Quiet country streets and low-cost living define Shenandoah
Originally known as Fair Oaks, the city of Shenandoah cultivated a reputation as “the seed and nursery center of the world” in the first half of the 20th century. Railroads and agriculture helped the city grow in southwest Iowa, about 20 miles from the Nebraska and Missouri borders. Today, its 5,000 citizens enjoy a quiet lifestyle away from the bustle of nearby metro areas like Omaha. “It’s a small-town community with a low cost of living, cheaper than in bigger cities,” says Shawn Munsinger, a third-generation business owner and broker at Orton Realty. “It’s a nice place to retire and a nice place to raise a family.”
A blend of early 1900s, midcentury and New Traditional homes
Shenandoah’s housing blend consists of bungalows, National and Craftsman-style homes from the early 1900s, plus midcentury ranch-style and two-story houses as well as New Traditional homes built in the last 25 years. Shaded streets and well-maintained sidewalks pass land parcels measuring under 10,000 square feet, with driveways and attached or detached garages. Some newer homes on the outskirts are built on lots measuring up to 2 acres. The median home sale price is about $163,000, considerably less than Omaha’s. Investment properties sell for $50,000 to $100,000, while small ranch-style homes typically cost $100,000 to $300,000. New Traditional and larger ranch-style and two-story houses cost $200,000 to $425,000.
Specialty shops and restaurants in downtown Shenandoah
Specialty shops, clothing stores, hardware shops and dollar stores peek out from behind tall leafy trees in Shenandoah’s cozy downtown. The Depot Restaurant and Lounge is a microbrewery, bar and restaurant with a patio beside the railroad tracks. The signature sandwiches at The Sanctuary Restaurant are served on house-made focaccia bread alongside hearty soups and signature salads. Fast-food chains are interspersed with Hy-Vee supermarket, Fareway Meat and Grocery and Walmart Supercenter on the city’s western edge. “People like Fareway for the meat counter, and Walmart’s more like a one-stop supercenter, but the area is so small that you could go to all three stores and be home in an hour,” Munsinger says. El Porton Mexican Grill, in the same complex as Hy-Vee, is popular with locals.
Regional bus lines and commuters to Omaha travel on major highways
Shenandoah Medical Center is a full-service hospital with specialty clinics, a dialysis center and a radiation oncology department. U.S. Route 59 and Nebraska Highway 2 intersect in Shenandoah, allowing access to the city from all four compass points. Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) provides residents with on-demand taxi service, and Jefferson Lines buses connect Shenandoah to multiple cities throughout Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota. Travelers have a 60-mile drive to Omaha, home of Eppley Airfield.
Shenandoah schools offer career prep and school choice
Shenandoah Elementary School serves students from kindergarten through fourth grade and receives a Niche grade of C. For grades 5 through 8, students attend Shenandoah Middle School before moving to Shenandoah High School. Both schools are rated B-minus. Through the Career Technical Education program, high school students can engage in career preparation with job shadowing, work study programs and internships. Iowa recently passed the Students First Act to provide funding for K-12 students who would prefer to enroll in one of the state’s private schools.
Wabash Trace Nature Trailhead is close to Sportsmans Park
Joggers, cyclists and cross-country skiers watch for wildlife on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, which spans over 60 miles. The trailhead is near the tennis courts, swimming pool, picnic gazebo and sports courts at Sportsmans Park. The Southwest Iowa Theatre Group, one of Iowa’s longest-running community theaters, is also nearby. McComb Park attracts families with its eye-catching playground, disc golf course and plenty of shade. The 18 scenic holes at Shenandoah Golf Course are open to the public.
Marathon running and BBQ contests in September
The Everly Brothers got their start on Shenandoah’s early radio stations, and a mural of the duo rises from the cornfields. Live music fills the air during the Shendig BBQ Competition, a popular event in July. “It started a few years back and it’s grown,” Munsinger says. “People come from Kansas City and all over.” In September, runners hit the trail for the Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon, which includes a half-marathon and relay races. The city celebrates Shenfest later in September with car and tractor shows, live music, golf and pickleball tournaments, plus a parade.
Shenandoah churches serve the Christian community
Over 60 percent of Iowa residents identify as Christian, and several churches serve Shenandoah’s Christian community. First Baptist Church of Shenandoah holds picnics at McComb Park, prayer nights and a summer Bible school. St. Mary’s Catholic Church hosts a food pantry and drive-through drop-off events for families in need.
