$210,141Average Value$141Average Price per Sq Ft29Homes For Sale
Storm Lake is bringing diversity to central Iowa
Home to just over 11,000 residents, Storm Lake is a central Iowa city that combines lakeside living and recreation with a growing diverse community. Private docks and city parks line the city’s namesake lake, offering plenty of lakeside beaches and boating launches. Meanwhile, the city is gaining a reputation for its diversity — the 2020 Census reports almost 15% of the population is Asian and 41% is Hispanic or Latino. New events and annual traditions show how Storm Lake embraces its diversity as it continues to invite people into the community. Off Richland and Flirdt drives in the center of the city, Tyson Foods has a large industrial complex that offers plenty of jobs to Storm Lake’s growing population.
Storm Lake gets its name from a furious storm that blew through when it was first settled.
Storm Lake residents are never far from the expansive water that gives the town its name.
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Lakeside beaches and playgrounds along Storm Lake
Storm Lake itself stretches across 3,000 acres, known for its walleye fishing. Awaysis Park hosts the city’s largest beach, where people can swim in the water or rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboats. A lighthouse looks over the lake, and people can go to the top and watch the sunset. The playground here is modern with all blue equipment and surfacing. People can also swim at the beach at Sunset Park or stroll through the trails.
Lakeside trails can be found along the entire north side of Storm Lake.
Awaysis Park is a Storm Lake favorite, with a beach, playground, and a climbable lighthouse.
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Lakeside custom builds and contemporaries
Storm Lake’s median housing price is about $215,000, which is lower than the national median. Custom builds, and contemporary homes sit along the lake with private docks or just face the water from Lakeshore Drive and Lake Avenue, all offering views of the lake. Around the rest of Storm Lake, people can find bungalows, Nationals and ranch-style homes. From 2023 to 2024, the Storm Lake Police Department reported a 4% decrease in property and violent crimes in the city.
Large custom homes on the south side of Storm Lake push into the million-dollar price range.
Older homes surrounding downtown Storm Lake have their own characters and history.
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Storm Lake's diverse restaurants and convenience stores
Downtown Storm Lake centers around Lake Avenue, offering plenty of local restaurants and convenience stores. The businesses here highlight the area’s diversity, where restaurants serve American, Mexican, Vietnamese and Thai cuisines. Many of the convenience stores are also specialty markets, like May Flower Asian Grocery and Storm Lake African Grocery Store. Milwaukee Avenue runs up the center of Storm Lake, lined with more restaurants and chains, like Hy-Vee Grocery Store and Walmart Supercenter.
The historic buildings of downtown Storm Lake now house small businesses and restaurants.
HyVee is one of several grocery store options for Storm Lake residents.
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Storm Lake's local university ready to expand
Storm Lake Community School District earns a C-minus from Niche and ranks as the 6th most diverse school district in Iowa. Buena Vista University is also here in Storm Lake, serving just under 2,000 students across its 60-acre campus. The institution just received a $2 million donation to move the Lamberti Center for Rural Entrepreneurship from downtown to one of its academic buildings. The center helps students, staff and locals launch their own businesses and hopes that the new space will make resources more accessible and allow them to expand their services.
Storm Lake High School's mascot is the Tornadoes.
Buena Vista University has a gorgeous lakeside campus in Storm Lake.
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Lakeside car shows and 4th of July parades
For Independence Day, Storm Lake residents celebrate with the Star Spangled Spectacular, which includes a race, artist vendors selling goods, fireworks and two parades. One of the parades is called Parade of Nations and invites people to wear cultural dress, highlighting the way the city is embracing its diversity. Every Sunday afternoon in June and July, the Storm Lake Municipal Band performs at the bandshell in Sunset Park. For over 15 years, the Hy-Noon Kiwanis Escape to the Lake Kar Show brings antique cars out to Chautauqua Park.
