$202,466Average Value$135Average Price per Sq Ft41Homes For Sale
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
Derek Gates,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Oskaloosa, IA sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Oskaloosa, IA over the last 12 months is $172,500, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into this delightful 3 bed / 1.5 bath, home that exudes charm at every turn. This quaint residence invites you to enjoy renovated space while embracing the nostalgic character of the 1940's. The dining and living room with vintage built-ins give you the perfect blend of sentimentalism with fresh design. The arched doorways, original molding throughout, the enticing enclosed front porch, and
Don’t miss this lovely ranch home in a quiet little neighborhood with a private lane. This home will offer you 3 beds/ 2baths, all new carpet, fresh paint throughout and all new light fixtures. The stove, fridge and oven are all new in the last 30 months. The backyard is ready for your dream makeover and basement has finish potential for another bedroom and bathroom. Sellers are offering a $3000
NEW LISTING!!! Check out this Beauitifully renovated 3 bedroom home with an open concept living space, full appliance package, lots of natural light, a one car garage. Back yard has great potential also! See it for yourself!
NEW LISTING! Dont miss your opportunity to get into this stunning home in the newest part of the MARJE subdivision. This home offers you a beautiful open concept living space with a large dreamy kitchen with stainless appliances, quartz countertops and an island so big it could have its own zipcode! The main level offers the primary suite with double vanity and huge walk in closet, main floor
NEW LISTING... ACREAGE!!!! Take Note, properties like this do not come on the market often so make sure to check it out! This beautiful property offers 3 large bedrooms (2 of them are suites with private bathrooms), 3 baths, main level laundry, large living/dining room, cozy family room with fireplace, gorgeous kitchen, 2 car attached garage, 26x16 bonus building all on 4.75 acres just off of a
This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features a large backyard with shade trees and a nice deck. Fresh paint, new carpet and LVP on the main floor. The primary BR has a 1/2 bath attached and a nice-sized closet. The large basement is a blank slate for you to make it yours. There is a new 2-car garage that also has a large storage area attached. Call today for your showing!
322 North G Street in Oskaloosa is ready for its proud new owners after its total makeover! Nearly every inch of this property has been re-done, reimagined, or replaced. The main floor kitchen, dining, living, bedroom, and full bathroom/laundry...yep, new. The second-floor bedrooms, full bathroom, hallway, and closets... yep, new. The siding, windows, doors, roof, gutters, landscaping, sidewalk,
Discover this charming home with an inviting open front porch, featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, perfectly ready for you to move in. The updated kitchen boasts beautiful cabinets and countertops, enhanced by a decorative backsplash that adds a stylish touch. Enjoy the convenience of additional storage space in the basement, along with a detached garage. The seller is prepared to address the roof
Welcome home! This charming 1½-story home offers 2,036 sq ft, plenty of character, and some great updates already done. Enjoy the spacious kitchen, new roof, new windows, new heating & A/C, and an updated first-floor bathroom. Add the covered front porch and generous yard, and this is one you’ll want to come see for yourself call an agent today!
315 N 3rd welcomes you home! This property features a large living room and formal dining area, along with a spacious bonus space offering flexibility for a variety of uses. There are four bedrooms located on the upper level, along with two updated bathrooms, providing separation between living and sleeping areas. On the main level, you'll find a convenient half bath and an eat-in kitchen.
Move right into this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch built in 2022. Offering an open-concept layout and modern finishes throughout, this home combines the convenience of newer construction with valuable upgrades already completed. The spacious kitchen features granite countertops, a large center island with seating, abundant cabinetry, and a full appliance package that stays with
Check out this affordable home in a great neighborhood, just a short walk or golf cart ride to Osky Golf and the rec trail. New carpet in the bedrooms and paint throughout. Basement is well on its way to being finished (no further work to be completed) adding a bedroom and family room. Well-kept and maintained. Kitchen appliances and washer/dryer will convey with the sale. Room to build a garage.
Discover an incredible opportunity with this duplex that's bursting with income potential! Imagine living in the spacious south unit while effortlessly renting out the charming north unit to help cover your expenses, or go for maximum cash flow by renting both sides! The south unit is an absolute gem, featuring two cozy bedrooms and one and three-quarter stylish baths, plus a fantastic family
Welcome to 1025 5th Ave E, Oskaloosa, IA. This updated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers 780 square feet of comfortable living space and was renovated in 2022. The home features modern updates, central air conditioning, in-home laundry, and off-street parking for added convenience.Located in a quiet neighborhood with easy access to local amenities, this home is perfect for anyone seeking
Nice, Homey 1 BR Efficiency - $699/mo.316 3rd Ave W., Oskaloosa, IA 52577Schedule a viewing today! Move in 10/01/26.Please review this entire ad, it will answer most of your questions.Text me to view unit apartment or ask questions.Replies may be from a different number since some online sites do not post actual phone numbers.Comfortable SMOKE FREE environment,
Welcome to the charming Oskaloosa town square! This 2 bedroom apartment loft offers a delightful living experience. Step inside to discover the beauty of new vinyl plank flooring that adds a touch of modern elegance to the space. The open floor plan provides a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying cozy nights in. The vintage
Spacious shop building available for lease with large overhead door access, concrete floors, ample open workspace, and built-in shelving. The space also includes a separate office or storage area with its own exterior entrance, making it a great fit for contractors, equipment storage, automotive use, or a small business needing flexible shop space. Features overhead lighting, a floor drain, and
Discover this newly constructed 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment on the top story in a tranquil area of Oskaloosa, Iowa. This modern unit offers a serene living environment with contemporary design and amenities. Enjoy the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer, stylish vinyl plank flooring throughout, and generously sized bedrooms with ample closet space. The open concept living area seamlessly
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