$159,833Average Value$105Average Price per Sq Ft33Homes 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 in central Red Oak sit on small lots with amenities with in walking distance.
Visit Vals Sugar Shack in downtown Red Oak where breakfast is served all day and the treats are always fresh.
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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.”
Red Oak walkable downtown streets and attached commercial blocks offer a unique shopping experience.
In downtown Red Oak, White Sparrow is a curated boutique offering a stylish mix of home decor, gifts, and furniture.
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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.
Most Red Oak homes have sidewalks and well kept lawns.
Red Oak offers a safe and welcoming small-town atmosphere.
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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 has an overall grade of B- on Niche.
Inman Primary School is easily accessed by local residents.
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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.
Kids enjoy playing outdoors at Legion Park
Chautauqua Park is a large park at the center of 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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Vickie Jenkins,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Red Oak, IA sell after 84 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Red Oak, IA over the last 12 months is $140,000, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Call this one home! This traditional 2-story on 3 lots at the edge of Red Oak checks all the boxes. You'll love the neutral, move-in ready feel & thoughtful updates throughout. The heart of the home is the inviting family room off the kitchen with a cozy fireplace! Upstairs are 3 oversized bdrms, full bath and an owners suite with on suite bath. You will love the oversized deck made for
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!
This 5 bedroom 1.5 bath home has a main floor laundry area and is located on a corner lot. The basement has a finished area and its own separate entrance and was used as a Chiropractor Office for many years. Make your appointment to view this property is a great location today!
Here's your chance at a very nice & tidy 3 bedroom & 1 3/4 bath home that sits on an extra large lot. The home has hardwood floors throughout the majority of the space, updated windows, a newer furnace and air conditioner, and a bonus, 3 seasons room on the back of the home. There is also an additional space in the basement of a family room / hobby area. This home was the home of the Halloween
This 4 bedroom, 2 bath ranch-style home has a hidden treasure of an apartment like area in the basement with its own entrance, kitchenette & bathroom or just used as expanded living space from the main floor! The home has had many updates that include a remodeled kitchen with beautiful granite countertops, white custom cabinets, bamboo flooring plus an in-kitchen dining area. The main floor has a
This four bedroom, two bath ranch home has a two car attached garage and sits on a very quiet street amongst the trees, with ample space and lots of natural light. The main level has beautiful hardwood floors and woodwork. The basement family room area has a cabin feel, with lots knotty pine, including a dry bar and fireplace. The home features two bedrooms and a bath on the main floor, plus 2
This beautiful Victorian home offers 2 primary suites, 3 full bathrooms, 3 fireplaces, and 2 open staircases. The custom kitchen features quartz countertops, a large island, slide-out shelving, a full-wall pantry, and heated porcelain floors. Additional highlights include a fully tiled soaking tub, walk-in shower, main-floor laundry plus a second laundry area in the basement, new furnace, and an
Welcome to 1109 8th Street in Red Oak, Iowa! This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath Craftsman-style home blends timeless character with modern comfort. Original built-in cabinetry, refinished hardwood floors with a commercial-grade finish, and classic architectural details showcase the home's historic charm. Recent updates include new windows, updated lighting throughout, a spa-inspired
Lisa Marie Pringle
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Good Life Group
This 2 bedroom home has a 3rd Bedroom (Non-conforming) option in the walk out basement. The home has a bath on the main floor & a 3/4 bath in the basement. There is a nice yard space & patio behind the home. The 1 car detached garage is behind the home with access from the paved alley way, and a workshop area or with a little work , it could likely be converted to a 2 car garage. All this and
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 spacious home features 4 bedrooms, 13⁄4 baths, and a brand new $13K furnace and A/C installed. Enjoy the 27-ft above-ground pool perfect for summer fun and and detached garage for vehicle or extra storage. Move-in ready with major updates already done! All this in a great location. Make your appointment today to view this home!
Call this one home! This traditional 2-story on 3 lots at the edge of Red Oak checks all the boxes. You'll love the neutral, move-in ready feel & thoughtful updates throughout. The heart of the home is the inviting family room off the kitchen with a cozy fireplace! Upstairs are 3 oversized bdrms, full bath and an owners suite with on suite bath. You will love the oversized deck made for
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
This charming 1-bed apartment blends comfort, character, and affordability in one clean package. The hardwood floors give the space a warm, classic feel, and the oversized walk-in closet offers the kind of storage you don't normally find at this price point. The kitchen comes equipped with a refrigerator and stove/oven, making it easy to move right in and get settled. The layout is practical and
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