Van Meter

Located on the picturesque Raccoon River, Van Meter is a small city just west of Des Moines. Quiet residential streets are surrounded by green spaces and forests, which means there are plenty of places to go hiking, biking and simply enjoy the fresh air. The real estate in Van Meter includes a mix of gorgeous estates set on sprawling grounds, attractive acreages, reasonably priced single-family homes, and land for sale.





Single family home for sale in Van Meter, Iowa

Van Meter Real Estate Statistics

Average Price $171K
Lowest Price $37.5K
Highest Price $1.3M
Total Listings 98
Avg. Days On Market 223
Avg. Price/SQFT $250

Property Types (active listings)

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Discover Van Meter Real Estate

The Van Meter real estate market is very desirable right now thanks to the city’s peaceful rural atmosphere, attractive homes for sale, and close proximity to Des Moines. Van Meter homes for sale include beautiful estates, stunning acreages, charming single-family homes and vacant lots that are perfect for building a dream home.

Luxury homes in Van Meter are typically custom built and include incredible attention to detail. Most sit on large lots with mature trees and have multiple areas for work, play and relaxation. High-end finishes and features could include hardwood floors, fireplaces, covered decks, gourmet kitchens, soaking tubs, games rooms and multi-car garages.

There are also many affordable single-family homes in Van Meter. Most single-family homes have lawns and garages, and are conveniently located close to walking trails, parks and the school. Interiors could include multiple bedrooms, formal living and dining areas, and laundry rooms.

Van Meter is a great place to invest in right now because there are many developments in the works. Hudson Heights is a new executive development with multiple wooded lots available. Buck Haven is a sporting community with executive lots, ponds for fishing, and wooded areas for hunting. You can bring your own builders to create the house you’ve always dreamed of.

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About Van Meter, IA

Van Meter began to take shape in 1869 and was officially incorporated in 1877. It was named after the Van Meters, a Dutch family who settled in the area. At first, Van Meter was mostly an agricultural community, as surrounding land was perfect for farming. Later it attracted coal miners as well. 

The city of Van Meter is famous for the legend of the ‘Van Meter Visitor’ that dates back to 1903. In September and October of that year, several people reported seeing a creature that was half-human, half-beast with huge bat wings and a horn that could shoot light beams. Sightings have been reported as recently as the 2010s.

Today Van Meter attracts many people looking for a quiet place to call home that is still close to Des Moines. The abundance of beautiful acreages available has prompted many people to build gorgeous custom-built homes that overlook the countryside. The area is also ideal for farms and ranches.

Amenities & Attractions in Van Meter, IA

Van Meter is primarily a residential community with a real rural feel, so you won’t find shopping malls or a lively nightlife scene here. Instead, the area is best known for its beautiful trails and opportunities to explore the countryside. It also has a small-town feel where you can really get to know your neighbors.

The Raccoon River borders the town to the north and is a great place to go fishing, kayaking, canoeing or simply strolling along trails that run parallel to the banks. Head out in nearly any direction from the town and you will find plenty of areas of natural beauty including forests, prairie land and ponds.

Van Meter has a number of excellent recreational venues. The Van Meter Recreation Complex has softball, soccer and baseball fields. Johnson Park offers disc golf and volleyball courts. Trindle Park is a huge space with large shelters that can accommodate up to 50 people each and grilling areas.

Interested in learning more about Van Meter real estate? The Soldwisch Home Selling Team can help! Contact us here or call 515-329-4667 to speak to one of our Des Moines real estate experts today!

Van Meter FAQs

What is Van Meter known for?

Van Meter is best known for its peaceful rural setting on the banks of the Raccoon River. This is an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts, as there are plenty of opportunities to go fishing, hiking, cycling and camping. The city is also famous for the ‘Van Meter Monster’, a half-human, half-animal that many people have reported seeing over the years.

Is Van Meter a good place to live?

The pace of life is slower in Van Meter than in other larger communities in the Des Moines metropolitan area, making this a great hometown for those who prefer the quiet life. This is an very safe community for families, remote workers and retirees who want to be close to nature and enjoy a tight-knit community.

How far is Van Meter from Des Moines?

Van Meter is 20 miles west of Des Moines. It takes approximately 25 minutes to drive from Van Meter to downtown Des Moines.

Is Van Meter a good place to invest in real estate?

Although Van Meter is a very small city, it is growing steadily, so there are plenty of opportunities to purchase new construction homes or plots of land where you can build your dream home. Existing homes are also in high demand. Home prices have been on the rise over the past few years, and many believe this trend will continue over the coming years.

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