6 Reasons to Move to Marshalltown, IA

From its diverse, inclusive community to its low cost of living and fun events, Marshalltown is the perfect place to call home.

By Rebecca Treon on August 14, 2023

Jonathan David Sabin

In 1851, Henry Anson, the first European settler to arrive in the area, found what he described as “the prettiest place in Iowa” and put down roots in what officially became Marshalltown.

By 1900, the town’s population was 10,000 and industries like Lennox International and Marshalltown Co., which are still thriving today, got their start.

Today, the population has nearly tripled, but with just under 30,000 residents, it retains its small-town feel. It’s home to one of JBS USA’s meat-packing plants, which has brought thousands of residents of diverse backgrounds to the region. In fact, Marshalltown is one of Iowa’s most diverse towns.

Wondering if this city is right for you? Here are six reasons you should move to Marshalltown.

1. Marshalltown has a diverse and inclusive community.

Nearly a third of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, a legacy from residents who immigrated from Mexico in search of new opportunities. The city welcomed Burmese refugees in the early 2010s. Fostering cross-cultural interactions in the region, Marshalltown’s sister cities are Budyonnovsk, Russia, and Minami-Alps, Japan. In its strategic plan, the city even states the importance of creating an inclusive and welcoming community.

2. You can afford to plant roots in Marshalltown.

Iowa is one of the nation’s most affordable states, and Marshalltown is one of its most affordable communities. The median home value in Marshalltown is $140,000 (Zillow, April 2023), which is significantly less than cities like Chicago ($275,000), Denver ($402,000), Indianapolis ($230,000) and New York ($664,000).

3. The overall cost of living is lower in Marshalltown.

The total cost of food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes and other expenses over a year is estimated at $33,613, while the average nationwide is twice that amount. Iowa is among the 10 least expensive states.

Central Iowa Fair

4. It’s the hub of regional community events.

Marshalltown is home to a number of annual events like the Central Iowa Fair held each July; Oktemberfest, a family-friendly fall festival in September; Harvest Market, which brings together food trucks, live music, a beer garden and 25+ local vendors; and the Holiday Stroll, kicking off the Christmas season with a parade, tree lighting, shopping and choral music.

5. Marshalltown offers easy access to other major cities.

U.S. Route 30 bypasses Marshalltown to the south, Iowa Highway 14 goes through the center of town, and an expressway, Iowa Highway 330, connects to Des Moines, which is less than an hour’s drive. Cedar Rapids is just over an hour’s drive, and Omaha is about three hours away. While a municipal airport serves the county, Des Moines International Airport is available for destinations farther afield.

6. It offers the best of agritourism.

Some of the region’s local farms have been reimagined as tourism destinations.

One of these agritourism spots is Appleberry Farm, which offers apple-picking opportunities and sells sweet corn, honey and potted plants, along with in-season crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and onions. Its store on West Main Street also offers a variety of antique furniture and other gift items. The fall months at Appleberry feature pumpkin patch fun, which pairs perfectly with the caramel apples and warm cider sold on-site.

At Grimes Farm and Conservation Center, the Grimes family turned their spacious property into an agritourism destination with hiking trails, bicycle trails, an observation tower, a concert amphitheater, cross-country skiing opportunities and a nature center with educational displays. Students can enjoy Grimes Farm as an outdoor classroom during the school year to learn about the property’s forests, wetlands, prairies, crop fields, birds and wildlife.

Kevin Litwin contributed to this article.