When the Autumn tiptoes softly and the summer days are told, / And the air grows crisp and crinkles all the leaves to red and gold; / When soft colors tint the distance ere the evening glow is on, / And the woodbine blushes crimson to the wooing of the sun: / Come ye back to old Grinnell. - W. B. Otis, "The Grinnell Alumni Song"
Nestled halfway between two of Iowa's biggest cities, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, the city of Grinnell truly stands out as the Jewel of the Prairie
When the Autumn tiptoes softly and the summer days are told, / And the air grows crisp and crinkles all the leaves to red and gold; / When soft colors tint the distance ere the evening glow is on, / And the woodbine blushes crimson to the wooing of the sun: / Come ye back to old Grinnell. - W. B. Otis, "The Grinnell Alumni Song"
Nestled halfway between two of Iowa's biggest cities, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, the city of Grinnell truly stands out as the Jewel of the Prairie. Its 9,200 residents enjoy the changing of the seasons each year, and sunny summers and snowy winters make a variety of community and recreational activities possible. Warm weather means just-picked fruits and vegetables at the farmers' market, and the crisp cold doesn't stop folks from getting out and about in what Walk Score calls "A Walker's Paradise."
People from all over the country are heading for the Midwest, where the cost of living is low and the quality of life is high. Competition for available housing isn't nearly as cutthroat when compared to the East Coast and California, so finding a rental property in Grinnell is fast and affordable. In fact, Relocate America awarded Grinnell the title of " # 1 Small City in the Nation to Live In or Relocate To" in 2011. Folks are just a little bit friendlier in this city, which means no extensive applications before you move in -- just first month's rent and a security deposit in most cases.
Though residents are neighborly here, there isn't a strong focus on delineation of specific neighborhoods in Grinnell. The people that live in this city tend to come together as an overall community, rather than breaking off into small pockets.
However, Grinnell's downtown is distinct from other areas as a hub for arts and business. It was carefully planned to maximize convenience, which paid off handsomely. Many people dispense with driving to do their local errands, as Downtown Grinnell is pedestrian-friendly, scoring 94 out of 100 possible points in its Walk Score ranking.
Grinnell doesn't have much in the way of high-rise apartments, instead it offers cozier one- and two-bedroom apartments in small buildings. If you prefer something larger, there are a limited number of three-bedroom apartments in Grinnell, but you will probably be better off with a single-family rental property.
Wondering how to stay entertained? Your options are essentially unlimited. Perhaps that's why Grinnell has captured a slew of awards and recognition, including the "Prettiest Painted Places in America" from the Quality Paint Institute, the "Best Bloomin' Town in Iowa" from Our Iowa Magazine, " # 3 Coolest Small Towns in America" from Budget Travel, and "One of America's Most Walkable Small Towns" from ePodunk.
The Grinnell Arts Council plans classes in theater and language for learners of every age, and it supports community plays and even a local band. Local artists show their work at the Faulconer Gallery, and visitors frequent the Grinnell Historical Museum for exhibits and workshops.
In the summer, there is Music in the Park, and in the winter, you will look forward to the Jingle Bell Holiday. A collection of parks and aquatic centers make it convenient and fun to stay fit, and one of the most popular local festivals is the annual Grinnell Games. People from all over Iowa come to compete in events like the Warrior Mud Run and the Amazing Chase Downtown Scavenger Hunt! This celebration has made a name for itself statewide, winning the Iowa Tourism Office's second place award for Outstanding Festival in 2011 and the Top Sporting Event award in 2010.
Is eating your favorite pastime? Try what the Iowa Beef Industry Council has named the " # 3 Best Burger in Iowa" at the Grinnell Steakhouse or a cream-filled coney at Danish Maid Bakery, selected by the Des Moines Register for the definitive list of "100 Things to Eat Before You Die."
