In Osage, towering maple trees hug virtually every block. It’s a scene so common it earned this northern Iowa community the nickname “The City of Maples.” The atmosphere is the backdrop to an area known for its warmth. Besides its jam-packed dining scene, abundant outdoor recreation and well-regarded schools, longtime resident and local Realtor Kevin Kolbet says Osage’s friendliness is one of its highlights. “When I came here, I was young, and very well-received in the community,” says Kolbet, who’s the owner of Kolbet Realtors and has sold Osage real estate for roughly 50 years. “If you immerse yourself in the community and volunteerism — and church, school, the chamber of commerce and so forth — you get to know a lot of people quickly."
Downtown is a popular spot in Osage.
Plenty of shopping and dinnig options are in Osage.
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Classic homes rule, but development is encouraged
Many homes under Osage’s maple trees are at least 50 years old, and some date back to the late 1800s. This gives the area an established feel, full of bungalows, gable-front and ranch-style homes. “We have a really good mix of styles,” Kolbet says. “And the older homes have been well kept.” Osage and the wider Mitchell County area also have an eye on the future. The Mitchell County Economic Development Commission incentivizes growth with a program that awards thousands for replacing derelict properties. “We have an initiative that a buyer or a builder can purchase that property, and if they agree to rebuild a new structure on it within two years, the county will pay up to $10,000 toward the removal and clean-up of the site to ready it for new construction,” Kolbet says. Properties in Osage often sell for $70,000 to $380,000, based on condition and size.
Classic Victorian era homes are a characteristic of Osage.
Large homes are also an option in Osage.
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Main Street bustles with businesses
Kolbet considers Osage, with a population of 3,600, atypical for its size in terms of the amenities available here. The dining scene is one representation of that. Many of Osage’s restaurants are located along Main Street, including the popular Teluwut Grille House & Pub, a burger hot spot. BecMar Diner and Lucy’s Lunch Box are known for their breakfasts, and Limestone Brewers offers beer and pizza with a side of competition. “In the back, they have ax-throwing and golf simulators,” Kolbet says. “So that’s a popular attraction for folks to do, too, especially in inclement weather or in the wintertime.” The 75-year-old Watts Theater is another Main Street entertainment draw. “That has state-of-the-art sound and gets first-run movies here, and has great concessions at a very affordable price,” Kolbet says.
Watts is a few doors down from Dungey's Furniture & Floors, a family-owned, Iowa-based business. Kountry Kupboard is across from Dungey’s, a market selling snacks, kitchen items, toys and more. There’s also Randy's Neighborhood Market just north of Main Street for more grocery selection.
Emersons on Main is a vintage boutique in Osage.
There are lots of shopping and dinning options in downtown Osage.
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Osage’s central thoroughfare doubles as a community gathering spot
Fourth of July is a major event in Osage, highlighted by a parade along Main Street. “Everyone here loves a parade,” Kolbet says. “We have probably one of the best Fourth of July parades in the region.” Independence Day activities also feature a community barbecue hosted by the Mitchell County Farm Bureau and fireworks at Interstate Park, just outside Osage. December’s Magic on Main includes a lighted parade, carriage rides and a tree lighting. The Mitchell County Fair takes over Osage’s Mitchell County Fairgrounds in late July and early August.
Area schools expose students to various types of technology
The Osage Community School District gets a B rating from Niche. Lincoln Elementary, which is B-rated, allows students to participate in a filmed weekly newscast. Osage Middle also has a B and offers a Lego League robotics team. Osage High, rated a B-minus, has its own robotics team that competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition.
Lincoln Elementary School is a nearby school in Osage.
Osage High School offers high school education in Osage.
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Biking and hunting are popular pastimes
The Osage area is flush with natural landscapes, thanks partly to the Mitchell County Conservation Board. The organization oversees more than 3,000 acres of green space in this region, including several wildlife areas and over a dozen trails. Paths like the 8-mile Cedar River Greenbelt Trail, just west of Osage, are open to hiking, cycling and horseback riding. Many of the conservation board’s wildlife areas allow hunting. “We have some of the finest white-tailed deer hunting around,” Kolbet says. Osage’s City Park has an expansive playground, tennis and basketball courts, and is home to the Cedar River Complex. Cedar River houses a community wellness center, an aquatic center and a fine arts center with a 600-seat auditorium.
Interstate Park offers outdoor recreation in Osage.
Jiri-Rita Prairie Park offers outdoor scenic trails in Osage.
