Decorah : Iowa

Decorah is a small town with a strong Norwegian heritage in northeastern Iowa, not too far from the Minnesota border. The population was 8,109 in 2012.   The town has been the home of Luther College since 1861. Decorah celebrates it Norwegian heritage with its architecture and its annual Norwegian festival - the Nordic Fest each July. Decorah is  also the home of the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. There is a charming downtown with galleries and restaurant.  There are some attractive parks on bluffs above the Upper Iowa River, which is popular for all kinds of recreation including kayaking and hiking. Photos courtesy of Wikipedia - street scene by Bobak Ha'Eri and Museum by Jonathunder.

The city has several charming neighborhoods, some of near its many parks or the river.  The median list price of a home in mid-2016 was $236,450 according to Zillow.com.

Decorah experiences all four seasons with lots of outdoor activities,  and  is a very walkable community.

Decorah is not close to any major city.

People who want a walkable community in a college town and enjoy outdoor activites would like it here.

Luther College is the biggest employer along with Winneshiek County.

The average January temperature is about 18 degrees. The average July temperature is 73 degrees.

Each July Decorah is the host of Nordic Fest, a celebration of Norwegian culture with ethnic food, dancing and music. Decorah is home of the Vesterheim Noregian American Museum.