The Town of Grinnell

Jewel of the Prairie

Home to roughly 10,000 people, Grinnell, Iowa is truly the "Jewel of the Prairie."   A sense of community spirit and possibility are some of the reasons that Grinnell has been named "One of the Hundred Best Small Towns in America" (Norm Crampton’s Nationwide Guide to the Best in Small Town Living), "3rd Coolest Small Towns in America" (Budget Travel Magazine, 2009) and "#1 Small Town in America" (RelocateAmerica, 2010). CBS news also featured Grinnell as the "Coolest Small Town" in a 2009 video.

History

Grinnell was founded in 1854 by Josiah B. Grinnell, the man to whom Horace Greeley advised, "Go West, young man, go West."  Lore has it that JB Grinnell chose this particular site for his new town because of its prime location -- an insider's tip suggested that the two railroads were planned to cross at this location.  JB's bet paid off -- the railroads did cross in Grinnell.  Grinnell College celebrated its 150th year in Grinnell in 2009. 

Location

Grinnell still sits "in the middle of everywhere," conveniently situated within an hour's drive of Iowa's main cities, and within 5 hours' drive of Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, and Kansas City.

Cost of Living

In 2011, U.S. News and World Report evaluated "real income" (what your paycheck can buy, considering the cost of living) and found Des Moines, Iowa to be best in the nation. More details and the rankings can be found at Planetizen's "Best Cities for Making a Living."

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