3/2 c.1920 Iowa Craftsman Bungalow W/Terrific Woodwork Under $57K

$56,900

Step into timeless quality! Original built-in woodwork and rich hardwood floors stretch across the entire Iowa craftsman bungalow. The front entryway opens up into an expansive, airy living area and dining room perfect for gathering.

Realtor Comments

Single owner since 1968. 2 bedrooms on the main floor with jack and Jill access to fully handicapped accessible bath. Updated mechanicals and roof. Breezeway to the spacious yard and car port. This home has an incredibly landscaped lawn. Call today!

3bd
1ba
2,036sqft
Circa 1920

More Iowa Properties

932 N Pennsylvania Ave, Mason City, IA 50401 $56,900

If interested in a property, pleases contact the realtor whose link is provided in the post below, or contact an agent of your own choosing. Independent verification of details and status is recommended.

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The Pros

1. Highly Affordable Living & Real Estate

Low Cost of Entry: The overall cost of living sits approximately 9% below the national average, driven largely by housing expenses that run 25% to 37% below national standards.
Accessible Homeownership: Median home values range around $125,000 to $145,000, making property ownership far more reachable compared to major metro markets.

2. Rich Architectural & Cultural Heritage

Frank Lloyd Wright Legacy: The city features the Historic Park Inn Hotel (the only remaining Wright-designed hotel in the world) and the Rock Crest/Rock Glen Historic District, home to the largest concentration of Prairie-style homes on a natural site.
Musical History: As the birthplace of Meredith Willson, creator of The Music Man, the city houses The Music Man Square and celebrates a strong tradition of arts, festivals, and local music programs.

3. Regional Healthcare & Employment Hub

Medical Facilities: Mason City is home to MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, providing comprehensive specialty healthcare services rarely found in towns of this size.
Stable Job Market: Key regional employment sectors include healthcare, manufacturing, food processing,logistics, and education.

4. Commute Ease & Recreation

Stress-Free Drives: The average one-way commute is just 16 minutes, with virtually no traffic congestion.
Parks & Lake Access: The city maintains an extensive municipal park system, miles of bike trails, and sits just a 15-minute drive from Clear Lake, a popular regional destination for boating, fishing, and summer watersports.

The Cons

1. Harsh Midwest Winters

Cold & Snow: Winters are long, cold, and snowy, with freezing temperatures frequently extending from November through March.
Higher Heating Costs: Winter utility bills can spike noticeably during severe cold snaps.

2. Distance from Major Metro Areas

Geographic Isolation: Mason City sits roughly 2 hours north of Des Moines and 2 hours south of Minneapolis–St.Paul.
Flight Options: Mason City Municipal Airport (MCW) offers limited commuter routes; international travel usually requires driving to Minneapolis (MSP) or Des Moines (DSM).

3. Limited Specialized Job Growth

Corporate & Tech Scarcity: While healthcare and light industry provide stable working-class employment,specialized tech, corporate leadership, or high-tier finance opportunities are limited locally, often requiring remote work arrangements.

4. Slower Pace & Nightlife

Dining & Shopping Turnover: While essential retail and dining are readily available, options for niche retail,high-end dining, or late-night entertainment are minimal.