$161,904Average Value$106Average Price per Sq Ft31Homes For Sale
Neighborly vibes nourish the roots of Red Oak
Red Oak was first established as a railroad hub in southwest Iowa, about 50 miles from Council Bluffs and Omaha, Nebraska. Today, agriculture and neighborly vibes nourish the roots of the small city, which is home to about 5,500 residents. “Neighbors still know one another and help each other out,” says Dan Bullington, a broker with Your Real Estate Choice who’s been selling in Red Oak for 23 years. “Years ago, I got a phone call from a truck driver who had pulled over, and I assumed there was somebody in the truck with him because he kept saying ‘I’m okay, I’m fine, I’m all right.’ Then he said to me, ‘That’s the third person who’s stopped to see if I need help.’”
Homes near downtown Red Oak are often close to daily conveniences.
Val's Sugar Shack is known for baked treats and all-day breakfast.
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Local favorites and regional chains fill Red Oak’s storefronts
Red Oak’s downtown area surrounds the veterans memorial at Heritage Fountain Square Park. Clothing, furniture and home goods stores fill the brick and stucco buildings. Val’s Sugar Shack and Neighborhood Bakehouse satisfy sweet tooths, and regional chain Buck Snort offers takeout and table service. Casa de Oro Mexican Restaurant is another local hot spot. “You’ve gotta fight to get a seat in that place,” Bullington says. Ace Westlake Hardware, NEW Cooperative and Hy-Vee grocery store can be found near the grain silos on the western side of the city. Farms, fertilizer suppliers and livestock markets are scattered around the outskirts. “There’s a lot of agriculture in the area,” Bullington says. “Whenever you eat something, there’s a good chance it came from the Midwest.”
Downtown Red Oak features connected storefronts and local businesses.
White Sparrow offers home decor, gifts, and furnishings downtown.
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National and midcentury ranch-style homes on tidy lots
Narrow shaded streets pass by early 20th-century National and Craftsman-style homes in central residential areas. Lot sizes are typically under a quarter-acre, but properties measuring several acres can be found in the southern part of town. Although many homes include driveways and garages, a lot of cars park on the street. Sidewalks keep pedestrians out of traffic, and the terrain is hilly in places. Nationals and midcentury ranch-style homes cost $50,000 to $150,000. Foursquares, Craftsman and raised ranch-style houses sell for $150,000 to $200,000, but most larger two-story homes cost $250,000 to $375,000. Homes in the southwest section of the city are closest to the Red Oak Sewage Treatment Plant.
Sidewalk-lined streets are common in many Red Oak neighborhoods.
Front porches are a common feature on Red Oak homes.
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Red Oak Junior/Senior High School offers a range of extracurriculars
Students may attend Inman Elementary School, which receives a Niche grade of C-minus, from kindergarten through sixth grade. Plans are underway for a $3 million improvement plan to expand the cafeteria and office area for the elementary school; completion is slated for August 2026. Students at the C-plus-rated Red Oak Junior/Senior High School participate in extracurriculars like the National FFA Organization and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Under the Students' First Act, funding is available for Iowa students who choose to enroll in one of the state's private schools instead of the public district.
Red Oak Junior-Senior High School serves students in grades 7 through 12.
Inman Primary School serves elementary students in Red Oak.
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Red Oak parks invite swimming, sledding and skating
Chatauqua Park lies in the shadow of the city’s water tower. A wood-and-stone archway welcomes visitors to the green space, which features a large picnic pavilion, a baseball field, a sledding hill and play areas for older and younger kids. The Red Oak Municipal Pool offers outdoor swimming next to the Montgomery County Family YMCA. Skaters hit the ramps near the shaded playground and picnic areas at Legion Park, and Red Oak Sports Complex features soccer and baseball fields. A boat ramp off West Coolbaugh Street offers access to the East Nishnabotna River.
Legion Park provides open space and recreation opportunities.
