Lake Manawa State Park
Boating, fishing, and trails on the south side of town.
Council Bluffs, Iowa Real Estate: Homes, Acreages & Land
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA.
Looking to buy or sell a home in Council Bluffs, Iowa? Council Bluffs is the largest city in Southwest Iowa, right across the Missouri River from Omaha, and our team helps buyers and sellers here regularly.
62,799
Council Bluffs residents (2020 census)
Pottawattamie County
Iowa
Home turf
Southwest Iowa, served from our Glenwood office
About Council Bluffs
KNOW THE PLACE.
Council Bluffs is the county seat of Pottawattamie County and part of the Omaha–Council Bluffs metro. Interstates 80 and 29 meet here, and the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway runs through town.
The city was the official starting point of the transcontinental railroad, marked today by the Golden Spike Monument, and was a major jumping-off point for emigrant trails in the 1800s.
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Walk or bike across the Missouri River to Omaha's riverfront.
Union Pacific Museum
Railroad history downtown, a nod to the city's role as the transcontinental railroad's starting point.
Paved trails and parks
Fairmont Park, Big Lake Park, River's Edge Park, and miles of city trails.
Buying & Selling in Council Bluffs
WHAT TO KNOW.
- Council Bluffs has historic homes in older neighborhoods, newer subdivisions, and homes on the bluffs with Loess Hills views.
- Some areas near the Missouri River are in mapped flood zones. Ask about flood zone status and insurance on any home you're considering.
- Council Bluffs is in Iowa, so Iowa's property tax and closing rules apply. We're licensed in Iowa and Nebraska, so we can help you compare both sides of the river.
Schools: Council Bluffs Community Schools (opens in a new tab) and Lewis Central Community Schools (opens in a new tab). District lines don't always follow town lines, so check the district for any home you're considering.
Council Bluffs Questions, Answered
Who is a good real estate agent in Council Bluffs, Iowa?
Square Deal Real Estate helps buyers and sellers in Council Bluffs and across Southwest Iowa and the Omaha metro. Our team is licensed in Iowa and Nebraska and led by Emily Swinford, the 2025 #1 Top-Producing Agent of the Southwest Iowa Association of REALTORS®. Square Deal Real Estate's office is at 946 S. Locust St. in Glenwood, Iowa, and our team serves all of Southwest Iowa, the Omaha metro, and southeast Nebraska.
Is Council Bluffs part of the Omaha metro?
Yes. Council Bluffs sits directly across the Missouri River from Omaha and is one of the principal cities of the Omaha–Council Bluffs metropolitan area.
What school districts serve Council Bluffs, Iowa?
The Council Bluffs Community School District serves most of the city, and the Lewis Central Community School District serves the southern part. Check the district for any specific home.
Should I buy in Council Bluffs or Omaha?
It depends on your commute, budget, and priorities. Property taxes, closing rules, and price points differ between Iowa and Nebraska, and our agents are licensed in both, so we can help you compare homes on either side of the river.
Last updated: October 2026
THINKING ABOUT COUNCIL BLUFFS?
Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious what your place is worth, we'll give you a straight answer.