A community hub in southeast Iowa with rich musical heritage
Music has always played a big role in the city of Oskaloosa. Back when it was one of the biggest coal-mining centers in the state, the earliest settlers started the first community band in 1864. When composer Charles Barnhouse moved to the area in 1891, he took the band to even bigger heights, playing at the World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri and serving as the official band for the Iowa State Fair for four years.
Today, music continues to influence life in this active community of over 11,000 people. Not only does Charles Barnhouse’s legacy continue to live on in the C.L. Barnhouse music publishing company, but the local band is still performing 160 years later. With low housing costs and plenty of local attractions, including the new $17-million entertainment complex Trio, the city of Oskaloosa earned a B and was rated one of the best places to retire in Iowa on Niche.com. “We’ve got a really nice growing arts scene,” says Ruthi Rogers, Legacy Real Estate Group associate broker. “People will come and put out blankets and lawn chairs on the grass, along the walkways and around the square.”
Oskaloosa maintains a small-town feel in the heart of Southeast Iowa.
The TRIO Entertainment complex in Oskaloosa boasts pickleball and tennis courts, a theater, and more.
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New subdivisions with ranch-style homes
Rated amongst the top 50 most affordable places to live in Iowa by Niche.com, Oskaloosa’s median sale price is $180,000, which is lower than both the state and national median. Ranch-style houses largely dominate the market, although there are also a few traditional-style houses and split-level homes. The area is in the midst of a housing shortage with just a month’s supply at a time, but new subdivisions were added to Marje Court and Fox Run Drive.
Oskaloosa is full of traditional stucco homes and stately American Foursquares.
Ranch-style homes, both midcentury and new developments, can be found throughout Oskaloosa.
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A sweet corn serenade in the City Square
In addition to five public parks and playgrounds, the City Square also has a historic bandstand from 1912 where the municipal band performs over the summer. It’s also a popular destination for annual events such as Art In The Square and the Sweet Corn Serenade, which highlights many corn-on-the-cobb delights. “We host a large Lighted Christmas parade the first weekend of December, and thousands of people from all over the Midwest will bus in to see the parade,” Ruthi says. “It’s really the hub for a lot of activities that the community puts together throughout the season.”
The Oskaloosa Bandstand is one of the city's most iconic landmarks, featuring live music.
Edmundson Park is a popular destination for Oskaloosa's kids and families.
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Historical shopping and dining on Main Street
Downtown Oskaloosa has its own shopping center in the Penn Central Mall, which features 16 different retailers, restaurants and beauty salons. Outside of the mall, Main Street is decorated with several antique stores, including Love Inc. that used to be a Goodwill building, as well as Book Vault, which opened inside a former bank. The historical influence extends to the local dining scene as well, with The American Table and P.O. Box operating out of the city’s former post office. Local dining also includes a variety of family-friendly restaurants, homestyle cafes and breweries, while the closest grocery stores include Walmart, Hy-Vee and Fareway.
Downtown Oskaloosa has recently benefitted from state revitalization projects.
Oskaloosa locals have a modern HyVee Grocery available for their daily grocery needs.
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Musco Lighting the way for local industries
Headquartered in Oskaloosa since 1976, Musco Lighting is the city’s biggest employer with around 700 employees. The Mahaska Health hospital employs around 600 people and provides 24-hour emergency care for the county, and Clow Valve has more than 450 employees who have been manufacturing fire hydrants for over 130 years.
Musco Lighting is the largest employer in Oskaloosa, and the driver of much of its growth.
Clow Valve is one of Oskaloosa's major industrial employers.
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A mix of in-person, virtual and home-schooling options
The Oskaloosa School System offers a virtual academy and a home-schooling program along with its kindergarten-through-12th-grade curriculum. Niche.com rated the district a C-plus. William Penn University is the local college that earned a C on Niche.com, getting its highest marks for its athletics and diversity.
The Oskaloosa High School and Middle School are consolidated into a single sprawling campus.
William Penn University in Oskaloosa draws students form all around Southeast Iowa.
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Oskaloosa rides and 24-hour transits
10-15 Area Transit runs 24/7 public transportation services for Mahaska and surrounding counties, with fares priced between $2-$4. For citywide transport, Oskaloosa Rides is a free bus service that operates three days a week and is wheelchair accessible. The closest airport is an hour away at the Des Moines International Airport.
Weather & Crime
Oskaloosa experiences hot summers and below freezing winters, with average summer high temperatures being 92 degrees and average winter low temperatures being 6 degrees below zero. The area sees an average of about 28 inches of snowfall annually, with public workers anti-icing and snow-plowing the streets. Residents can also sign up for weather emergency alerts on the city’s website. According to FBI data, both the violent and property crime rates are below state and national averages.
Written By
David Dunn
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Video By
Jeffrey Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joanne May,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Oskaloosa, IA sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Oskaloosa, IA over the last 12 months is $225,000, up 79% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom charmer in Oskaloosa is full of character and thoughtful touches. Inside, you'll find a warm and inviting layout with original details and functional updates throughout. The main level includes cozy living spaces, a well-equipped kitchen, and a full bathroom, with all three bedrooms and another full bath upstairs. Step outside to enjoy the covered back patio?ideal for
Welcome to 1107 B Avenue West in Oskaloosa, IA! This zero-entry home offers a thoughtful design and stylish finishes, combining comfort with convenience. A charming, covered front porch invites you inside, where you’re welcomed by a bright and inviting living room. To the right, a private hallway leads to two comfortable bedrooms and a full bathroom with generous storage. At the heart of the
SPLIT FOYER HOME IS IN A GREAT LOCATION ON A QUIET STREET. MOVE IN READY WITH 5 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, ATTACHED GARAGE AND FENCED IN YARD!! Open Living Room, Dining Room and Kitchen with 3 Bedrooms and 1 Full Bath on the main level. The Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, and a 3/4 Bath are located on the lower level. A large deck and Shed are located in the fenced-in backyard. Parking for extra vehicles
This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom charmer in Oskaloosa is full of character and thoughtful touches. Inside, you'll find a warm and inviting layout with original details and functional updates throughout. The main level includes cozy living spaces, a well-equipped kitchen, and a full bathroom, with all three bedrooms and another full bath upstairs. Step outside to enjoy the covered back patio?ideal for
Welcome to 1107 B Avenue West in Oskaloosa, IA! This zero-entry home offers a thoughtful design and stylish finishes, combining comfort with convenience. A charming, covered front porch invites you inside, where you’re welcomed by a bright and inviting living room. To the right, a private hallway leads to two comfortable bedrooms and a full bathroom with generous storage. At the heart of the
SPLIT FOYER HOME IS IN A GREAT LOCATION ON A QUIET STREET. MOVE IN READY WITH 5 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, ATTACHED GARAGE AND FENCED IN YARD!! Open Living Room, Dining Room and Kitchen with 3 Bedrooms and 1 Full Bath on the main level. The Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, and a 3/4 Bath are located on the lower level. A large deck and Shed are located in the fenced-in backyard. Parking for extra vehicles
Read carefully before contacting me. This is a 3 bedroom ,2 bath for professionals moving to town, or doing an internship, or temp for a professional agency. 3 month minimum . We have rented one small bedroom and the master Bedroom . We are looking for one more male professional tenant for the small bedroom and shared bath and living space . .All furnishings and utilities included and 4
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