Driving around Storm Lake and to the nearest big cities
Storm Lake doesn’t have any public transportation, so residents will likely need a car to get around the city. Lake and Milwaukee avenues cut through the city and its amenities, while Lakeshore Drive gives access to the parks along the lake. Storm Lake is in a more rural area and is a bit isolated from the rest of the state. Sioux City is the nearest big city, which is about 69 miles west and does have a regional airport.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Melinda Anselmo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Robert Bauer,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Storm Lake, IA sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Storm Lake, IA over the last 12 months is $151,500, up 40% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
716 Meadow Lane is a competitively priced, move-in-ready ranch home in a highly desirable neighborhood. The well-appointed kitchen features solid oak cabinetry and a beautiful stone backsplash. The abundant counter space and a peninsula with seating are ideal for entertaining with friends. The appliances are newer and are included in the sale. This property maximizes every square inch of its
Why rent when you can buy? Affordable, Low-Maintenance Living Under $100,000! This clean and well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo offers an excellent opportunity for first-time buyers, those looking to downsize, or investors alike! Inside, you’ll find a welcoming living area featuring a cozy wood-burning fireplace — perfect for relaxing evenings at home. The kitchen includes convenient bar
1314 Shoreway Rd is arguably the finest lakefront home to hit the market in the past decade. Located on the north shore of Storm Lake, it provides beautiful sunrise and sunset views. This exceptional residence blends classic brick architecture with three levels of exquisitely finished living space, all redesigned in a top-to-bottom renovation just four years ago. No expense was spared, and every
1 Colonial Circle, an expansive ranch estate that will be sure to leave you in awe. This all-brick home truly should be seen in person as the photos and 3-D tour surely do not do it justice. Let's start in the basement, where the owners have transformed this space into a luxury primary suite complete with a wood-burning fireplace. The primary bathroom is absolutely out of this world! The
Welcome to this quaint and inviting 11⁄2-story home, ideally located within walking distance of Buena Vista Regional Medical Center and close to everyday conveniences. Thoughtfully maintained and filled with character, 1405 Lochedem offers a comfortable blend of charm, functionality, and space. The beautifully updated kitchen features striking black stainless steel appliances, solid oak
Welcome home to this beautifully updated home that is ideally situated on a corner lot. Filled with abundant natural light and featuring soaring vaulted ceilings, this home offers a bright, open feel throughout. Recent updates include fresh interior and exterior paint, new carpet and vinyl flooring, and tastefully updated bathrooms. The upper level features three bedrooms, including a spacious
Welcome to 94 North Emerald Drive #7 with a deeded boat slip! This modern, energy-efficient condo designed for low-maintenance living and everyday comfort. This newer build offers exceptional perks that set it apart. While others are breaking their backs shoveling snow this winter, you can relax—your association takes care of all exterior maintenance, lawn care, snow removal, garbage service,
Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom, 2-bath home ideally located near local schools and hospitals, offering both convenience and comfort. Each spacious bedroom features its own walk-in closet, providing ample storage throughout. Beautiful finished basement featuring a brick wood burning fireplace in the family room. A standout feature of this property is the truly unique barn-shaped 2-car garage
MOTIVATED SELLER! Looking for a home with no maintenance and lake views? The Breeze Condominiums have convenient access to walking trails, lake access, golfing and the Kings Pointe waterpark resort. The home features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, granite countertops and black stainless steel appliances. Two out of the 3 bedrooms have a lake view and one master suite with a walk-in closet. Amenities
Step inside a home that feels thoughtfully composed rather than simply constructed. This custom-built retreat offers an open floor plan where every space flows with intention and light pours in through expansive windows, creating a bright, effortless sense of calm throughout. The heart of the home is the kitchen, designed for both everyday living and memorable gatherings. A generous island with
Completely Renovated Home in Storm Lake! Welcome to this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom home that blends modern updates with cozy charm. From top to bottom, this property has been thoughtfully refreshed and is truly move-in ready. The main level features 3 bedrooms, two 3⁄4 bathrooms, and an additional 1⁄2 bath in the master bedroom, offering comfort and convenience for everyday living. You’ll
First time on the market in over 50 years. This stately 2-story home is located just two blocks from Sunset Park, the lake and the lake trail and just one block from Buena Vista University. With nearly 1900 square feet, all the rooms are spacious, and the tall ceilings add to that feeling. The large front porch provides shelter from the elements and additional space for entertaining. The front
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