Boone, IA

Located in central Iowa just west of Ames, Boone is a welcoming town of about 12,500 people with deep railroad roots and an easygoing pace. As the county seat, it offers a comfortable mix of everyday conveniences, local dining, and quiet residential neighborhoods. Commuters also appreciate being less than twenty minutes from Iowa State University and under an hour from downtown Des Moines.

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Outdoor recreation is a major draw for locals, particularly with Ledges State Park right down the road for hiking and camping along sandstone bluffs. In town, McHose Park provides shaded walking trails, sports fields, and a community pool, while the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad runs vintage train rides through the river valley. With a local DMACC campus, reliable public schools, and plenty of open space, Boone gives you a relaxed lifestyle close to bigger city perks.