Eddyville, Iowa??? (Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ottumwa: real estate, housing, rental)

[Houstonite]

I am thinking about moving to the Eddyville area. How far is this from any other major city? I have searched on the internet but can't get that answer, just a map. Any housing news for the area? I am single in my early 40's and am wondering if this is a smart move or not. Any news about the area will be appreciated.

[smedls]

Hi,
I hope you don't mind my posting. I just find it very interesting that Eddyville is such a small town, and the first post in the Iowa threads was an Eddyville post.
I live in what I consider a small town in Ohio (20,000) and my husband is looking at being transfered to Eddyville, so I am checking it out as much as I can. Like you I am having a tough time finding information. I did find a few (4) properties for sale in the Eddyville area, but none fit our needs. I really don't think they would be what you are looking for either. I found them on remax dot com if you are interested. I talking with someone who used to work in Eddyville, they recommend you live in a place called Pella which is up to road to the north, and has more housing options, some shopping, and a few things to do.

Good Luck with your search, and we may end up meeting in Eddyville, IA some day.

~S~

[SharpHawkeye]

I'm originally from Centerville, which, I guess you could say is "just down the road to the south", so I'll try to help out a little bit with what I know about the area.

First, I assume you're looking at Eddyville because of some employment related to Cargill?

Second, I'm not sure I would want to look exclusively at Eddyville. It's a tiny town, that's not exactly booming or shrinking so there isn't much for available real estate. Most of the people who work at Cargill do commute from towns around, in fact my uncle did so from Centerville for many years.

In the area I would recommend looking at Oskaloosa or Pella if you want a mid-sized city. Oskaloosa (9mi NW ~10k pop) is a very nice city, with good schools, parks, a good hospital and enough stores to satisfy. It's also on a direct four-lane highway to Eddyville. Pella (26mi NW ~10k) is also a nice city with a lot of heritage, a beautiful new downtown, and easy access to Lake Red Rock. It's on the same highway, and is closer to Des Moines.

If you want a smaller city, Albia (15 mi SW, ~3.5K) is a nice, quiet small town, but has more stores, better schools, and is cleaner and nicer (in my view) then Eddyville.

[smedls]

THANKS SO MUCH!!

I have to say I was a bit confussed at first when I read your post. You said you were originally from Centerville,, just down the road to the south. I really know very little of the Iowa area, only what I have found online so far, so I didn't know there was a Centerville to the south. However, the town we live in here in Ohio has a city down the road to the south of us, Centerville, Ohio. (Maybe, I'll feel somewhat at home after all)

The information on the schools was great, and if you have anyother school information, I would love to know more. We have 5 children ranging in age from 17 to 6 months. We currently have children in four different schools in the town we live in, one in daycare, and I work in a fifth. I'll really be checking out the school systems.

Thanks Again for all the help!

~S~

[Houstonite]

Thanks to both of you, this has been a challenge trying to find info. I will definitely check out the towns that were mentioned. Any other information on this area will be appreciated. I am used to living in Houston and am wondering how I will adapt to a small town atmosphere. This decision is very frightening.

[Somethingmissing]

I've lived in Eddyville, Oskaloosa, Pella, Knoxville, etc. (my mom couldn't stay still for long). I liked Eddyville because it is small. Des Moines is what...@ 1hr 1/2 drive away. All of the towns in the area are nice. Iowa is just a great place. Quiet and clean air (lol..I know, I know, once you get use to the smells of the farms..and Cargill).
I'm even considering moving back...for good!

[Paula Atchley]

In Eddyville does anyone know what happened to the Congregational Church that was there, it was across the street from St. Marys.

[Nameless]

I live in Oklahoma but my dad grew up in Oskaloosa and his mother still lives there and has her entire life. It's just a real peaceful town, not much to do for a city dweller like me. But if you want a mall or things of that nature Des Moines is an hour away on the 4-lane highway. It's only 10 minutes up the highway from Eddyville so the commute is easy at the hardest.

[nascar9girl]

I love Eddyville! After my parents divorced, my Mom relocated her 4 kids to Oskaloosa (which is about 10 miles north) 10 years ago. I primarily lived in Oskaloosa for many years, with a few sidetrips to Ohio and West Des Moines. For the past two years, my family has owned a bar in Eddyville ... as a teenager, we Osky kids made fun of "those river rats" but now, I seriously LOVE this town. In fact, my two younger sisters have since purchased homes there!

I would also assume that you are probably being relocated due to employment with Cargill?

Eddyville is really just a blip on the map, you're right. I'll try to provide a visual for you: No stoplights in this town! Two gas stations (BP makes THE best breakfast pizza!). One elementary school and separate high school (known for having good schools in this area). One small bank, small grocery store that has very limited hours, post office, a Legion, three bar/grills (I'm a little biased, but we ARE the busiest and best bar & grill in town, lol!), two salons, a nice little park, a funeral home, small library and fire department. There is one local police officer (Charlie, who used to be the county sheriff) who's duty hours are slightly unclear but is a great guy! It's full of a lot of good people, but it's one of those towns you either love or hate...

In terms of housing, you're going to find that a handful of guys run the rental properties and they are HARD to come by. Same thing with homes for sale ... I think I've seen less than ten rent/sale signs lately. It's only going to get worse this spring, when Cargill picks up their BIG construction (we're expecting an estimated 2500 construction workers and relocaters). Oh, that reminds me... we have one small inn that is always filled with laborers.

Other options that I feel confident speaking about are Ottumwa and Osky, both about 10 minutes. PERSONALLY, there's not enough money in the world to get me to live in Ottumwa, but lots of people are proud to be from there.... it's just my own opinion. Seems like most people drive to Eddyville, but I'm actually thinking of renting out my place in Oskaloosa and buying in Eddyville. I love that everyone knows everyone and that, if the grocery store is closed on a Sunday, someone will pop into the bar and ask if they can "borrow" one from us. I love that the river runs through town and if you don't have a boat in the summer.... well, what do you do, then???? I love that you can pick up free wireless internet in half the town, lol

[blender1964]

I am looking to move to Eddyville now that my divorce is imminant. My father's side of the family is there so this is why I decided to go there. It is a VERY quiet town but thankfully Oskaloosa and Ottumwa are close.