$292,546Average Value$143Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes 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
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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 Le Mars, IA sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Le Mars, IA over the last 12 months is $261,250, down 27% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fresh and new throughout this cute condo! This one is ready to go. New flooring and fresh paint creates a whole new look for this 2 bedroom, 1 bath home. The kitchen offers lots of cabinets space plus room for dining table. The basement has potential to finish and add another bathroom. Enjoy evenings on the deck and a fully fenced yard. 1 stall attached garage. Easy living here where life is
This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath condo in Le Mars features several recent updates inside and out. The main floor offers new vinyl flooring throughout, new kitchen appliances, and a refreshed laundry area with added storage cabinets and a Samsung washer/dryer tower. The bathroom has been updated with a new Onyx walk-in shower, and custom blinds have been added in the living room and porch entry. Updated
This extraordinary custom-built estate checks every box—quality, elegance, style, charm, and an unbeatable location. Completed in 2000 after nearly three years of thoughtful design and craftsmanship, this one-of-a-kind home sits on a breathtaking 1.54-acre setting overlooking Willow Creek Golf Course and the Maser Recreation Trail. Offering 4 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and a 4-stall garage, the home
Country Acreage Between Craig & Struble 2.75 +/- Acres | 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Ranch Home | 45′ x 105′ Steel Utility Building Check out this 2.75 +/- acre acreage located just outside of Le Mars, Iowa, between Craig and Struble. This property offers the perfect combination of peaceful rural living, privacy, and a beautifully maintained home with plenty of space to enjoy. Built in 1979, this
Brand-new construction with elevated finishes, thoughtful design, and room to enjoy it all. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac in one of Le Mars’ newest neighborhoods, this beautifully designed ranch offers 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a fully finished lower level, and an attached three-car garage. From the moment you step inside, the attention to detail stands out. The open-concept main level combines
EXTRA LARGE HEATED GARAGE! Imagine sitting on your front porch in the swing on a Beautiful Fall Night, there is a relaxing silence & a view of Foster Park? This can be a start of several Wonderful Moments and Memories in a Historically Registered 2-Story Home. Character of a Timeless Era, with some very essential Modern Upgrades. Owners have kept this Property in Meticulous Condition. 3 Bedrooms,
Welcome home to this beautiful new construction offering a spacious split-foyer floor plan designed for comfortable everyday living. From the moment you enter, you’ll notice the generous foyer, creating an open and welcoming feel more reminiscent of a two-story home. The main level features an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area with plenty of room to gather. The kitchen offers a
This well-cared-for 3-bedroom ranch offers comfortable living, thoughtful updates, and plenty of room to make your own! A large covered front porch welcomes you, and if you’re a true Midwesterner who loves sitting outside and watching a summer storm roll in, this may quickly become one of your favorite spots. Inside, you’ll find newer carpet and paint along with an updated kitchen featuring newer
Welcome to this cozy and comfortable ranch-style home, offering an abundance of living space, storage, and endless possibilities. Conveniently located on the east/northeast side of town, this property provides easy access to schools, churches, downtown, and other area amenities. The home features 1,562 square feet of living space on the main floor, including two generously sized bedrooms, a
Welcome to this sharp, move in ready 4 bedroom, 3 bath home that delivers generous space for everyone and a private backyard perfect for relaxing, play, and hobbies. Thoughtfully remodeled throughout, it features a bright white kitchen with a spacious walk in pantry, a convenient main floor owner’s suite, updated bathrooms, main floor laundry, an enhanced garage, and refreshed outdoor living
Beautifully maintained Ranch with just the right blend of space, functionality and comfort, situated in a peaceful area. Zero Entry will allow for living in the property for years to come. 2 BR's on the Main Level with the Primary having a private full bath. You have a 3/4 bath on the main as well. Vaulted Ceiling in the Living Room with a Gas Fireplace (currently capped off), Laundry Room plenty
This 3 bedroom is perfect for the buyer looking to downsize "a little bit" without it being too much. The main floor has an open concept with vaulted ceilings. Primary suite includes 2 closets and a full bath with shower/tub. A second bedroom on the main floor could also serve as a nice office space with an adjacent 3/4 bath. The kitchen is spacious enough to place a table and chairs for eating
Completely remodeled and move-in ready! This spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath double-wide manufactured home has been updated from top to bottom with new appliances, plumbing, HVAC, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, and fresh paint throughout. The open floor plan features a large entry foyer, a dedicated laundry/utility room, and a generous primary suite complete with a walk-in closet and private
Welcome to Heritage Duplex Condominiums, a premier 55+ community offering low-maintenance living in a peaceful and convenient Le Mars setting. This clean, well-maintained end-unit condo features desirable southern exposure, a bright and open layout, and zero-entry main-floor living with no steps for added ease and accessibility. The thoughtful floor plan includes wide hallways and doorways,
Semi furnished one bedroom with one bathroom apartments all on ground floor including two Tv's with direct tv. - Security deposit required- coin washer and dryer in building- credit and background check required- electric bill tenant has to pay- water and trash including- no smoking- no pets- on site management
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.
No showings, only Taking applications on a 1BR apartment. Once approve then a showing may be set up. Located at 105 Plymouth ST NW, Apt. 1. includes stove, fridge, washer, dryer, & portable A/C. Tenant pays water and electric. Rent and Deposit $650. Public parking in one of the Public parking lots down town.Cat allowed with a $300 pet deposit and $25 per month pet fee.
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