City or suburb, new construction or historic charmer, Iowa’s housing market boasts endless choices. Real estate here is affordable in both established neighborhoods with mature trees and fresh developments in excellent school districts. Or build on an acreage and enjoy life at a peaceful pace.
What can the national average home price ($404,500) buy you in Iowa?
MODERNIZED COLONIAL
Mason City
- $325,000
- 3,778 square feet
- 0.31-acre corner lot
- 4 beds, 3 bath
Nestled in the heart of Mason City’s Forest Park neighborhood, this stunning colonial blends historic elegance with modern updates. Situated on a corner lot, a stone sidewalk leads guests inside, where original woodwork, hardwood floors and two wood-burning fireplaces exude warmth and craftsmanship. The updated kitchen is a chef’s dream. A finished basement offers a second living room, bar area, bathroom, laundry and storage room with access to the fenced backyard. The pergola and patios are the perfect place to host summer dinners with friends.
Designed by renowned R.P. Hansen, this inviting home contributes to the city’s architectural heritage. It’s within walking distance of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Historic Park Inn Hotel and Central Park, trails, restaurants and independent shops. With this move-in-ready property coming in $80,000 under budget, you’ll have extra to enjoy everything the community has to offer. It’s also a stone’s throw from the hospital, making it the perfect home base for families with healthcare careers.
What can the average Iowa home price ($241,300) buy you?
HUB FOR HOSTING
Burlington
- $229,000
- 3,000 square feet
- 0.61-acre lot
- 5 beds, 3 baths
Big families have room to grow in Burlington, a thriving southeast Iowa community on the banks of the Mississippi River. This spacious property is perfect for gathering family and friends. For the best of family fun, catch a Burlington Bees baseball game or explore FunCity’s entertainment complex.
FOX RIDGE TOWNHOME
West Des Moines
- $244,990
- 1,500 square feet
- 3 beds, 2.5 baths
Listed under $250,000, these open-concept townhomes provide a functional living space plus an attached two car garage. Impressive features and finishes include white quartz countertops, electric fireplaces, soft-close drawers/cabinets and smart home technology appliances. Conveniently located near some of the Des Moines metro’s greatest amenities including Jordan Creek Town Center, Des Moines International Airport and the Blank Park Zoo. Residents in this community will also have direct access to the nearly 20-mile-long Great Western Trail.
SMALL-TOWN STARTER HOME
Swisher
- $200,000
- 1,400 square feet
- 3 beds, 2 baths
This charming Swisher bungalow offers the chance to become part of a tight-knit community with proximity to career opportunities. Located within walking distance of the library, post office, bank, grocery store and more, this home also boasts a large backyard. It’s conveniently located along the I-380 corridor, which means a 15-minute commute to Cedar Rapids and Iowa City metros or Frontier Co-op‘s headquarters in nearby Norway. That cooperatively owned company’s unique workforce and corporate responsibility practices have earned accolades, including a national “Best Place for Working Parents” designation.
Rent Smart
Try a community before you commit to a home and enjoy Iowa rental rates that are a fraction of what people pay on the coasts. Whether you’re looking for a luxury loft in a revitalized neighborhood or a pet-friendly, single-family home with a backyard, options abound.
What can the national average rental payment ($1,559/mo.) get you in Iowa?
BENSON LOFTS
Sioux City
- $1,595 monthly rent
- 1,140 square feet
- 1 bed, 1 bath
- Pet-friendly
These stylish apartments feature luxury finishes alongside state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a club room with a gourmet kitchen, coworking space, a private dog run and a rooftop venue with breathtaking views. Residents enjoy perks like access to the building’s dog walker, errand runner, handy person, personal trainer, cleaning service, etc. And residents get perks/discounts at local businesses in the nearby downtown. The historic Benson Lofts is located within walking distance of local art and event centers, hotspots like Marto Brewing Co. and the recently renovated five-star Warrior Hotel.
What can the average Iowa rent price ($945/month) get you?
MAINTENANCE-FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY APARTMENT
Dubuque
- $800 monthly rent
- 1,100 square feet
- 2 beds, 1 bath
Located in an 1900s home in the Historic Langworthy District, this apartment merges historic charm with modern features. It has hardwood floors, central air and includes a private outdoor deck off the kitchen. Take advantage of living within walking/biking distance of downtown Dubuque and local gems like the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Brazen Open Kitchen & Bar and more.
SUSTAINABILITY ALL-STAR
Des Moines
Step into the Star Lofts, Iowa’s first zero-carbon certified building, and marvel at the mass timber construction – a new construction technology that reduces environmental carbon. Instead of steel and concrete, the first-floor commercial space features exposed beams and the aroma of freshly hewn wood. Natural light and breezes flow through the apartments above in this new mixed-use building on Des Moines’ west side.
“Our call to action as a company is to try to respond simultaneously to two urgent societal needs,” developer Scott Cutler said. “The need for additional affordable housing, and also the need to respond to increased greenhouse gas emissions.”
This sustainable project is a shining example of innovation. Mass timber construction comes together quickly and offers lasting benefits like increased insulation. By using an engineered wood structure, low-carbon concrete and a natural slate exterior, the developers reduced the environmental impact. High efficiency HVAC systems, lighting and other design choices, plus offsite solar panels, will offset building operations.
Located in the heart of The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand corridor, the three-story building replaces a dilapidated gas station with affordable units. Situated along a bus line and new streetscape with an elevated bike lane, tenants enjoy connectivity to a vibrant Cultural & Entertainment District known for locally owned restaurants and shops.
