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Pella, Iowa

What It Is Like to Retire in Pella

Founded by immigrants from the Netherlands in 1847, the small town of Pella, Iowa, has preserved its history and proud Dutch heritage through architectural sites and many events. Located in Marion County, the population was 10,237 in 2019. It is home to Central College and to the tallest working windmill in the United States, which grinds wheat into flour. Residents and tourist enjoy the bakeries located here and its popular Dutch Letter which is an almond filled flaky pastry made famous in Pella. Lake Red Rock, the largest lake in the state, is also located here and offers boating and outdoor recreation, along with many hiking and biking trails. Pella is also the boyhood town of Wyatt Earp and the Van Spanckeren Row House in which he lived, and is now a tourist site on the National Register of Historic Places for its Dutch architectural design. Picture of Shops on Main Street in Pella illustrating Dutch architecture courtesy of Wikipedia and Dekkanar, picture of Molengracht Canal, Downtown Pella courtesy of Wikipedia and Dmetz61753, photo of Information Center in Pella IA courtesy of Wikipedia and Chanilim714,Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/

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Where to Retire in Pella and Home Prices

The median home value in Pella was $232,855 in mid-2021, according to Zillow.

What Is Special about Pella

This pretty and quaint town features unique Dutch architecture. There are many festivals and activities, outdoor recreation opportunities with hiking and biking trails, and is just minutes from Lake Red Rock. Pella is also a college town that offers sporting and cultural events.

What Is Not Special about Pella

Winters are chilly and snowy. Although it is not considered to be directly in tornado alley, tornados have come through Pella or close to.

Who Will Like Retirement in Pella

Pella may appeal to those looking for a small and conservative college town with a lake, marina, and a lot of outdoor recreation and events. Pella also has a hospital, a library, and great bakeries.

Local Economy Is Driven by

The economy is driven by education and manufacturing.

Climate and Physical Environment

January's average temperature is 24 degrees, with July's average 76 degrees. Pella gets about 27" of snow annually. Tornados have gone through Pella, the most recent and damaging one was on July 19th, 2018.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

There are several eateries in Pella including coffee shops, bakeries, cafes and pubs, with many getting great reviews on TripAdvisor.com. Pella's Dutch heritage is apparent throughout the town with its famous sites and Dutch architecture. The many events and festivals include the Tulip Time Festival which draws many tourists and visitors each May, along with a historical village, museum, The Vermeer Windmill and an opera house.