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🎢 Entertainment Hub

Altoona, Iowa

Live Where the Fun Is • Adventureland • Prairie Meadows • Value + Convenience

20K+Population
$285KMedian Price
8/10School Rating
10 minTo Airport

Welcome to Altoona

The Des Moines metro's entertainment capital

Live Where the Fun Happens

Altoona is the Des Moines metro's undisputed entertainment hub — home to Adventureland amusement park, Prairie Meadows casino and hotel, Bass Pro Shops, and a massive retail corridor that draws visitors from across Iowa.

What makes Altoona unique is the combination of major entertainment destinations with genuine residential community. You're not living in a tourist district — you're living in a real neighborhood that happens to have Iowa's best amusement park, casino, and shopping nearby.

Altoona attracts families seeking value and convenience, entertainment industry workers, airport employees (10 minutes away), and buyers who want affordable living near major job centers.

Quick Facts

  • County: Polk County
  • ZIP Code: 50009
  • School District: Southeast Polk CSD
  • Founded: 1868
  • Population: 20,000+
  • Median Income: $75,000
  • Crime Rate: Low
  • Character: Entertainment hub
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦20,000+Residents
🏠$285KMedian Home Price
📚8/10School Rating
🎢MillionsAnnual Visitors

🎢 Live at the Entertainment Epicenter

Other suburbs drive 20-30 minutes for entertainment. You walk. Your kids grow up with Adventureland season passes. Friday nights at Prairie Meadows become routine.

🎡 Adventureland Resort

Iowa's largest amusement park — 100+ rides, water park, live entertainment. Season pass holders walk/bike from home.

🎰 Prairie Meadows

Full casino with table games, slots, horse racing. Concert venue hosting national acts. Multiple restaurants.

🎣 Bass Pro Shops

Massive outdoor retail destination. More than shopping — aquariums, archery range, events, restaurant.

🛍️ Retail Corridor

Target, Walmart, Hy-Vee, dozens of restaurants, movie theater. Everything you need without driving far.

Southeast Polk Community Schools

Solid education with strong community support

Elementary
Multiple Options
8/10
Strong foundation
Middle School
Southeast Polk JH
8/10
Consistent quality
High School
Southeast Polk HS
8/10
Go Rams!

🎓 Academic Quality

  • Consistent 8/10 ratings across grades
  • 93%+ graduation rate
  • Growing AP and honors programs
  • Strong career and technical education

🏆 Southeast Polk Rams

  • Competitive athletic programs
  • Band and music programs
  • Theater and fine arts
  • Strong community support

📚 Southeast Polk Schools (Same as Pleasant Hill)

Altoona shares Southeast Polk CSD with Pleasant Hill — solid 8/10 education without premium pricing. You get quality education while saving significantly versus Waukee or Ankeny prices.

Altoona Lifestyle & Amenities

Entertainment meets everyday living

✈️ Airport Proximity

  • Des Moines Airport: 10 minutes!
  • Ideal for airline/airport workers
  • Easy business travel
  • Closest suburb to airport

🚗 Easy Commutes

  • I-80 access (immediate)
  • Downtown Des Moines: 15 min
  • East side employers: 10 min
  • Less traffic than north side

🏞️ Parks & Recreation

  • Multiple neighborhood parks
  • Trail connections throughout
  • Near Saylorville Lake: 10 min
  • Near Jester Park: 15 min

🛍️ Retail & Dining

  • Bass Pro Shops (destination)
  • Target, Walmart, Hy-Vee
  • 50+ restaurants all cuisines
  • No need to leave town

Altoona Real Estate Market

December 2025 — Steady market with excellent value

$285KMedian Home Price
↗️ Up 4.5% YoY
27Days on Market
⚡ Healthy Pace
97%Sale to List Price
🤝 Balanced Market

💡 Sarah's Market Insights

Altoona delivers exceptional value — $285K median is $75K less than Waukee, $90K less than Ankeny, yet offers unique entertainment access no other suburb can match. The $260K-$325K range sees most activity. Best opportunities: older homes near entertainment corridor needing updates.

⚠️ Insurance Considerations for Altoona

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

🏠 Mixed Housing Stock

Altoona homes range from 1970s to 2020s. Newer homes insure easily. Older homes need evaluation of electrical, plumbing, roof, HVAC.

🌪️ Iowa Storm Risk

Like all of Iowa, Altoona experiences severe weather. Hail and wind damage are primary concerns.

💧 Minimal Flood Risk

Altoona generally sits above flood zones. Check FEMA maps for properties near Four Mile Creek.

💰 Competitive Rates

Expect $950-$1,400/year for typical Altoona home ($285K value). Among the lowest insurance costs in the metro.

🎯 Bottom Line for Altoona Buyers

Altoona homes are generally easy to insure with competitive rates. Budget $950-$1,400/year — among the lowest in the metro.

Altoona Homes for Sale

Current listings in the entertainment hub

🏠 Find Your Altoona Home

Browse current Altoona listings or get personalized recommendations.

Search Altoona Homes

Ready for Altoona's Entertainment & Value?

Let Sarah help you find your place in the metro's entertainment capital

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

Sarah Ingles

REALTOR® SRES® | 10+ Years Insurance Expertise

Your Altoona expert. I help buyers find exceptional value near entertainment and the airport with my property insurance background to ensure you're protected.

📞 563-513-8771
✉️ [email protected]