$284,549Average Value$149Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
The Ice Cream Capital of the World
Le Mars, Iowa, claims to be the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” thanks to being the home of Wells Enterprises, Inc., the makers of Blue Bunny Ice Cream and the country's largest family-operated ice cream manufacturer. The ice cream manufacturing facility now characterizes much of the small city’s skyline with a 12-story refrigeration tower and employs more than 1,000 of the city’s roughly 10,000 residents. In addition to its largest employer, the city hosts popular community events and a growing downtown district with locally owned shops and restaurants. “We have a great family environment, a Walmart and other grocery stores, and we’re close to a few major airports,” says Misty Szczech, Realtor with EXIT Realty Midwest. “But you still feel small town enough that you know your neighbors and their dog’s name.”
Ice cream cones are found all throughout the city of Le Mars.
Happiness served one scoop at a time at Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor in downtown Le Mars.
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Homebuyers looking for a different housing market than nearby Sioux City
Home prices range from around $70,000 to about $750,000, depending on age and condition. Colonial revival-style homes date back to the early 1900s, while new construction styles tend toward modern craftsman-style homes. The median home price is about $270,000, more than half the national median. Affordability is similar to nearby Sioux City, Szczech says, but homebuyers moving to Le Mars appreciate the smaller city for its schools and community atmosphere. “I moved here 23 years ago thinking I’d be here a couple of years, but we had two kids, and they have great schools,” she says. “Our kids have great experiences.”
Tree-lined streets create a peaceful atmosphere in Le Mars.
Spacious homes offer room for growing families in Le Mars.
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Technical career studies at Western Iowa Tech Community College
The Le Mars Community School District earns an overall B-plus on Niche. The district educates more than 2,300 students and has a 16:1 student-teacher ratio. Public schools within the district include three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Gehlen Catholic Schools offers private school options from elementary through high school. Western Iowa Tech Community College has a campus in Le Mars and offers certificate and degree programs.
Western Iowa Tech Community College has a campus in Le Mars and offers certificate and degree programs.
Le Mars High School serves students in grades 9-12.
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Le Mars parks for swimming, playing and local events
Le Mars has 13 parks and manages more facilities catering to sports like baseball, golf and tennis. In the summer, the Outdoor Swimming Pool and Park offers residents a place to stay cool, and the Olson Cultural Events Center is a popular place for social gatherings and community events. On the west side of town, Walton’s Pond serves as the community’s local fishing hole.
The Olson Cultural Events Center is a popular place for social gatherings and community events in Le Mars.
Le Mars has 13 parks and manages more facilities catering to sports like baseball, golf and tennis.
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Local shops, restaurants and art galleries in downtown Le Mars
Downtown Le Mars holds local tattoo shops, toy stores, and small retail businesses. “Our downtown is fantastic,” Szczech says. “We have coffee shops, a couple of women’s stores, children’s boutiques and a men’s clothing store. We have a cute new flower shop, and we’re getting a bookstore soon.” Locally owned restaurants offer American fare, Mexican cuisine, ice cream and more. The Le Mars Community Theatre hosts a full calendar of community theater shows, and Browns Century Theater brings live musical acts from across the country. Just south of downtown, the Le Mars Art Center holds three art galleries, a gift shop full of locally crafted goods and studio spaces where classes are held and local artists can work.
Local brews crafted with care at Habitue Coffeehouse and Bakery in Le Mars.
A stroll through downtown Le Mars offers unique shops like Jordan’s Meat Market.
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Ice Cream Days and other events
The main event in Le Mars is Ice Cream Days, a weekend of live music, local food vendors and ice cream. In July, the city hosts one of the state’s largest county fairs, the Plymouth County Fair. The fair lasts five days, and attractions include carnival rides and games, fair food and live music. “The country fair is always a big draw,” Szczech says. “You pay for admission, but all the entertainment is free.” Holiday events include Hometown Christmas and the city’s Christmas parade.
Getting around Le Mars requires a car
Le Mars has no public transportation service, but residential streets are lined with tree-shaded sidewalks. Interstate 29, the closest interstate, sits about 12 miles west of the city. State Route 75 runs along the city’s western border, putting downtown Sioux City 26 miles away. The Sioux Gateway Airport is the closest major airport and connects residents to larger international airports nearby. For emergency services, Floyd Valley Healthcare offers primary care and emergency care. The hospital is a certified Level IV Trauma Center.
