Life in Altoona, Iowa, boasts some truly special qualities: a connected community, exceptional amenities, and convenient access to the Des Moines metro. For families, professionals, and retirees alike, living in Altoona, Iowa combines the comfort of a close-knit city with the opportunities of a growing region. It’s no wonder many consider it one of the best places to live near Des Moines.
September 2025 Building Permit Report
In September 2025, the City of Altoona issued 6 commercial and 14 residential building permits representing over 24,159 square feet of new or improved space and over $3.7M million invested.
Tract Brings 450-Acre Data Center Campus to Altoona, Iowa
In recent years, Altoona, Iowa has become a premier destination for data center development, drawing industry leaders like Meta and LightEdge with development-ready land and a pro-growth environment.
Why Retail and Entertainment Brands Are Choosing Altoona
Located minutes east of Des Moines, Altoona has quickly become a rising star of Iowa economic development—particularly for commercial real estate. Over the past decade, the City has become Iowa’s premier destination for shopping, dining and entertainment, drawing millions of visitors every year. Now, with prime retail and entertainment space for lease, it’s the perfect time to discover why brands continue to choose Altoona.
August 2025 Building Permit Report
In August 2025, the City of Altoona issued 4 commercial and 27 residential building permits representing over 44,981 square feet of new or improved space and over $7M million invested.
July 2025 Building Permit Report
In July 2025, the City of Altoona issued 6 commercial and 35 residential building permits representing over 79,695 square feet of new or improved space and over $9.6M million invested.
Workforce Ready: How Altoona Is Building the Talent Pipeline for Tomorrow’s Jobs
In today’s economy, access to a skilled, adaptable workforce is one of the most important factors driving business success. Companies are looking for communities that not only offer talent now, but also have a strategy in place to build the workforce of tomorrow. Altoona, Iowa, stands out as one of those communities.
Altoona’s Advantage: How Proximity to Des Moines Fuels Economic Growth
For growing businesses, location is more than a pin on a map. In central Iowa, few cities offer the strategic advantage that Altoona does. Located just east of Des Moines, Altoona blends metro access with small-city efficiency—making it one of the most sought-after suburbs of Des Moines for business.
June 2025 Building Permit Report
In June 2025, the City of Altoona issued 7 commercial and 12 residential building permits representing over 54,425 square feet of new or improved space and over $6.8M million invested.
Altoona’s Real Estate Boom: Key Properties for Investment and Development
Altoona, Iowa is experiencing rapid growth—and its real estate market is booming because of it. With a prime location just east of Des Moines, a business-friendly climate, and steady population increases, Altoona is getting attention from both residential homebuyers and seasoned commercial investors.