$266,420Average Value$174Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes For Sale
Agriculture and accessibility in Rock Rapids
Encompassed by the open fields of northern Iowa, Rock Rapids is a city presented in a rural setting. The community is the Lyon County seat and a hub for shopping and dining in the countryside. “The job market here offers above-average opportunity for a small town,” says Realtor Dave Foltz with Sieperda/Foltz Insurance & Real Estate, who has sold in the area for 35 years. “We have a large professional engineering firm, an almost-new hospital, medical clinics, several light industry employers and lots of opportunity in the agricultural market.” Rock Rapids is a self-sufficient town that caters to various lifestyles, and it’s also close to the urban attractions in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 30 miles west.
Rock Rapids pride shows up in skyline views anchored by the water tower.
Rock Rapids celebrates local pride with bold wall art that welcomes visitors.
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Competitive housing costs in suburban neighborhoods
Suburbs on the outskirts of town have spacious lots with New Traditional homes. Some properties have enough space for private pools and detached garages for farming vehicles. Closer to the city’s center, roads are more densely packed with farmhouses and ranch-style homes from the early 20th century. The median sales price is $210,000, lower than in bigger areas like Sioux Falls, where the median price is $300,000. Homeowners also get relatively affordable utilities. “The city owns the local utilities, both electric and gas, which keeps utility costs very competitive and helps keep service at a high level,” Foltz says.
In Rock Rapids, homes near the $210,000 median can come with garage space to spare.
Newer Rock Rapids homes line a clean, open street built for everyday ease.
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Established eateries and shopping for essentials in town
Local businesses line Story Street and First Avenue, forming a small downtown district. The Rock Rapids Mural Society installs three new murals each year, adding color to the old warehouse and brick buildings. Fiesta Brava is a popular Mexican spot downtown, and Rosie’s Boutique is a gift shop and café. Farther south down Union Street, JJ’s Tasty Drive-In has been a staple in Rock Rapids for burgers, shakes and hot dogs since the 1960s. Ace Hardware and the Sunshine Foods grocery store cover everyday essentials, and the nearest Walmart is 25 miles south in Sioux Center. Additional big-box options are 30 miles west in Sioux Falls.
In Rock Rapids, JJ’s Drive In is a familiar stop for quick meals and treats.
Sunshine Foods keeps Rock Rapids stocked with everyday essentials close to home
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The Central Lyon Community School District gets an overall A-minus
All three divisions of the Central Lyon Community Schools District share one building. Children begin at Central Lyon Elementary, which earns an A-minus from Niche. The secondary school for Grades 7 through 12 scores a B-plus rating. “Our schools here are excellent, offering relatively small class sizes and tremendous opportunities for our youth, not only in the classroom, but in music, the arts and athletics,” Foltz says. Extracurriculars include jazz band, wrestling teams for girls and boys, and drama classes.
Central Lyon Senior High School inspires academic excellence and receives a B-plus on Niche.com.
Central Lyon Elementary School provides a warm and welcoming start for young learners in Rock Rapids.
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Public sports facilities and Rock River recreation
Rock Rapids provides plenty of outdoor activities, from sand volleyball and disc golf at Westside Park to the playground at Old School Park. Island Park, located along the Rock River, is one of the largest gathering spaces in town and has a campground, shelter houses for events and spots for fishing and kayaking. The city maintains an indoor fitness center and a seasonal swimming pool with diving boards and waterslides. The Rock River Golf and Country Club's course is open to the public and hosts numerous tournaments. For a day at the beach, the Iowa Great Lakes are 60 miles east.
Rock River Golf & Country Club sets the scene for weekend tee times near Rock Rapids
The Rock River wraps around Rock Rapids, adding scenery to local trails and parks.
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Events centered around service and local pride
Rock Rapids is home to about 2,600 residents who have formed a strong sense of tradition. “I think the community is welcoming and offers opportunities to get involved with service organizations,” Foltz says. “There is a community theater group, several churches and organizations that offer services to those who may need help, like Meals on Wheels.” Locals also gather for the Heritage Days parade each June. Rock Rapids hosts the Lyon County Fair every July, and summer races at the Rapid Speedway include stock and sprint cars.
Proximity to Sioux Falls and major highways
Rock Rapids is 30 miles east of Sioux Falls, which has the nearest international airport for commercial flights. Iowa Highway 9 and U.S. Route 75 are the busiest thoroughfares, though Foltz mentions that the area gets little traffic.
