Small towns around Des Moines, Iowa are known for their community feel, however, these areas are also great thanks to less traffic, affordable housing and cozy neighborhoods that lend themselves to raising children and building community.
If small town living sounds like the life, know that the small towns near Des Moines are some of the best around. These rural Iowa towns offer idyllic Midwest landscapes and picturesque rolling hills amid the state’s farmland.
Some of the best towns near Des Moines like Adel, Knoxville, and Winterset serve as county seats, but those aren't the only options. Read on to get introduced to some more small towns where you do something greater with your life and career. Learn more the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region and how you can make your move here.
Adair
The small town of Adair is located in Guthrie County and is home to the first train robbery in the country in 1873 by the Jesse James gang. Enter another historical attraction of this small town, the Adair Viaduct, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. According to the Iowa DOT, the Adair Viaduct functions as a regionally imported railroad overpass, providing an important entrance to Adair. In June, Adair hosts Chuckwagon Days, the community’s annual summer celebration.
Brooklyn
Cities in Poweshiek County share small-town qualities, but Brooklyn stands out as an agriculture community, and local operation Bear Creek Dairy has even been awarded the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award for community outreach. Known as the Community of Flags, Brooklyn is also home to a display of flags from all 50 states on Jackson Street and has been home to this display since 1991 when RAGBRAI bikers rode through the town.
Colfax
Colfax is known as The Spring City — a name that came from underground mineral water discovered in the town — and at the time was compared to famous spa resorts of Europe and America. This historical Jasper County small town was home to 18 mineral springs and nine spa hotels at one time, including Hotel Colfax, which closed during the Great Depression and for a short time became a veteran’s hospital. Colfax was also known as a shipping hub due to its proximity to coal mines in the area. Outdoor recreation can be found at Quarry Springs Park and Mineral Springs Park, while a train museum is beloved by history buffs.
Cumming
Cumming in Warren County boasts a number of amenities that make it both a historical and recreational area perfect to call home, including The Great Western Trail, the St. Patrick’s Irish Settlement Church, Wilson’s Orchard and Farm and more. Wilson’s Ciderhouse, Cumming Tap and Middlebrook Mercantile are local businesses that are keeping Cumming a small town to call home. If you’re considering Cumming, be sure to check out the housing options in the Middlebrook Farms agrihood.
Earlham
Located on the northern edge of Madison County, Earlham is the best of both worlds with its proximity to Greater DSM (about 30 miles from West Des Moines) and rural landscape creating that peaceful small-town feel. Earlham values their roots by preserving historical landmarks and buildings such as the Hockett House Museum, the home of Earlham’s founders, David and Mary Hockett. In 2018, the rehabilitation of the historic Bricker Price Block was completed, offering a beautiful venue for weddings and other celebrations. Businesses in the community offer important amenities such as grocery shopping, banking, home goods, dining and more.
Granger
One of Dallas County’s small towns, Granger is home to Jester Park Nature Center and Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center. This area is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for something different in towns around Des Moines to live. There are outdoor programming opportunities, self-guided nature walks, a sensory trail, bison and elk herds to watch from an accessible observation deck and so much more. You can also ride horses at Jester Park Equestrian Center! Homes in this area offer spacious lots, too, that jibe well with the recreational feel of this community. Better yet? Granger is growing and will welcome a new Fareway within the year.
Greenfield
As the county seat of Adair, Greenfield boasts several historical and cultural landmarks such as he Iowa Aviation Museum, the Warren Cultural Center and Hotel Greenfield. The town even gained some attention from Hollywood as Greenfield was the primary set for the film “Cold Turkey.” During the summer months, community members can be found exploring the town square, enjoying the local flora and fauna or spending time as a community at the many celebrations the town offers such as Lake Fest and the Independence Day Celebration.
Oskaloosa
In Oskaloosa, Mahaska County’s largest town, the Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum offers a walk back in time, with 15 historic buildings, two large barns and more. Recreationists can enjoy the trails in Lake Keomah State Park, once the highly anticipated reconstruction project is completed in 2026. Once complete, the state park will offer boat ramp trail improvements and improve water quality.
Panora
Find Panora in eastern Guthrie County, where new housing developments like Dream Acres are located near the town square and the Raccoon River Valley Trail. In Panora, you’ll find the Guthrie County Historical Village, too, where historical spots like the 1910 Merchant House, the 1890 Youtz Carriage House, Baker No. 2 Schoolhouse can be found as well as shopping and restaurants at local businesses. Residents of Panora look forward to the annual Panorama Days, a small-town celebration that takes place each August.
Pleasantville
The small town of Pleasantville is located in Marion County and is home to the original Smokey Row, with the history of the town inspiring the name of the well-known coffee house. The small, yet historic downtown provides opportunities for shopping, dining and connecting with the community. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy easy access to parks, the short drive to Lake Red Rock and for the golfers, the Pleasantville Golf & Country Club.
Prairie City
Prairie City, a town that embraces Iowa’s tallgrass and prairie landscape, is located just 30 minutes east of DSM. The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is a unique experience that is offered in Prairie City where visitors can drive through the bison and elk enclosure or enjoy the local flora and fauna on foot on one of the five hiking trails. Residents of Prairie City look forward to Prairie Days, a celebration full of activities for the whole family typically held on the Garden Square.
St. Charles
In Marshall County, State Center is the “Rose Capitol of Iowa” and celebrates this history with an annual Rose Festival each summer in June. Stop by the State Center Rose Garden, too. Since 2017, State Center has enjoyed renewable power and stabilized the town’s energy rates through its solar array installation. The UnityPoint Health Family Medicine Clinic in State Center is undergoing renovation, and other economic development projects are underway as this small town pursues growth opportunities.
Sully
Sully is within an hour of Des Moines and just a short distance from the rural towns of Grinnell, Pella and Newton. This small town is perfect for those looking to start or expand their startup, small- and medium-sized businesses thanks to the Sully Revolving Loan Fund, which provides gap financing to entrepreneurs and business owners looking to acquire land or equipment, renovate a building and more. Sully’s claim to fame is also the Jasper County Freedom Rock, a painted memorial honoring U.S. veterans. The rock is found in Sully Central Park.
Find Your Small Town Fit
In DSM, you can have the best of all worlds: cozy small towns, bustling suburbs and a thriving capital city. Learn more about what this highly-ranked region with a low cost of living and high quality of life have to offer you and see how you can do something greater with your life and career.
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