Find Work-Life Balance While Planning Your Iowa Relocation

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Raising a Family in Altoona, IA

Finding your ideal work-life balance is of the utmost importance, especially when you’re starting a family. However, doing so is not always easy.

Creating harmony between your time and effort spent advancing your career with the time spent enjoying your day-to-day life and nurturing a thriving household is a delicate balancing act. And it all starts with finding the right place to call home.

A fast-growing suburb just 10 minutes east of Des Moines, the City of Altoona is an option worth considering when it comes time to settle down and plant your roots. It’s one of the best places to raise a family in Iowa, offering a perfect blend of exciting economic opportunity and a fulfilling, family-friendly lifestyle.

Keep reading to learn more about the city and how it can help you and your loved ones build the foundation for a prosperous, happy and healthy life.

LIFE IN ALTOONA, IOWA: A HOME FOR GROWTH

Altoona, Iowa finds that sweet spot between city buzz and small-town charm. Now home to more than 21,000 residents, our community’s population has expanded by more than 35% since 2010 and is expected to rise another 6% by 2027. Yet, Altoona has never lost its warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Because of all this, Altoona has played a key role in elevating the status of the Greater Des Moines area, helping it earn some impressive accolades in recent years:

  • #5 Best Places to Live in the U.S. for Families – U.S. News & World Report, 2022
  • #14 Best Place to Live in the U.S. – U.S. News & World Report, 2022
  • #12 Most Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. – U.S. News & World Report, 2022
  • #7 Most Affordable Housing Market – GoodHire, 2022
  • #6 Top Metro for Number Economic Development Projects (among metros with a population of 200,000 to 1 million) – Site Selection Magazine, 2022

(You can find even more facts and figures about the Greater Des Moines area here.)

In addition to the unique small-town/big-town lifestyle, families in Altoona enjoy access to a robust healthcare system and outstanding schools.

An established industry hub, the City of Altoona is home to several high-quality healthcare facilities, with everything from family medicine and primary care to urgent care, physical therapy, a pediatric hospital and more. As the Greater Des Moines market continues expanding, leading regional providers are looking to our community as a place to keep up with the increasing demand—creating the opportunity for an influx of jobs, revenue and a wider range of care options for local residents.

Moreover, Altoona is also a leader when it comes to education. Home to 4 of its 11 public schools, the city is part of the Southeast Polk Community School District, known for its top-notch STEM program and one of the highest graduation rates in the state.

AMPLE HOUSING & LOW COST OF LIVING

It goes without saying that one of the first and most important steps you’ll need to take when relocating to Altoona is finding a place to live. Whether you’re looking for single-family homes for sale or apartments for rent, the Altoona, Iowa real estate market offers numerous options for you to explore at competitive prices.

Adding to the appeal, Iowa’s cost of living is 9% lower than the U.S. average, making it an enticing option for families who desire an elevated quality of life without elevated expenses.

STRONG WORKFORCE & LOCAL ECONOMY

Altoona prides itself on having a highly educated, skilled and diverse workforce, employed across a wide range of industries. Due to the abundant opportunities here, Altoona boasts a high median income, surpassing similar cities like West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Des Moines.

This, in turn, helps bolster the local economy, with high-earning and high-spending residents contributing to our impressive per-capita sales figure of $32,712—more than double the state average.

BUSINESS & DEVELOPMENT-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY

Altoona’s strategic proximity to Des Moines, in conjunction with its business-friendly leadership and easy access to major transportation routes, makes it a magnet for businesses of all sizes. A leader in Iowa economic development, the city continually attracts businesses in sectors like healthcare, dining, retail, data, industrial, manufacturing and more.

This is further supported by Altoona’s extensive business real estate inventory. The city offers 1,600+ acres of some of the best commercial land for sale in Iowa, plus an abundance of commercial buildings for sale. Take the Prairie Crossing area, for example. A prime Altoona development opportunity, this up-and-coming area offers 120 acres of mixed-use real estate space and approximately 400,000 square feet of retail space for lease.

To learn more about purchasing Altoona investment properties or to find your ideal commercial property for lease in Iowa, please browse our commercial real estate database or contact us for additional information.

PLAY IN ALTOONA: UNWIND AND EXPLORE

Though Altoona’s business climate and local economy are advantageous in their own regard, life is not just about work. Focusing more on the “life” portion of work-life balance, here’s a quick overview of the many things to see and explore in our vibrant community.

What’s more, Altoona is also known for its wide range of local events and get-togethers, from concerts and karaoke to farmers’ markets, festivals, sports tournaments and more. Click here for a full list of upcoming Altoona community events.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIVING IN ALTOONA

Thinking about making the Hawkeye State your new home? Exploring the idea of moving your business here? Find your ideal work-life balance in the City of Altoona. Pairing the advantages of a major metropolitan area with the close-knit atmosphere and family-friendly lifestyle of a small town, let our community be your new home for growth.

Visit our “Living In Altoona” page or request additional information to learn more.