South Amana, IA

South Amana is a quiet, close-knit village of fewer than 200 people tucked into the rolling fields of eastern Iowa. It is one of the seven historic settlements that make up the Amana Colonies, sitting right along Highway 6 just east of Marengo. For anyone considering a move to the area, South Amana offers relaxed countryside living with straightforward highway access to nearby towns and regional hubs like Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.

Like its sister villages, South Amana traces its roots back to the 1850s, when German settlers established communal farms, workshops, and kitchens throughout the valley. Today, that heritage is still visible in the town's classic sandstone buildings, local woodcraft traditions, and scenic side streets. Living here gives you a peaceful rural retreat with quick access to the bakeries, seasonal festivals, and unique shops spread across the rest of the colonies.