Gorgeous c.1915 Four-Bedroom Iowa Craftsman Home $165K

1217 N Main St, Carroll, IA 51401   $165,000

• Contact Realtor: Janelle Lenz Schreck
• Google Map
• Niche

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This was originally the home of Charles Henry Parsons (1874-1955). Charles was a former Carroll County supervisor. Engaged in farm supervision and operation, he had also been in the elevator and grain and seed business here. He had also served on the board of directors of the Carroll County State Bank for some time.

His father was mayor of Carroll for many years. Since 1877 Mr. Parsons had lived in Carroll, where he was graduated from high school in 1893. He was married to Edith Victoria Young at Carroll in 1897. Mrs. Parsons died Jan. 16. 1936. They raised their children, Charles, Perry. and Donna in this home.

The home was sold to Milton Leroy Mills in 1942. Milton (1876-1960) was a barber who owned his own shop. He married Mary Travis in 1905. The couple had no children but rented out rooms in the house to a series of women lodgers.

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Pros of Living in Carroll, IA

1. Low Cost of Living & Affordable Housing

• The overall cost of living is about 23% lower than the U.S. average, though just slightly (3–4%) higher than Iowa’s average

• Median home prices are around $170K–$185K, nearly 50% less than the national median, and somewhat below Iowa’s average

• Renting a two-bedroom unit averages between $740–$750/month, which is significantly cheaper than national and state-level rents

• Home values have seen solid appreciation, with an 11.6% increase in the last year and nearly 64% over the last decade

• Overall cost categories such as groceries, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses are generally below national norms

2. Short Commutes & Good Transportation Infrastructure

• Residents typically enjoy short commute times—about 11–12 minutes, well under the national average of 26 minutes.

• Car ownership levels are in line with the national average (about 2 cars per household)

3. Strong Community & Safe Environment

• Reddit users describe Carroll as “quiet,” “safe,” and “family‑friendly,” with low crime and warm social vibes

• Amenities include a brewery, distillery, restaurants, library, rec center, plus parks, a semi-pro baseball team, and summer events like concerts and movie nights

• Outdoor spaces like Swan Lake State Park (with trails, disc golf, paddleboats, biking paths) are nearby and well-loved

4. Quality Schools & Youth Opportunities

• The Carroll Community School District serves the area with a full K–12 system, favorable student-to-teacher ratio (~15.5:1), and a range of extracurriculars including music, sports, and FFA

5. Rich Local History & Cultural Identity

• Noteworthy landmarks include the historic Carnegie Library Building, now a local museum, and the beautifully designed streetscape revitalization downtown

• The city’s character is shaped by both its architectural heritage and community-driven development.

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Cons of Living in Carroll, IA

1. Limited Nightlife & Cultural Variety

• Some Reddit users note that for those under 40 or with more urban entertainment preferences, Carroll may feel quiet or lacking in nightlife and diverse offerings

2. Job Market Limitations

• While there are local employers like manufacturing and retail businesses, career opportunities may not be as plentiful or varied as in urban centers

• However, some appreciate that there are “options” and that employment is a “lock” if prearranged

3. Relative Isolation

• Carroll is described as pleasant but “in the middle of nowhere” by some residents. Major cities like Des Moines are about 1.5 hours away, with Omaha and Sioux City around 2 hours

• This can make spontaneous trips or access to big-city amenities a bit more effort.

4. Weather & Natural Events

• The area experiences typical Midwestern seasonal swings, including snow and storms. While tornadoes aren’t frequent, events like derechos have occurred

5. Demographic Homogeneity

• The population is predominantly White (~91%), with relatively low racial and ethnic diversity

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