Martensdale, IA

Martensdale is a quiet Warren County town sitting about 20 miles southwest of Des Moines at the crossroads of Highways 28 and 92. With around 400 residents, it offers a relaxed rural pace while keeping the metro within an easy 25-minute drive. While it got its start as a busy rail hub in the early 1900s, the community has grown into a tight-knit spot where neighbors know each other and open farmland stretches out in every direction.

Outdoor recreation is a big draw, thanks to the Middle River and the Great Western Trail. You can hop on the paved trail right at the south edge of town and bike or jog all the way north to Des Moines along the scenic converted rail corridor. Combined with the local Martensdale-St. Marys schools and quick access to Indianola for dining and errands, the town makes a great home base for anyone seeking peaceful small-town living close to the city.