$146,733Average Value$106Average Price per Sq Ft87Homes For Sale
Where Iowa meets the world
Ottumwa's name — meaning "tumbling water" — is a tribute to its location along the Des Moines River and the city's rich Native history. The Mesquaki and Sac occupied the city before it became Wapello's county seat and longtime manufacturing hub. During the 1960s, the closure of several industries led to a decline in population, but the city persisted. Partnerships between local government and private businesses slowly restored the economy. JBS, John Deere and national retailers are the city's largest employers. "We're known as a blue-collar town, and we have a hardworking history," says Sonja Ferrell, director at the Ottumwa Public Library. "We like to share that history with newcomers so that we all can learn from both our evolving culture and the culture that we came from." Today, Ottumwa is lovingly nicknamed "Where Iowa Meets the World," as its population of over 25,000 represents over 40 nationalities.
The Des Moines River is Ottumwa's defining feature.
Ottumwa features an array of industry, including JBS.
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Preserved historic districts and churches
Founded in 1843, Ottumwa has over 24 buildings and seven historic districts on the National Registrar of Historic Places. Some districts still have original red brick roads, and homes typically come in Craftsman, American Foursquare, Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival styles. Outside downtown and the historic districts are bungalows, Cape Cods and ranch-style homes. Median home prices hover around $135,000, substantially lower than the national median of $406,000.
Ottumwa's community has had a faith-based focus since its founding. The city has over 60 churches, a few of which are part of a historic walking tour. These exemplify the Gothic-Revival style, with pointed arches, decorative spires and limestone exteriors.
Ottumwa features a variety of residential architecture, including historic bungalows.
Ottumwa boasts dozens of historic churches.
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Native gathering places and new attractions
Greater Ottumwa Park is one of the city's most popular greenspaces. The park is almost an island, with the Des Moines River encircling most of it. People come to fish, camp and visit Beach Ottumwa, the city's premier waterpark. The outdoor waterslides are only open during summer, but indoor swimming is available year-round. Gray Eagle Wildlife Preserve offers seasonal bird watching, and Garrison Rock has several hiking trails where wild deer and turkeys roam the hickory forest. The area is historically significant, as it was an early Native American gathering site.
With sweeping river views, Bridge View Center offers an intimate concert theater and a 30,000-square-foot expo center. When it opens, a new $12 million sportsplex will become the city's hub for sporting events.
Greater Ottumwa Park gives residents a place to enjoy the outdoors.
Bridge View Center brings big name stage entertainment to Ottumwa.
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Bringing business back to downtown
The city is almost 100 miles from larger cities and shopping hubs, so Ottumwa has shifted its focus toward revitalizing the downtown area. The commercial district now has about 135 businesses thanks to several entrepreneurial incentives and grants. Locally owned restaurants sit next to specialty shops and offices where over 1,000 residents work.
Ottumwa takes pride in its downtown district, which is has been actively revitalizing.
Ottumwa boasts several small boutique shopping options on its downtown main street.
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Annual hot air balloon races
Central Park hosts several of the city's events. Its amphitheater holds summertime concerts and drag shows during The Ottumwa Pride Block Party. Every Friday night in July, Live After Five brims with live music. The winter holidays kick off with a festive Lights of Love tree display.
The city celebrates diversity through the VIVA Ottumwa International Festival, where the community can share traditional dishes, dances and activities. The Ottumwa Pro Balloon Races have been an annual tradition since 1977. Hundreds of multi-colored hot air balloons fill the sky, and pilots compete to win Best Balloon while attendees enjoy a carnival below.
In the summer, hot air balloon races launch from Greater Ottumwa Park.
Ottumwa's Central Park amphitheater hosts several festivals and events throughout the year.
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School district shows off community's diversity
The Ottumwa Community School District serves over 5,000 students. It has a C rating on Niche, but it ranks in the top 10 most diverse districts out of 304 in the state. It's also among the state's fastest-growing districts. For higher education, the city offers Indian Hills Community College.
Ottumwa High School serves the city's older students.
Ottumwa is home to Indian Hills Community College.
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Long distance travel by car or train
While people mainly travel by car, bus stops are throughout the city, and parts of downtown are walkable. Several large roads and pedestrian bridges offer passage across the river. Highways 34 and 63 are the city's primary long-distance thoroughfares, but residents can also take the Amtrak train. Ottumwa has a regional airport, but commercial flights go through Des Moines International Airport, 84 miles away.
Crime statistics and siren systems
According to the Ottumwa Police Department, violent crime rates decreased between 2022 and 2023, but property crime rates increased.
The city experiences moderate weather year-round, but cold winters do bring snow. "We're similar to Chicago. We get snowfall, but we're not like Canada-cold," says Derek Graves, longtime local and Realtor at Ottumwa Realty. The city's rainy season can cause flooding along Bear and Kettle creeks, but flood walls prevent major river flooding. Ottumwa has an outdoor siren system for extreme weather events, which is tested at noon on the first Monday of each month.
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Video By
Kellan Beaver
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Ottumwa, IA sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Ottumwa, IA over the last 12 months is $127,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Corner Lot with lots of potential Sold As Is : All offers must be submitted by the buyer's agent using the online offer management system. Buyer to complete their own due diligence in regards to lot, access to & hook up to city systems. No physical abstract , all expenses related to sale/purchase are buyers cost. Buyers can bid through Hubzu .