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Rustic roads are windows to the rest of the region
One-lane highways U.S. Route 218 and Indiana state Road 9 are two of the primary avenues for commutes out of town. Travelers can take Route 218 to Monument and 640th avenues, and then Interstate 90, to reach the Rochester International Airport. Located just over 50 miles away, across the Minnesota border, the airport has direct flights to Minneapolis and Chicago. Locals don’t have to leave Osage to access the Mitchell County Regional Health Center, a facility with an emergency department.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
Photography Contributed By
Conar McDaniel
Video By
Sara Warthen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Osage, IA sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Osage, IA over the last 12 months is $169,000, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Well-conditioned two story with three bedrooms, two baths, nicely finished basement, modern kitchen with near-new appliances, and double garage with electric doors. Very attractive home with permanent siding, vinyl trims and rails, and covered front entry porch conveniently located near park, pool, and schools! Contact agent today to arrange for your private tour!
Nice ranch home on two full corner lots with 30'x24' attached and insulated garage, accessible ramp, and sliding glass doors to patio deck! Completely refurbished and redecorated interior with near-new appliances, new kitchen, new floor coverings new windows, and very usable full basement. Call agent today to check this one out and see all of the updates!
Wonderful, well-kept zero-entry townhome on corner paved lot in very convenient location close to downtown and library. Includes double attached garage, primary bedroom with bath and walk-in closet, second bedroom and bath, and sizable laundry room/office with utility sink. Has in-floor heat plus H.E. forced air with central air conditioning. A full set of appliances and other furniture will
Very nice building lot with some timber in desired rural subdivision with blacktop road, shared well, and Osage Municipal natural gas/electricity/telecommunications.
Four year old three bedroom South-facing zero ranch with oversized attached and heated double garage situated along newly paved street. Has vaulted dining and living areas, luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, complete appliance package, paved patio, and large yard shed in back. Contact agent today to arrange an appointment to view this conveniently located and well-constructed efficient
High Point Land Company is proud to present an excellent opportunity to own two fully operational 66 x 596 Poultry barns, ideal for commercial poultry production or conversion to other agricultural uses. The property spans 7.95+/- acres. This property offers excellent potential for continued poultry production or alternative agricultural purposes.Property Features: 3240 Kirkwood Ave,
Here you GO!! A high quality family home in move in condition at an affordable price. This home has wonderful street appeal as it sits on a large corner lot which is close to downtown, churches, and hospital. Over 2100 square feet makes for some nice room sizes including three bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The kitchen is the modern style open design with a nice sit-up bar including three bar stools,
Introducing Lot 4 in the Maple View first Subdivision which is located in the southwest part of Osage. This lot is 114 x 126 and has all city utilities for you convenience. Located close to the Harry Cook Nature Trail which is perfect for walking and fat tire bike riding! Don't miss out on the opportunity to build your new home in this nice subdivision.
Introducing Lot 2 in the Maple View First Subdivision which is located in the southwest part of Osage. This lot is 114 x 126 and has all city utilities for your convenience. Located close to the Harry Cook Nature Trail which is perfect for walking and fat tire bike riding! Don't miss out on the opportunity to build your new home in this nice subdivision.
Introducing Lot 8 in the Maple View First Subdivision which is located in the southwest part of Osage. This lot is 122 x 125 and has all city utilities for your convenience. Located close to Harry Cook Nature Trail which is perfect for walking and fat tire bike riding! Don't miss out on the opportunity to build your new home in this nice subdivision.
Welcome to this stunning two-story brick home with a rare opportunity to own a truly grand property on a spacious in-town lot. With over 4,200 finished sqft, this impressive residence offers 5 total bedrooms, and 4.75 bathrooms, including a primary suite with a full bath and its own enclosed porch. You will immediately appreciate the timeless character throughout, highlighted by beautiful natural
Big 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home for rent. Full living and dining rooms. 3 bedrooms all upstairs. 1 bathroom upstairs and 1 bathroom on main floor. Hardwood floors on main floor and all 3 bedrooms. Nice woodwork throughout. 3 season porch. Furnace air furnace with central air. Detached 1 stall garage. Corner lot. Owned and operated by Round Two LLC.
3 bedroom 1 bathroom home for rent. 2 bedrooms upstairs. 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom on main floor. New refrigerator and stove. Breakfast nook off of kitchen. Main floor laundry hook ups with wash sink and shower. Three season porch on front of house. Detached garage in back off of alley. Owned and operated by Round Two LLC.
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