The town of Madrid is located near the center of Iowa, approximately 25 miles northwest of Des Moines, and 20 miles southwest of Ames. It was first settled in 1846 by Swedish immigrants, who originally named their town Swede Point, but later changed it to Madrid (pronounced MA-drid) upon the town’s incorporation in 1883. In its early years, the settlement prospered as a farming community, and the local sawmill owned and operated by generations of the Dalander family supplied lumber to a radius of 50 miles. At the turn of the century, coal was discovered in the area and coal mining became Madrid’s primary mainstay. The industry, which thrived between 1906 and 1940, further diversified Madrid’s community by drawing in new residents from all over the world, including immigrants from Sweden, Norway, Italy, Croatia, England and Wales.

Today Madrid, IA has a population of nearly 3,000 people, and is a desirable community for those looking for a little relief from the busy urban atmosphere of nearby Des Moines. Most of Madrid industry is service-oriented, but there are more diverse industries found in Des Moines, Ames, Boone, Ankeny, and Perry; residents of Madrid who are employed in these areas can enjoy a short, easy commute to and from their jobs. The quiet rural atmosphere of Madrid is a great environment in which to raise a family. There are a variety of golf courses, parks and recreation areas in and around Madrid, including Swede Point Park and Edgewood Park, which has softball and soccer fields, a tennis court and a disc golf course. Madrid also boasts an above-average school system, with excellent programs in academics, fine arts and athletics.

One of the most appealing aspects of Madrid, IA, is the affordability of housing; Madrid offers a 5-year tax abatement for new homes in Madrid, as well as additions. For this reason, real estate in Madrid, IA is accessible to people from all walks of life, whether you are a first time homebuyer or a seasoned investor. New developments such as Maple Ridge and Swede Point have lots available for custom homebuilding in Madrid, as well as pre-constructed townhouses and single family homes. Outside of these communities, there is a wide selection of resale homes in Madrid, including rural and urban-esque properties. The friendly community of Madrid welcomes you to come, settle in, and be a part of their comfortable, easy going town. With an expert team of real estate agents, it is easier than ever to find your quiet, suburban dream home in Madrid, IA.

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