the City bike trail this unique property has a lot to offer. The partially finished home has large rooms throughout, bedrooms on both levels, newer HVAC, electrical and plumbing. The basement is an oversized crawl space so most of the utilities are located on the main level. This sale also includes parcel 12-19-276-007 which consists of a
Well cared for Property. 2 BR, walk-in Shower (2021), Eat in Kitchen, Living Room on the Main. Kitchen Appliances stay. 2 BR, toilet/sink, Shower base installed - ready to be finished, Laundry Room (Washer/Dryer stay) and Sitting Room in Lower Level. Double Det. Garage, Electrical updates (Campbell Electric) along with new Shingles, Gutter, Downspouts 2024 (Old Glory). Water Heater '22 Newer
Nice large clean new apartment. Luxury vinyl flooring in living and kitchen. carpet in the bedrooms. Master bedroom has ensuite and walk in closet. Residents pay water and electric. Soft water and trash is included. Stove side-by-side fridge dishwasher washer and dryer are included. Apartment Has Central air and its own hot water heater.
Nice large clean new apartment. Luxury vinyl flooring in living and kitchen. carpet in the bedrooms. Master bedroom has ensuite and walk in closet. Residents pay water and electric. Soft water and trash is included. Stove side-by-side fridge dishwasher washer and dryer are included. Apartment Has Central air and its own hot water heater.
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