$211,047Average Value$139Average Price per Sq Ft33Homes 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 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Storm Lake, IA over the last 12 months is $153,500, up 42% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Come check out this adorable 3 bedroom home! This property has 2 bedrooms on the main level as well as the bathroom, a large living room, separate dining room, and a kitchen with a convenient layout! Upstairs is a bedroom and plenty of room for storage or even more bedrooms! The basement has laundry, plenty of storage as well as an option for second family room, game room, and another
Whether you’re seeking a development opportunity or a smart property investment, this ±3-acre parcel offers exceptional potential. Ideally located on the East side of Storm Lake in Lakeside, IA across from The Cobb Inn and Lakeside Marina. This property presents a wide range of possibilities for all types of buyers. Opportunities like this are rare and don’t come on the market often. A survey
Welcome home to 1115 Erie Street. This 3-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home in Storm Lake offers solid space and practical updates. Timeless hardwood floors run through much of the home. Take comfort knowing there is a newer furnace (2017) and hot water heater (2021). Most of the windows have been updated as well. The kitchen is well-appointed, featuring a separate in-wall oven and countertop gas
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
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
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
Don’t miss this incredible investment opportunity featuring a well-maintained duplex with a private owner’s suite! Each level offers approximately 1,244 sq ft, giving you generous living space across all floors. This property has seen major upgrades, including new siding, new roof, a new sewer line, and updated electrical service, providing peace of mind for years to come. The main floor unit
Melissa Perez MartinezCompass Real Estate of NW IA
Welcome to 711 Barton Street, a charming and well-located home in the heart of Storm Lake! Offering 1,731 square feet of finished living space, this property is full of character, functionality, and potential—perfect for a first-time homebuyer, growing household, or investor. Inside, owner just haad some new countertops and backsplash installed. You’ll also find two bedrooms, 1.75 bathrooms, and
Velvet BufordReal Estate Specialists of Storm Lake, Inc
This Premium 3 bedroom 2 bath condo at The Breeze offers stunning views of Storm Lake and is just steps away from the lake, SunrisePointe Golf Course, and Kings Pointe Resort and Waterpark. Due to health issues , this unit has had limited use since they owners purchased it in 2022 and is still in "new" condition. This unit is only one of 3 premium end units facing the lake. The unit features 9'
Welcome to 915 Pleasantview in Storm Lake, a well-maintained home nestled in a quiet, desirable neighborhood. This property offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and location. Step inside to find a bright, inviting layout with spacious living areas, ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen provides ample cabinetry and workspace, flowing seamlessly into the dining and
Tyler AubeReal Estate Specialists of Storm Lake, Inc
Introducing the West Winds Town Homes, brand new-energy efficient residences that are ideally located close to the lake, Frank Starr Park, and the elementary & middle schools. This newer construction townhome features soaring vaulted ceilings, granite countertops and an ideal open floor plan. Low-maintenance living does not mean that you need to sacrifice quality. Enjoy new stainless steel
Discover the potential in this 3-bedroom, 1-bath home ready for renovation and fresh ideas. With a spacious front porch and a handy backyard shed, the property offers great functional features to build on. Conveniently located near grocery stores, dining, and everyday amenities, it’s also close to the lake for walks and outdoor enjoyment. A strong opportunity for buyers looking to update a home
Clean, Cute, and Cozy! This 2-bedroom, 1.75-bath home. Located not far from the Lake, Storm Lake Schools, and Buena Vista Regional Medical Center. Both bathrooms have been updated recently. Good-sized yard, perfect for gardening or entertaining. Kitchen appliances, washer, and dryer are included!
Tyler AubeReal Estate Specialists of Storm Lake, Inc
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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.