Affordable and move-in ready! This 2-bedroom home offers a great opportunity for homeowners or investors alike. Inside, you’ll find fresh paint throughout along with a functional layout and comfortable living space. The kitchen comes equipped with appliances that can stay, making this home truly ready to go from day one. Recent updates include a newer furnace and water heater, along with central
Enjoy the best of both worlds with this close-in rural property offering a peaceful setting and the convenience of town—plus the benefit of lower county taxes. This well-maintained, move-in ready home shows pride of ownership throughout. The main level features a bright kitchen with Corian countertops, quality cabinetry, built-in range top, double ovens, and tile backsplash, along with a
Located on a peaceful dead-end road in a desirable North Side neighborhood, this spacious 1,608 sq. ft. 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers plenty of room and charm. Enjoy a large living room with a cozy wood-burning fireplace, a separate dining room, and a kitchen with a lovely breakfast nook. The home features ample storage space, main-floor laundry, and two garages—a detached 1-car garage and an
Recently updated ranch home located on Ottumwa’s desirable north side in the Elmdale area, just minutes from Indian Hills Community College. This home features a spacious living room with a fireplace, an eat-in kitchen, and two full bathrooms. The layout includes two bedrooms plus an additional room that works well as a home office, nursery, or potential third bedroom. Recent improvements include
Welcome to this well-maintained ranch home in Ottumwa’s desirable Kingsley neighborhood on the south side. Offering nearly 2,000 finished square feet of living space, this home provides a comfortable layout with room to grow. The main level features a spacious living room filled with natural light, perfect for relaxing or hosting guests. The eat-in kitchen offers plenty of cabinet space and room
Welcome to 9303 170th Ave, Ottumwa, Iowa, a beautifully updated home set on 19.5 acres of scenic countryside. Fresh paint and new flooring give the home a clean, modern feel. A stunning addition features a spacious primary suite with a spa-like ensuite and walk-in closet, creating the perfect private retreat. Outdoors, a large pond offers peaceful views and endless recreation. Ideal for outdoor
Small in size, big on updates and charm. This recently remodeled 1-bedroom, 1-bath home offers efficient living with a surprisingly open feel and thoughtful improvements throughout. The kitchen features fresh white cabinetry, butcher block countertops, updated flooring, and plenty of workspace for its size. The large bathroom stands out with generous space, updated fixtures, and a full
Tucked away on a quiet dead-end street with minimal traffic, this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on Ottumwa’s desirable north side offers comfort, space, and a peaceful setting—just minutes from the hospital and grocery. The partially finished basement provides extra room to spread out and includes a second bathroom, with a dry foundation and solid condition that offers peace of mind for
Welcome home. This updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath property is located in a quiet street and offers a comfortable, move-in-ready layout. A spacious bedroom on the second floor provides added privacy and flexibility—ideal for a primary suite, guest room, or home office. A full bathroom on the main level adds everyday convenience, with a second bath already in place in the lower level. Recent
Welcome home to this recently remodeled 3-bedroom, 1-bath property situated on a desirable corner lot. Updates give this home a fresh, move-in-ready feel while maintaining everyday functionality. The spacious layout offers comfortable living, and the 2-car detached garage provides excellent storage and parking. Conveniently located near Liberty, Evans, and Farney schools, with a nearby grocery
Completely updated and move-in ready! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home near the country club and features a finished basement. The home includes an attached 2-car garage plus a 30x30 Morton building behind the house with in-floor heat, ideal for hobbies, storage, or a workshop. Thoughtful updates throughout give this home a fresh, modern feel while maintaining its practical layout. Convenient location
Ottumwa Iowa is famous for the American Gothic House, the Antique Airfield, a diverse community and as the Video Game Capital of the World. A 56 apartment community with 2 beds and one bath. Located near Buena Vista University and Indian Hills Community College. Close to Walmart and Canteen Lunch in the Alley Restaurant and Bubba-Q's. You will love living here! Attentive maintenance on site
The Tisdale Apartments have character and are nicknamed "Presidential Suites" because Richard Nixon and his wife occupied an apartment in Tisdale when President Nixon was stationed at the Ottumwa US Naval Station. Living at Tisdale Apartments will allow you to have quick easy access to employment, restaurants, medical, educational and Downtown services. Each two-bedroom apartment has a
Cable, water, sewer, heat, and trash included! Flexible lease options. Balconies and patios plus open floor plans. Manager and maintenance on-site. Surrounded by luxurious spaces, sunlight, and wonderful views. You'll find unlimited possibilities to reflect your lifestyle. No Smoking in apartments.
Discover comfortable, convenient living at Washington Apartments in Ottumwa, Iowa. Each apartment features open floor plans, ample storage, and large windows that invite plenty of natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Discover Brickyard Apartments, Ottumwa's premier apartment complex. This newly constructed, family-run property features seven high-quality, upscale residences, with six units offering two-bedrooms, one-bathroom and one unit offering a one-bedroom and one office/den. All units have an open floor plan and are designed to provide both comfort and sophisticated style, showcasing modern eat-in
Rehab construction nearing completion! Great second-story two-bedroom unit on Main Street downtown. Near restaurants, bars, trail access, and riverfront. Private front and rear entrances and only apartment in the building. Parking space included with the unit and is adjacent to municipal parking lot for extra spaces. Large deck on the rear of the apartment.
Duplex2 bedroom 2 bath (1 full, 1 half) New kitchen cabinets Fridge, stove, microwave & dishwasherOff street parkingShared garageNice Backyard Basement with washer and dryer Nice, quiet neighborhood on the north side3 min drive to IHCC, 5 min drive to ORHCNo pets allowedLawn care and driveway snow removal taken care of by property
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