Indianola features the National Balloon Classic every summer. While live music and fireworks do entertain, it's the hot air balloons that attract flocks of people. Some consider that Indianola is the world's best place for a hot air balloon ride.
Fire up, and soar towards the sky
Indianola features the National Balloon Classic every summer. While live music and fireworks do entertain, it's the hot air balloons that attract flocks of people. Some consider that Indianola is the world's best place for a hot air balloon ride.
Fire up, and soar towards the sky. Welcome to Indianola, home of the National Balloon Museum, sweet archery ranges, and impressive arboretums. If you want shopping and dining, the downtown area boasts that. Located in Central Iowa near Des Moines, Indianola is the definition of what an American small town ought to be; charming, unique, bustling, and full of hot air balloons! Home to 14,782 people, one trip around town makes it easy to see why that number is going up, much like the balloons.
A vibrant atmosphere, lower than average crime rate, and highly rated school system have enabled the Indianola real estate market to thrive. When something thrives, people want it, and this has made getting housing for rent in Indianola a bit tricky. However, if Ed Yost managed to invent the hot air balloon, you can do something as simple as rent a home successfully.
Where Are the Vacancies?
Listings come and go, and most rental houses and apartments in Indianola don't float on the market for that long. The best way to face this renting obstacle is to begin looking about one month before leases expire and tenants move; hence, December, May, and August are three good months to search as many renters are preparing to move at the end of those months. You can descend from your hot air balloon and snag a place like a true scavenger.
What Are Some Market Trends?
If you are a renter, here is the good info: 31.6% of homes are renter-occupied, a percentage that's higher than Iowa's average. Moreover, Indianola showcases an incredible array of housing; get an apartment to rent at Easton Village, a rental house near McCord Park, or a mobile home in the Sunfield Mobile Home Park.
Are Tornadoes an Issue?
Tornadoes aren't anything to be frightened about as Indianola isn't located in tornado alley. However, there is still some activity. As a renter, it's still advised to get renters insurance. If a tornado is coming while you prepare to tour homes, you may discover that your landlord is hiding in the basement, and won't come out. Let the day go to waste and find shelter.
Is Housing in Good Condition?
For the most part, yes. However, because 15.1% of the homes were constructed prior to 1940, inspecting major things like plumbing and appliances is advised if you rent an older property.
What Is Needed to Finish the Deal?
Write a check for one month's rent and applicable fees. In case your construction of a new model hot air balloon goes terribly wrong, a deposit is absolutely required. Expect landlords and management companies to inquire about your credit score. Other than that, nothing is needed as long as you prove you can pay rent on time.
Covering 11.25 square miles, Indianola offers various lifestyles in different sections. Do you want to float through your days like a hot air balloon in the sky? Or do you want to blast off like a rocket every morning? How you wish to tackle Indianola depends a lot on your neighborhood.
Deer Run: McCord Park, Deer Run Country Club, and the Warren County Fairgrounds highlight this neighborhood. Life without a car here would be inconvenient. If you are searching for 1 or 2 bedroom apartments, Deer Run is a good location.
Downtown Indianola: The Warren County Courthouse, a national landmark, is here. Eateries, bars, and shops around the Downtown Square make City Center the place to be. Additionally, the majority of errands can be accomplished on foot quite easily. Biking is also convenient.
Pickard Park: The second most walkable part of town, this neighborhood features Pickard Recreational Area, a large local green space with disc golf. Casey's Carry Out Pizza is popular. Note that a car is still rather useful here.
North Indianola: A bit scattered in some spots, North Indianola is still somewhat walkable along North Jefferson Way. You get proximity to convenience stores, a supermarket, some eateries, and parks. If you want a house with some acreage, this area is perfect.
South Indianola: The most car-dependent part of town, this neighborhood is also perfect for those who want a little room. Downey Memorial Park is a great local park.
Unless you spend all your days in Downtown Indianola, you are going to need a car, especially if you want to go to Des Moines to see the Art Center or a concert at Wells Fargo Arena. Most of your days, though, you'll find that you want to stay in town, especially during the National Balloon Classic or when sunny skies beg you for a stroll through the pristine Buxton Park Arboretum.
The downtown area, with specialty shops like The Stitching Place and Welcome Home, eateries such as Winn's Pizza and Steakhouse, and bars like the Brickhouse Tavern are great to explore every time you're free. The Indianola Flea Market and Gift Shop has hidden gems, the Summerset Winery wows with scenery and tasty wines, and the Des Moines Metro Opera always has a great show.
You see! It's not just balloons. Indianola has a lively downtown scene, picturesque parks, arts, and, of course hot air balloons!
