When you think of Iowa, you might picture vast cornfields and a slower pace of life. But did you know that the Hawkeye State also boasts some surprisingly walkable cities?
In this Redfin article, we’ll take you on a journey through the most pedestrian-friendly cities in Iowa. From the bustling streets of Des Moines to the charming avenues of Clinton, discover the areas that put the joy back into a simple walk.
1. Des Moines, IA
Walk Score: 45
Median Sale Price: $191,000
Median Rent Price: $1,909
With a walk score of 45, Des Moines is the most walkable city in Iowa. The largest city in the state boasts several pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Sherman Hill and East Village. These areas contain a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions easily accessible on foot.
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Walk Score: 45
Median Sale Price: $290,000
Median Rent Price: $1,412
Iowa City has a walk score of 45, making it the second most walkable city in the state. There are numerous walkable areas and neighborhoods throughout Iowa City, like Downtown and the Northside, helping make the city explorable without a car.
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3. Davenport, IA
Walk Score: 44
Median Sale Price: $168,500
Median Rent Price: $1,016
Davenport is the third most walkable city in the state. Particularly walkable areas in Davenport include the Downtown and East Village. These places are home to amenities like the Figge Art Museum, the River Music Experience, and the Skybridge.
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4. Marshalltown, IA
Walk Score: 43
Median Sale Price: $168,000
Median Rent Price: $725
Marshalltown has plenty of amenities a resident might need well within walking distance. From the Marshalltown Art Festival to the Orpheum Theater, there’s something for every lifestyle. The downtown area is particularly walkable, with numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions.
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5. Ames, IA
Walk Score: 42
Median Sale Price: $256,500
Median Rent Price: $1,005
As the fifth most walkable city in the state, Ames is known for its vibrant Main Street and the Iowa State University campus. Consider exploring Reiman Gardens or getting a bite to eat at Hickory Park Restaurant Co. with friends. Or if you’re in the mood for an adventure, visit Ada Hayden Heritage Park.
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6. Burlington, IA
Walk Score: 41
Median Sale Price: $126,000
Median Rent Price: $967
With a walk score of 41, Burlington is the sixth most walkable city in Iowa. The region boasts several pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Downtown and the South Hill Historic District. These areas contain a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions easily accessible on foot.
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7. Sioux City, IA
Walk Score: 40
Median Sale Price: $181,000
Median Rent Price: $1,016
Sioux City has a walk score of 40, making it the seventh most walkable city in the state. There are numerous walkable areas and neighborhoods throughout Sioux City, like the Historic Fourth Street and Riverside. Helping make the city explorable without a car.
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8. Dubuque, IA
Walk Score: 40
Median Sale Price: $188,000
Median Rent Price: $920
Dubuque is the eighth most walkable city in the state. Particularly walkable areas in Dubuque include the Historic Millwork District, Downtown, and the Port of Dubuque. These places are home to amenities like the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, the Dubuque Museum of Art, and the Fenelon Place Elevator.
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9. Cedar Falls, IA
Walk Score: 38
Median Sale Price: $277,000
Median Rent Price: $1,133
Cedar Falls has plenty of amenities a resident might need well within walking distance. From the University of Northern Iowa to the Cedar Falls Downtown District, there’s something for every lifestyle. The downtown area is particularly walkable, with numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions.
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Walk Score: 38
Median Sale Price: $115,000
Median Rent Price: Unavailable
As the tenth most walkable city in the state, Clinton is known for its historic downtown and the Mississippi Riverfront. Consider exploring the Bickelhaupt Arboretum or getting a bite to eat at Candlelight Inn with friends. Or if you’re in the mood for an adventure, visit the Eagle Point Park.
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Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find a walkable place to live, rating areas from least to most walkable on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Walk Score for a city, Walk Score analyzes thousands of walking routes to nearby amenities, population density, and metrics such as block length and intersection density. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category.