Written By
Grace Pitney
Photography Contributed By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Monica Pluim,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Rock Rapids, IA sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Rock Rapids, IA over the last 12 months is $230,000, down 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This home is designed for both comfort and convenience, this home features a spacious master suite, a kitchen with granite countertops, and a covered back patio perfect for relaxing. The 2-stall garage includes extra storage, ensuring plenty of space for your needs. Additional Savings Include: $5,000 in chamber bucks (while supplies last)$2,000 utility rebate (while supplies last)5-year
Stylish & Spacious Twin Home with Big Perks! Looking for a home that’s beautiful, comfortable, and hassle-free? This 1,503 sq. ft. twin home delivers just that—with a thoughtful layout and modern finishes.! Step inside and enjoy open-concept living with a bright, airy feel. The kitchen shines with granite countertops, a walk-in pantry, and sleek finishes. The primary suite is a true retreat,
Designed for both style and functionality, this home features a spacious master suite, an open-concept kitchen with granite countertops, and a covered back patio perfect for relaxing. The 2-stall garage offers extra storage, adding to the convenience of this thoughtfully designed home. Additional Savings Include: $5,000 in chamber bucks (while supplies last)$2,000 utility rebate (while
Spacious Ranch Home – Move In Before ClosingThis 5-bedroom, 3-bath ranch home offers both space and style, with a thoughtfully designed open layout and modern finishes throughout. With three bedrooms on the main floor, it provides the perfect balance of convenience and comfort.Features to Love:-Bright and open main living area with a seamless flow between the living room,
Stylish & Spacious Twin Home with Big Perks! Looking for a home that’s beautiful, comfortable, and hassle-free? This 1,503 sq. ft. twin home delivers just that—with a thoughtful layout and modern finishes.! Step inside and enjoy open-concept living with a bright, airy feel. The kitchen shines with granite countertops, a walk-in pantry, and sleek finishes. The primary suite is a true retreat,
Stylish & Spacious Twin Home with Big Perks! Looking for a home that’s beautiful, comfortable, and hassle-free? This 1,503 sq. ft. twin home delivers just that—with a thoughtful layout and modern finishes.! Step inside and enjoy open-concept living with a bright, airy feel. The kitchen shines with granite countertops, a walk-in pantry, and sleek finishes. The primary suite is a true retreat,
Modern Comfort & Spacious Living in a Great Location! This 1,520 sq. ft. home sits on a generous 100' x 150' lot and is designed for both style and functionality. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 3-car garage, this home offers plenty of space to live and grow. Inside, the open-concept design creates a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, a
This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a spacious layout with a large master suite, a kitchen with granite countertops, and a covered back patio—perfect for relaxing. The 2-stall garage with epoxy flooring includes extra storage, adding even more convenience. Additional Savings Include: $5,000 in chamber bucks (while supplies last)$2,000 utility rebate (while supplies last)5-year tax
This home was built for comfort and convenience, this home features a zero-entry layout, a 3-stall garage with extra storage, and a covered back patio—perfect for unwinding. The spacious master suite and kitchen with granite countertops bring a touch of luxury to everyday living. Additional Savings Include: $5,000 in chamber bucks (while supplies last)$2, 000 utility rebate (while supplies
Stylish & Spacious Twin Home with Big Perks! Looking for a home that’s beautiful, comfortable, and hassle-free? This 1,503 sq. ft. twin home delivers just that—with a thoughtful layout and modern finishes.! Step inside and enjoy open-concept living with a bright, airy feel. The kitchen shines with granite countertops, a walk-in pantry, and sleek finishes. The primary suite is a true retreat,
Home with River Views & Modern Comforts! Gorgeous two-story home in a growing neighborhood with a beautiful river view out front! Thoughtfully designed with 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, and main-floor laundry, this home blends modern style with everyday convenience. Step through the contemporary front door into a bright and airy entryway featuring 9-foot ceilings. The open living space welcomes you with
This beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features a 3-stall garage with extra storage, zero-entry layout, and a covered back patio for relaxing. The spacious master suite and kitchen with granite countertops add a touch of luxury. Additional Benefits: City Rebates: $5,000 in chamber bucks, $2,000 utility rebate, and a 5-year tax abatement on $75,000 of the home’s assessed value.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
![Rock Rapids honors engineering history at the First Reinforced Concrete Bridge. [hmdb.org]](https://imagescdn.homes.com/i2/Clt9d1izYNVrUVSFa5udD1_aGr3MEQ5i6rDkYAIwHGw/117/rock-rapids-ia-4.jpg?p=1)
