Oskaloosa, IA

Oskaloosa is a welcoming community of about 11,500 people in southeastern Iowa, located about an hour southeast of Des Moines. At the center of town sits a historic square anchored by the Mahaska County Courthouse, where brick storefronts house local cafes, casual restaurants, and independent shops. It offers the familiar charm of a classic Midwestern county seat, with quiet residential neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and an easygoing pace.

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William Penn University sits just north of the downtown core, bringing campus sports, arts, and a steady student presence into the area. Residents enjoy a solid lineup of local events throughout the year, from summer favorites like Art on the Square and the Southern Iowa Fair to the town's popular Lighted Christmas Parade in December. When you want to get outdoors, Lake Keomah State Park is only four miles east, giving locals an easy spot for fishing, camping, and hiking.