Indianola is the south-metro city that does things its own way - and the buyers I work with here tend to love it for exactly that. Home to Simpson College, the annual National Balloon Classic, and a downtown square that actually still works as a downtown, Indianola kept the small-city character most Des Moines suburbs traded away decades ago. Pair the Warren County setting with a 25-minute commute to downtown Des Moines and relatively affordable housing, and you get one of the metro's most distinctive markets.
Why Indianola has its own pull
- Simpson College anchors the city's identity - a small, well-regarded liberal arts institution that brings cultural events, faculty stability, and steady year-round demand to town.
- Indianola Community School District is one of the stronger south-metro options, with a comprehensive academic + activities profile.
- 25-minute commute to downtown Des Moines via Hwy 65/69. Workable for downtown professionals.
- Genuine downtown square - Indianola actually has a functioning historic square with restaurants, shops, and weekend foot traffic. Few Central Iowa cities can say the same.
- The National Balloon Classic - held annually in Indianola, a real cultural draw + city identity piece.
- Affordability vs. north-metro suburbs - Indianola homes typically run $50K-$100K less than equivalent Ankeny inventory.
Indianola neighborhoods - knowing where to look
When a buyer asks me where to focus in Indianola, here's how I break it down:
Historic Indianola (around the downtown square) - Older housing stock, mature trees, walkable to the downtown core. Some restored historic homes with character. Price range: $225K-$450K. Best for: buyers valuing character + walkability + history.
West Indianola (newer subdivisions toward the Hwy 92 corridor) - Mid-2000s and newer construction, established now with mature landscaping. Price range: $300K-$525K. Best for: families wanting newer construction at south-metro pricing.
North Indianola (toward Carlisle border) - Mixed development, some commercial-adjacent. Easy access to the Des Moines commute. Price range: $275K-$450K. Best for: commuter-focused buyers.
South Indianola + acreage edges - Larger lots, hobby-farm potential, more rural feel. Price range: $325K-$700K+ depending on lot size. Best for: buyers wanting room to spread out.
Simpson College district - Walking-distance-to-campus neighborhoods. Strong investor interest (student rentals), professional rentals (faculty), and owner-occupant character homes. Price range: $250K-$425K.
What the Indianola market looks like right now
- Steady, predictable demand - Indianola doesn't see the boom-bust patterns of the newer-growth suburbs.
- Resale under $400K moves in 14-30 days for properly-priced single-family.
- The historic downtown-adjacent neighborhoods attract a specific buyer (character-seeking) and the right home in the right condition can move very fast.
- Investor activity in the Simpson College corridor creates competition for 3-4 bedroom homes that work as rentals.
- Larger lot / acreage properties can take longer to sell - narrower buyer pool, often 30-90+ days.
I send out a free Central Iowa market report every month with the actual numbers behind all of this. Get on the list at Jackson's Hub →
Schools in Indianola
- Indianola High School - Single high school, academic + activities profile, established athletic program.
- Indianola Middle School - Single middle school for the district.
- Multiple elementary schools - Emerson, Whittier, Wilder, plus the smaller satellite elementaries serving the broader district geography.
- Simpson College - Liberal arts college providing community classes, cultural events, athletic programs open to area residents.
Always verify the current attendance zone for a specific address - I'm happy to confirm it for any home you're looking at.
Things to do in Indianola
- National Balloon Classic - Annual late-July event, draws 100,000+ over its run. Iconic Iowa event.
- Indianola Historic Square - Restaurants, local shops, Warren County courthouse, weekly farmers market.
- Simpson College events - concerts, lectures, sporting events.
- Lake Ahquabi State Park - 15 minutes south. 770 acres, lake, trails, fishing, camping.
- Summerset State Park - Adjacent to Indianola. Trails, lake, picnic areas.
- Local restaurant scene - Indianola has notable independent dining (Funaro's Deli, La Carreta, Memo's Pizzeria) that draws metro visitors.
- Iowa Wine Trail - Multiple wineries within 30 minutes of Indianola.
- Quick access to Des Moines - downtown events, Wells Fargo Arena, Court Avenue all within 25-30 minutes.
The commute picture
- Downtown Des Moines - 25 minutes via Hwy 65/69.
- South Des Moines + airport corridor - 15-20 minutes.
- West Des Moines - 30 minutes.
- Indianola itself - 5 minutes anywhere in the city.
Investor + house hacking in Indianola
Indianola has stronger investor dynamics than most Central Iowa suburbs, and when we run the numbers a few plays stand out:
- Simpson College student rentals - Single-family near campus rents to student groups. Annual lease cycles aligned with academic year.
- Faculty + staff rentals - Simpson employees often rent before buying. Steady rental demand.
- Walk-out ranches work well as house hacks throughout the city.
- Lower entry prices than north-metro markets mean better cap rates for the math.
Full house hacking playbook here →
What clients say about working with me
Ready to make a move in Indianola?
Indianola rewards buyers who understand the city's distinct character and the real differences between the downtown-adjacent, college-corridor, and outer-residential sub-markets. I work this market and the broader south-metro corridor regularly, and I'm happy to help you sort through it - no pressure:
Nearby Central Iowa communities
Weighing options outside Indianola? Let's talk it through. Norwalk sits just north - newer construction and a closer Des Moines commute. Carlisle is northeast with rural-edge character. Cumming is west - quiet, smaller, and growing.
Jackson Krile is a REALTOR® on the Flanders Team at RE/MAX Real Estate Center. Licensed in Iowa #S66867000. DMAAR + CIBR member.