Plains winds on the edges of town
The city’s crime rates tend to follow national and state rates. Environmental data suggests minor flooding impact risk from the Floyd River, which saw record flooding in parts of the county in 2024. Summers are pleasantly warm, though winters bring average annual snowfalls of about 11 inches. Because Le Mars sits on the plains, winter winds can be particularly chilling on the outskirts of town, Szczech says.
Written By
Konrad Solberg
Photography Contributed By
Seth Johanson
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Le Mars, IA sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Le Mars, IA over the last 12 months is $280,750.
Sitting on almost 4 acres next to the Floyd River and on the City bike trail this unique property has a lot to offer. The partially finished home has large rooms throughout, bedrooms on both levels, newer HVAC, electrical and plumbing. The basement is an oversized crawl space so most of the utilities are located on the main level. This sale also includes parcel 12-19-276-007 which consists of a
This extraordinary custom-built estate checks every box—quality, elegance, style, charm, and an unbeatable location. Completed in 2000 after nearly three years of thoughtful design and craftsmanship, this one-of-a-kind home sits on a breathtaking 1.54-acre setting overlooking Willow Creek Golf Course and the Maser Recreation Trail. Offering 4 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and a 4-stall garage, the home
Unique Location! Backyard goes out to West Floyd Park - This is a 4 BR - 3 Bath Home. You will never have a backdoor Neighbor! Over 16,000 Square Foot Fenced in Lot overlooking West Floyd Park, Walking Trail & Frisbee Golf Park. This attractive Split Level (Walk in to living space - not right to steps) Home Features an Open Kitchen/Dining Room with Vaulted Ceiling, Patio Doors lead to the Deck.
Stylish - Move in Ready! New Construction 5 BR, 3 Baths - Located within a cul-de-sac in a newer development in the SE part of LeMars. Vaulted Ceiling gives you a more open feeling, Dining has Patio Doors leading to a 11' x 11' Composite Deck East facing. Sizable Pantry. Primary BR has its own Walk-In Shower, Double Sinks along with ample Closet Space. Another BR, all nice closets & 3rd BR on the
Enjoy easy living in this well maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Le Mars. This zero entry, handicap accessible unit offers convenient main floor living and an open functional layout. The spacious patio provides beautiful views and a perfect place to relax or entertain. The lower level offers excellent potential for additional living space, hobby areas, or
Just off a hard surfaced road, this established acreage has tons of possibilities to make it your own. 2 Story home with 2 BRs upstairs with 2-3 non conforming BRs in the basement. Insulated/heated attached 2 stall garage with an additional detached 2 stall heated garage/shop. New roof in 2019. New windows, doors, siding, and patio in 2021/22.
This is a open concept home. It offers walking in dining and a open kitchen with a island to entertain guest or enjoy a family meal either at the island or your kitchen table. The primary bedroom has two closets which are very spacious, it has a private bathroom as well. In-between the other two rooms is a guest bathroom. This home comes with all new appliances. schedule a tour today, as this one
open concept 3 bedroom 2 bath home. This home offers complete comfort as you walk in the door. The kitchen offers a nice countertop island that you can eat at with the family or entertain with your guests. There is a primary bedroom with a walk in closet and a private bathroom. In between the other two rooms is a guest bathroom. Schedule a tour today.
Step inside this welcoming 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home in Le Mars and explore the possibilities. The main floor features a comfortable living room with a bedroom conveniently located just off the living space. The kitchen offers easy access to the main-floor laundry and a side entrance. Upstairs you’ll find an additional bedroom along with a den that could serve as a third bedroom, office, or flex
Discover timeless character and exceptional craftsmanship in this beautifully preserved 1.5-story Craftsman-style home offering 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, ideally located near downtown Le Mars, schools, churches, the hospital, fairgrounds, and the rec trail. Relax in the enclosed front porch—perfect for morning coffee—or entertain on the deck overlooking the backyard. Inside, you’ll find stunning
This home at 325 Linn St in Craig offers small-town living with a comfortable, functional layout and plenty of potential to make it your own. You’ll appreciate the welcoming feel throughout, along with practical spaces that make everyday living easy. Whether you’re looking for a place to settle into or an opportunity to add your own updates over time, this property gives you that flexibility
Situated on approximately 6 acres just outside of Le Mars, this property offers a 5-bedroom, 1-bath farmhouse with significant potential for renovation. The home is a fixer-upper and provides an opportunity for buyers looking to restore or customize a rural residence. The acreage includes three outbuildings and a fenced space suitable for animals. The land offers open space, established farm
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