$149,577Average Value$130Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes 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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Robin Marcinik,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Tama, IA sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Tama, IA over the last 12 months is $163,750, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This spacious 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers plenty of room for the whole family to spread out and enjoy. Featuring fresh paint throughout, this move-in ready home is bright, inviting, and ready for its new owners. The large deck provides the perfect space for outdoor entertaining or relaxing while overlooking the great backyard. A walk-out basement adds extra living space and convenient access
137.54 acres of beautiful hunting ground. WRP Land (not CRP) Meaning it's registered with the Army Corp of Engineers. A percentage can be bailed. You can put a small cabin on wheels or a movable structure in a designated area of the property towards the middle, just not a permanent foundation. Land is to be used for hunting or recreational purposes only. Land cannot be rezoned or built on. Crops
This 4 bedroom ranch has been well maintained and is ready to move into. Features include a large eat in kitchen, 3 bedrooms, living room, and full bathroom on the main level. The walkout basement has a large master bedroom, with master bath, a large family room and laundry. In the back yard you will find a nice concrete patio and a oversized 30X24, 2 car garage that is heated and insulated. Call
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath gem in the heart of Tama! With room to grow, play, and make memories, this home is ready for its next chapter. Parents will love the peace of mind that comes with a newer furnace, A/C, and roof, while the brand-new carpet gives the home a fresh, cozy feel from the moment you step inside. Whether it's movie nights in the living room, backyard
One-of-a-kind ranch home tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Tama, Iowa. This well-kept property offers 1,484 square feet of living space, featuring an open, modern kitchen and dining area, a cozy living room, an office/den, two bedrooms, and a full bathroom, all with vaulted ceilings and wood flooring. The finished full basement includes a wet bar with a gas fireplace, a second living
Step into this newly renovated Ranch home situated on a corner lot and notice the fresh crispness of the upgrades. The home features a new kitchen with new appliances, and it opens into the dining room and living room. There is also a large family room. Down the hall you will find a fully renovated full bath and 3 nice sized bedrooms. The owner's ensuite features a fully renovated 3/4 bath with a
Welcome home to peaceful country charm and colorful sunsets that never disappoint. Nestled on a quiet culdesac, this custom Ranch home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and thoughtful upgrades. Inside, you'll find beautiful oak woodwork, a gas fireplace, and stunning oak arches framing the floor-to-ceiling living room window. The main level features a spacious living room, large
Overlooking the Tama/Toledo Golf Course, this wonderful ranch home takes in the Western facing views of the beautiful Iowa sunsets. Before walking into the home notice all of the outdoor entertainment space with a large patio as well as an expansive wrap around deck. There is a 3 stall detached garage on this over 1/2 n acre property as well. Walk in to the main level and you will find an open
Welcome to this modern 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home featuring a 1-stall garage, a workshop, and nearly an acre of land. With a spacious layout, updated feel, and plenty of room inside and out, this property offers the perfect mix of comfort, style, and functionality. Whether you need space for family, projects, entertaining, or just want to enjoy a larger lot, this home has so much to offer.All
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
