$291,872Average Value$145Average Price per Sq Ft21Homes 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 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Le Mars, IA over the last 12 months is $270,000, down 25% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Pride of ownership shines throughout this beautifully maintained home.With thoughtful updates, generous living spaces, and exceptional storage, this property offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and lasting value, especially fitting during National Homeownership Month. Upon entering, you'll be welcomed by vaulted beamed ceilings in the living room and a wood-burning fireplace that
Welcome home to this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bath ranch-style home located in the heart of Le Mars, Iowa! Conveniently located close to shopping, schools, and other amenities, this home combines comfort, style, and convenience! Designed with comfort and functionality in mind, the home features a spacious open-concept floor plan that seamlessly connects the kitchen and living room, creating the
Take a look at this charming, clean, and well-maintained condo—truly move-in ready with everything you need conveniently located on the main floor. This home features 2 bedrooms, a bathroom with a walk-in shower, a half bath, and main-floor laundry just off the kitchen. The living and dining areas offer a comfortable layout, with a new patio door leading out to a shared composite deck—perfect for
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
Imagine sitting on your front porch on a Beautiful Summer night, there is a slight relaxing breeze & a view of Foster Park? This can be a start of several Wonderful Moments and Memories in a Historical 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, 2 1/2 Baths plus a Finished
Affordable Living! This condo unit is on the upper level of the complex. 2 BR's, 1 Full Bath, the Laundry area includes Washer/Dryer (1 year old). The attached garage also has an extra storage area where the electrical service comes in. There is a door going to the backyard here. HOA fees: $200/month includes Mowing, Snow Removal & Blanket Insurance for the building. All Electric - avg. utilities
Modern 5 BR, 3 Baths - We have 3 BR/2Baths on Main Level & 2 BR/Bath in the Fully Finished Lower Level. Located within a cul-de-sac in a newer development in the SE part of LeMars. New Whirlpool Appliances include: Stove, Dishwasher, Refrigerator and Microwave. Tray Ceiling gives you a more open feeling with Kitchen & Dining - Patio Doors off the rear leading to a 11' x 11' Composite Deck East
Step inside this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-story home where character and modern improvements come together seamlessly. The sellers have invested extensively throughout the property, including new carpet, fresh paint, updated electrical, a new main electrical panel, and underground electrical service to the home.The inviting living room features recessed lighting and a charming chair rail
Beautifully Maintained 4+ Bedroom Home with Character & Extensive Updates This very well-maintained 4-bedroom home (plus a non-conforming 5th bedroom in the basement) offers 3 bathrooms, thoughtful upgrades, and an abundance of character throughout. From the moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the unique details—from the decorative ceiling in the front library to the bamboo ceiling in the
Step inside this welcoming 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home in Le Mars and explore the possibilities. The main floor features a comfortable living room with a bedroom conveniently located just off the living space. The kitchen offers easy access to the main-floor laundry and a side entrance. Upstairs you’ll find an additional bedroom along with a den that could serve as a third bedroom, office, or flex
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
Pride of ownership shines throughout this beautifully maintained home.With thoughtful updates, generous living spaces, and exceptional storage, this property offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and lasting value, especially fitting during National Homeownership Month. Upon entering, you'll be welcomed by vaulted beamed ceilings in the living room and a wood-burning fireplace that
Welcome home to this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bath ranch-style home located in the heart of Le Mars, Iowa! Conveniently located close to shopping, schools, and other amenities, this home combines comfort, style, and convenience! Designed with comfort and functionality in mind, the home features a spacious open-concept floor plan that seamlessly connects the kitchen and living room, creating the
This is a spacious and inviting two-story property offering 4 bedrooms, all conveniently located on the second level. This home provides the perfect layout for both privacy and functionality. It has been nicely updated while maintaining the original character of the home: 12-foot high ceilings, classic french doors and beautiful hardwood flooring. The main floor features a comfortable living
Looking for a 2/3 bedroom ranch home with 2 full baths, an eat-in kitchen, and beautiful wood flooring? Take a look at 415 N. Lynn in Le Mars! This solid ranch home is located in the "Ice Cream Capital of the World" and offers comfortable living in a welcoming community. Come see all it has to offer! Interior photos coming soon!!
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
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