$202,994Average Value$131Average Price per Sq Ft31Homes 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
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On average, homes in Oskaloosa, IA sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Oskaloosa, IA over the last 12 months is $180,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Space, style, and an unbeatable location come together in this impressive 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom home just three blocks from the Oskaloosa town square! The beautifully finished basement is a true standout, featuring a stunning fireplace wall that creates the perfect setting for movie nights, gatherings, or relaxing at the end of the day. Even more potential awaits with plumbing already in place
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
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!
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!
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
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
Large 2-story early-1900s home has been well cared for. The exterior, windows and roof are in good condition. Current owners have added a NEW 2-car garage, NEW Furnace, Central Air, and Water Heater in 2023, and NEW Kitchen appliances. The backyard has a patio, a small yard, and parking for an extra vehicle. As you enter the front door, you will love the beautiful woodwork and arched doorways.
Great starter home - two bedrooms with full bath featuring shower and tub! Primary bedroom has a walk-in closet and ceiling fan. Second bedroom has ceiling fan and open closet. Living room and bedrooms carpet are less than a year old. New vinyl flooring in bathroom - just installed. Kitchen has gas stove and refrigerator that stay with the home. NEW Patio Doors lead out to your deck that expands
1330 North Market in Oskaloosa is ready for its next owners. This home has a large primary bedroom and full bathroom on the main floor with two additional bedrooms and a half bath upstairs. Other features include main floor laundry with lots of storage and convenient counter for sorting and folding clothes, or dropping groceries. The large kitchen has a breakfast bar, and the entire house has
Nearly new 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch on a half-acre lot with bonus cottage! Built in late 2023, this home offers modern living with an open layout, a full kitchen featuring all appliances, and an oversized island perfect for gathering. The primary suite includes a spacious walk-in closet and a private bath with a large shower. Main-floor laundry and mudroom add everyday convenience with additional
2 separate units in a private home that has been certified . Fully furnished and all utilities included . Short term rentals ok , min 2 weeks or nightly rate imposed ($75) Includes laundry access and kitchen accessBedroom furnished with microwave, small refrigerator, coffee
Two bedroom and one bathroom condo unit. 900+ SF unit. Hardwood floors. Private deck. New stove. New keypad entry. Separate furnace. Close to downtown Oskaloosa. $850/month rent with a $850 deposit. Pets allowed with additional pet rent. Water and trash paid for.
416 North Market St, Oskaloosa, IA 52577Looking for space? This large 5-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offers plenty of room for a growing family, collage students or anyone needing extra living space.Property Features:•5 Spacious Bedrooms•2.5 Bathrooms•Two Full Kitchens – ideal for multi-generational living or added convenience•Washer & Dryer Included•Basement for Extra
Discover this newly constructed 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment 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 connects the
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