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Carlisle Iowa Neighborhood Guide | Homes for Sale | Small-Town Living | Smart Move DSM
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🏡 Small-Town Living

Carlisle, Iowa

Authentic Small-Town • Affordable Homes • Community Values • 15 Min to DSM

4.5KPopulation
$275KMedian Price
7-8/10School Rating
15 minTo Des Moines

Welcome to Carlisle

Where everybody knows your name

Small-Town Iowa Living at Its Best

Carlisle is authentic small-town Iowa — population 4,500, historic downtown, Friday night football, community festivals, and neighbors who genuinely know each other. Located just 15 minutes south of Des Moines, Carlisle offers an escape from suburban sprawl while maintaining easy access to metro jobs and amenities.

What sets Carlisle apart from larger suburbs is the genuine community feel. This isn't a development trying to manufacture small-town charm — it's a real Iowa town with 150+ years of history.

Carlisle attracts families tired of cookie-cutter suburbs, buyers seeking affordability without compromising quality, and anyone prioritizing community over amenities.

Quick Facts

  • County: Warren County
  • ZIP Code: 50047
  • School District: Carlisle CSD
  • Founded: 1866
  • Population: 4,500+
  • Median Income: $70,000
  • Crime Rate: Very low
  • Character: Authentic small-town
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦4,500+Residents
🏠$275KMedian Price (Affordable!)
📚7-8/10School Rating
🎉150+Years of History

🏡 The Carlisle Small-Town Experience

Carlisle offers something bigger suburbs can't manufacture — authentic small-town community where people genuinely care about neighbors.

Everyone Knows Everyone

At Hy-Vee, you'll run into neighbors. At youth sports, parents chat. Business owners know your name.

Main Street Matters

Historic downtown with local businesses — family restaurants, coffee shop, services.

Friday Night Lights

Carlisle Wildcats football — whole town supports the teams.

Community Events

Fourth of July parade is THE event. Homecoming, Fall Festival, Christmas celebrations.

Safe & Simple

Kids bike to friends' houses. Crime is virtually nonexistent.

Metro Access

Des Moines is 15 minutes away. Best of both worlds.

Carlisle Community Schools

Small-school advantages with solid academics

Elementary
Carlisle Elementary
7-8/10
Solid foundation
Middle School
Carlisle MS
7-8/10
Quality programs
High School
Carlisle High School
7-8/10
Go Wildcats!

🎓 Small-School Benefits

  • Everyone knows your child — by name
  • Teachers invested in each student
  • Low student-teacher ratios
  • Strong family-school connections

🏆 Carlisle Wildcats

  • Everyone plays — not just watches
  • Competitive in small-school sports
  • Band, choir, performing arts
  • Whole town supports teams

📚 Carlisle Schools Philosophy

Small schools offer individualized attention, community support, and opportunities for every child. Your kid won't be student #3,472 — they'll be known, supported, and encouraged to participate in everything.

Carlisle Lifestyle & Amenities

Simple pleasures, authentic community

🏛️ Historic Downtown

  • Local restaurants and cafes
  • Family-owned businesses
  • Community gathering spaces
  • Where neighbors connect

🎉 Community Events

  • Fourth of July parade (biggest!)
  • Fall Festival and Homecoming
  • Friday night football games
  • Authentic small-town gatherings

🏞️ Parks & Outdoors

  • City parks with playgrounds
  • Youth sports fields
  • Near Lake Red Rock
  • Safe neighborhoods for biking

🚗 Easy Des Moines Access

  • Highway 5 to I-35/I-80
  • Downtown Des Moines: 15 min
  • Easy metro commute
  • Best of both worlds

Carlisle Real Estate Market

December 2025 — Most affordable metro option with small-town premium

$275KMedian Home Price
↗️ Up 3.8% YoY
30Days on Market
⏳ Deliberate Pace
96%Sale to List Price
🤝 Buyer-Friendly

💡 Sarah's Market Insights

Carlisle represents the metro's best affordability — $275K median is $85K less than Waukee, $100K less than Ankeny. Housing stock mixes older homes (1970s-1990s) with some new construction. Best opportunities: older homes needing updates — buy at discount, renovate to modern standards.

⚠️ Insurance Considerations for Carlisle

As a property insurance expert with 10+ years of experience, I help buyers identify potential insurability issues BEFORE making an offer.

🏠 Mixed Age Housing

Carlisle homes range from 1970s to 2020s. Older homes need scrutiny for electrical, plumbing, roof age, and HVAC condition.

🌪️ Iowa Storm Risk

Like all of Iowa, Carlisle experiences severe weather. Verify roof age and repair documentation.

💧 Minimal Flood Risk

Carlisle sits elevated with good drainage. Flood insurance rarely required.

💰 Low Insurance Costs

Expect $900-$1,300/year for typical Carlisle home ($275K value) — among metro's lowest!

🎯 Bottom Line for Carlisle Buyers

Carlisle homes are generally affordable to insure — budget $900-$1,300/year (lowest in metro!). Another reason Carlisle offers exceptional value!

Carlisle Homes for Sale

Current listings in this small-town community

🏠 Find Your Carlisle Home

Browse current Carlisle listings or get personalized recommendations.

Search Carlisle Homes

Ready for Carlisle Small-Town Living?

Let Sarah help you find your place in this authentic Iowa community

Schedule a Consultation 📞 Call 563-513-8771
Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® - Carlisle Real Estate Expert

Sarah Ingles

REALTOR® SRES® | 10+ Years Insurance Expertise

Your Carlisle expert. I help buyers find affordable small-town homes with my property insurance background to ensure you're protected and get exceptional value.

📞 563-513-8771
✉️ [email protected]