Oskaloosa, mentioned by Johnny Cash in his song, "I've Been Everywhere," displays its town motto proudly declaring, "Note the Difference." The word "note" in the motto might refer to the town's Municipal band, the oldest of its kind west of the Mississippi River.
Centered in the middle of the Iowa plains, the city of Oskaloosa with a population of 11,463 according to the 2010 U
Oskaloosa, mentioned by Johnny Cash in his song, "I've Been Everywhere," displays its town motto proudly declaring, "Note the Difference." The word "note" in the motto might refer to the town's Municipal band, the oldest of its kind west of the Mississippi River.
Centered in the middle of the Iowa plains, the city of Oskaloosa with a population of 11,463 according to the 2010 U.S. Census, holds the county seat of Mahaska County. The town's fun-to-say name originates from the name of a Creek Native American princess who married the Seminole chief Osceola. Oskaloosa's meaning is debated as either "last of the beautiful" or "black rain." Nathan Boone, son of Daniel Boone, led the settlement of the town in 1835, and in the 1880s, Oskaloosa's Mahaska County had the greatest coal output in all of Iowa. Meanwhile, Oskaloosa launched their Municipal band in 1864 and created their first band stand in 1882. If you want to follow in Johnny Cash's steps to everywhere, Oskaloosa is your next stop.
You've been everywhere, you say? Well, welcome to Oskaloosa, part of everywhere with a county fair and big band music all its own. Everywhere is different than here. Note the difference and come prepared to successfully seek out your new digs in this place sung about by Johnny Cash.
Rooms Available
Oskaloosa is the place to be if you're looking for ideal rental housing. Finding an apartment for rent in Oskaloosa will be a breezy experience. This city promotes multiple options for living and friendly realtors to aid your search if you don't want to go it alone. Oskaloosa's listing of rental homes and 1 bedroom apartments for rent can be easily accessed with a quick online search or with The Oskaloosa Herald website.
Ask-a-lease-a
An apartment rental in Oskaloosa requires the average amount of paperwork. Be prepared to provide your current address and the name of your current landlord, as well as your past landlord. Application fees are minimal, and proof of employment is necessary. A security deposit may be required as well to hold the rental space while the application is processed. Also, come with a list of professional references.
All Roads Lead to Oskaloosa
Oskaloosa is a bit city-centered, and a map only further confirms this. US Route 63 and Iowa Highway 92 dissect Oskaloosa in quarter -- this is different than "drawn and quartered." Your search to find an apartment in Oskaloosa that supports a short work commute is even easier with this knowledge. Having so many renting options is great, but make sure to allow yourself a couple of weeks to really explore and visit your potential new digs before dropping your dusty wandering boots in the closet and settling in to your own living accommodations.
Although there are no specific neighborhoods found within Oskaloosa, notice that the city is divided into four different parts. The Oskaloosa Community School District unifies the four sections of town with the largest elementary school in Iowa and an alternative school as well. Each of these quarters offers a different musical note of living.
City Center/William Penn U: City Park, Vanderbilt Park, City Square Park, and Hewitt Jaycee Park dot this section of town. Indulge your taste buds with a collection of restaurants such as Tasos' Steakhouse and Smokey Row Coffee. The average cost of an apartment rental is lower here and many are available.
A Avenue East/North 11th Street: This Northeastern area of Oskaloosa is primarily residential with a football field thrown in for a bit of diversity. Expect higher prices for home purchasing, but rentals are lower than average.
South Market Street/11th Avenue West: Edmundson Golf Course and Penn Central Mall spice up this side of town. Grab some extra fortune cookies from Asian Buffet. And once again, revel in below average rental prices for apartments.
A Avenue East/South Market Street: The farther south you go, the more farmland you find. There are still many suburban residences available here, but you might need to drive to another part of town for entertainment.
Oskaloosa might have a funny name, but it's no laughing matter. With a municipal band established in 1864 and summertime Thursday night performances at the City Square Park band stand, Oskaloosa takes its history and music seriously. Delve deeper into the community's history by taking a Historic Walking Tour of the town. Like Oskaloosa's Facebook page to keep in the loop for local community events. Every July, Oskaloosa hosts The Southern Iowa Fair; enter into different competitions or just come to cheer on your neighbors. And if you find yourself longing for the big city scene, Des Moines is only an hour away by car. But why go there, when Oskaloosa offers the city fun and the country calm?
