$149,341Average Value$116Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Tama is a small town loaded with culture
Located along the Iowa River, Tama is a small Midwest community with strong Native American roots. This area of about 3,100 is the home base for the Meskwaki Nation, a tribe with over 1,450 members. Tama’s name is a Native American word that translates to “the thunder that make the earth tremble.” Today, the community rumbles with amenities like the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel, which is the largest employer across Tama County; hosts events like the annual Meskawi Powwow; and offers an eclectic variety of homes. Still, Tama’s small enough that residents develop genuine connections with each other. “The community’s pretty well-connected,” says Elaina Martinez, a customer service representative at Hardon’s Services in downtown Tama. “It’s a small town, so it’s like everyone knows everybody here.”
The town of Tama has a small town feel, but has access to city amenities.
The Meskwaki Tribe shares many amenities and communities with Tama.
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Homes range from classic to modern
Homebuyers in Tama can get anything from a bungalow built in the early 1900s to a ranch-style home built in the early 2000s. The combination of established and contemporary properties gives people options in an area that remains relatively affordable. Houses here sell for $80,000 to $310,000, with a median of about $160,000.
Some large stately homes can be found in the center of Tama.
Newer residential development can be found on the edges of Tama.
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Local casino is among Tama’s attractions
Martinez considers the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel among the area’s biggest draws. The facility, on Tama’s west side, stretches 67,000 square feet and features table games, slot machines and over 400 hotel rooms. Lucky's Grill & Taproom, within the casino, is a draw in part for its breakfast. Restaurants in Tama’s downtown include El Cerrito, where the tacos are a hit. The Pump dates to 1880, a rustic-style bar serving burgers, wings and more. Mexican grocery store El Gallito is a couple of doors down from The Pump and offers freshly cut meats. Nearby Hardon’s Services has been around for over 60 years, specializing in utility services. “A lot of the community really depends on us for their plumbing needs, electrical and their HVAC,” Martinez says. The company recently expanded with the opening of Hardon’s Outdoors, a store selling grills, cookware, barware and seasonings.
El Gallito is a small grocery store in downtown Tama.
Locals flock to El Cerrito for the friendly service and delicious food.
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Annual events are based in history
The Meskawi Powwow is an event that has existed for over 100 years. Held off Tama’s Battleground Road, the powwow is unique to the state of Iowa and a major attraction. “A lot of people from around the area come and see the powwow — the dances and the food vendors,” Martinez says. The Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival is another Tama tradition, spanning 40 years. The bridge itself was built in 1915, is on the National Register of Historic Places and was part of one of the country’s earliest transcontinental roadways. The annual festival in Tama includes carnival rides, live music and a parade.
School activities cover an assortment of interests
Tama is part of the South Tama County Community School District, which has a C-plus grade from Niche. The C-plus-rated South Tama County Elementary offers a music program where students can showcase their skills through a spring concert. South Tama County Middle carries a C rating and includes groups from an archery club to a student council. The B-minus-rated South Tama County High offers esports and chess clubs.
Trojan Pride runs deep in and around Tama County.
South Tama Elementary and High Schools share common ground in Tama.
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Outdoor amenities are available here and in the neighboring community
Some in town are within walking distance of the South Tama Recreation Trail, a path that flows into the adjacent community of Toledo, the seat of Tama County. The trail also circles Tama’s Cherry Lake, which is stocked with catfish. The Tama Toledo Country Club offers a nine-hole course open to the public. Martinez says people also head to Otter Creek Lake in Toledo, a popular place for fishing and camping. The Tama-Toledo Aquatic Center features multiple slides and is open from late May through late August.
South Tama Recreation Trail has several miles of trail that circumvents Tama.
Otter Creek Lake & Park is a hot spot for fishing, hiking, and camping.
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Major area highway is quickly accessible
Part of U.S. Route 30 cuts through Tama, the longest interstate highway in Iowa. Drivers in Tama can follow Route 30 for 20 miles west to access UnityPoint Health - Marshalltown Hospital and its 24-hour emergency department. The Eastern Iowa Airport is 50 miles east on Route 30 and offers nonstop flights to destinations like Las Vegas and Orlando.
Access to Highway 30 gives Tama residents easy travel to Cedar Rapids and Marshalltown.
UnityPoint Marshalltown Hospital is just minutes to the west and is a large regional employer.
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Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Amon Parson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kajun Morris,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Tama, IA sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Tama, IA over the last 12 months is $180,000, up 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This Iowa River property is the ultimate place to enjoy every season, and especially hunting season. With established food plots, a trail system, and excellent deer and turkey habitat, this is a chance to own an affordable river bottom hunting property with year-round recreation. It's located just southeast of the town of Tama in south central Tama County, on the south side of the railroad
Situated on 3.96 acres in the rolling hills of Tama County, this property offers a peaceful rural setting and is priced to sell. The main level features a remodeled kitchen, dining room, living room, updated bathroom, and a bedroom that has been converted to a convenient main-level laundry. The second level includes three additional bedrooms with original hardwood flooring. This acreage combines
This three-bedroom ranch features an eat-in kitchen, combined living and dining area, and a full bathroom on the main floor. The finished lower level offers a spacious family room, an additional bedroom with ample closet space, a full bathroom, and laundry facilities. A walkout leads to a concrete patio for outdoor enjoyment. The property includes a large detached two-car garage with alley access
Recently renovated new kitchen all new appliances new flooring and paint. Runter will need to maintaining yard snow removal and all utilities gas electric water garbage. Renter will also need to carry renters insurance
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