Stuart, IA

Stuart began in the mid-1800s as a quiet settlement called Summit Grove, but it really found its footing once the Rock Island Railroad came through and built a division hub. That rail boom brought the sturdy brick storefronts and classic depot that still give downtown its character. Today, Stuart sits right along Interstate 80 about 40 minutes west of Des Moines. That location makes it a great fit for newcomers who want the breathing room and neighborly feel of a small Iowa town while keeping an easy drive into the metro.