Chautauqua Park offers open green space near central Red Oak.
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Shuttle service and health care are available in Red Oak
U.S. Route 34 is the city’s major traffic artery, paving the way for the 50-mile drive to Council Bluffs and Eppley Airfield in Omaha. Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) provides residents with on-demand weekday shuttle services and student and medical transport. Health care services are available at Montgomery County Memorial Hospital.
Junction Days event honors the city’s railroad past
Junction Days is held on the last full weekend of June every year. “Originally, this was Red Oak Junction, where the train stopped, so that’s our local hoo-ha,” Bullington says. The festivities run from Thursday through Sunday and include a cornhole tournament, a beverage garden, a fun run, duck races, agricultural exhibits, kids’ activities and a parade.
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Seth Johanson
Video By
Anthony Pesa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Marie Pringle,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Red Oak, IA sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Red Oak, IA over the last 12 months is $145,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover this beautifully renovated Colonial-style home in Red Oak, Iowa--ideal for buyers seeking upscale living, small-town charm, and a relaxed lifestyle. This 3-bedroom, 4-bath home blends timeless character with modern comfort, featuring custom millwork, hardwood floors, and designer finishes. The kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and custom cabinetry. A finished
Lisa Marie Pringle
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Good Life Group
Here is an economical house with 2 bedroom house where one of the bedrooms has been converted into a laundry room. The house has a very large Dining / Living room area and this property is being sold "AS IS" . Make your appointment to view this property today!
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Lisa Marie Pringle
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Good Life Group
This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 2,000 sq. ft. of living space with recent updates. The upstairs bathroom has been completely redone, and there's a convenient main floor laundry room. The home features a newer roof, an updated front deck, newer windows, The home features a newer roof, an updated front deck, newer windows, a newer water heater, and a newer furnace. The property was set up as
This property consists of a 1¼ acre lot on the north edge of town with city water (no city sewer). It includes a 44' x 60' machine shed / pole barn with an overhead door, partial concrete floor and a climate-controlled meeting room area. There is half of a double wide trailer that is uninhabitable. A roof has been added to this structure, which now serves has a storage shed for a vehicle or
One-level living is yours with this efficient 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom ranch-style home in the heart of Red Oak, Iowa. This home is 1424 square feet with a roomy living & dining room and newer carpeting and paint throughout. Situated on a nice residential street on a 7,150 Square Foot Lot with mature landscaping, this home is a steal! Call your favorite REALTOR® or Agent to see it before it is gone!
1006 Highland is a must see larger, affordable, well cared for ranch home. The full basement allows for extended living and a walk out feature. The large, modern eat-in kitchen is open to the living space. The formal dinning and living room offers a beautiful view to the private back yard with a rear deck. Call soon to set up a showing today.
This property is an unbelievable value. Check out this two bedroom, one bath property located in the heart of Red Oak Iowa within walking distance to the YMCA, groceries and restaurants. This would be a good investment as a rental property but needs work. Call for an appointment today.
We have great 2 bedroom Apartments available with very reasonable rates! 2 bedrooms 1 baths starting at $850.00. Very cozy apartments with Gas station near by for convenience. -In Building Laundry Facility, Air Carpeting, pets are allow with a pet deposit and a monthly pet fee. It’s a must see! Call today at 402-905-7449 All Residents Subject to credit and background check. ***Application fee is
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A Quiet Place to Come Home ToSome apartments just check boxes. This one feels like somewhere you actually want to be.The hardwood floors set the tone the moment you step inside. Warm, solid, and full of the kind of character that newer builds just don't have. This is a first floor one bedroom that is easy to live in and easy to love, with a layout that makes sense and a space that
3 bdrm, 1 bath ground floor duplex, shared fenced in yard, laundry in unit, off street parking Deposit required 3 bdrm, 1 bath ground floor duplex Large shared fenced in yard. Deposit required. Off street parking
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