Brick c.1915 Four Bedroom Iowa Home For Sale Under $70K

Brick c.1915 Four Bedroom Iowa Home For Sale. Historic home in need of some major restoration. Conveniently located.

416 N Adams Ave, Mason City, IA 50401    $69,500

• Contact Realtor: Joe Chodur
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This house was built for Frank R. Currie (1874-1962) around 1915. Frank owned a hardware store, Currie’s Hardware Store which he founded in 1892. His first wife, Gertrude, died in 1903 at the young age of 28. Frank then married Lola Nichols (1877-1957). The couple had one son, Richard. The Curries lived in the home until the Frank passed at home in 1962.

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Pros

• Affordable Cost of Living & Housing

• Cost of living is roughly 12–14% below the U.S. average; median home value around $112K–130K, nearly half of the U.S. median, with rent around $874/month

• Residents enjoy good value for money on housing and monthly expenses.

• Rich Cultural Heritage & Vibrant Downtown

• Historic downtown features Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie‑School architecture, including the only Wright‑designed hotel in the world

• Strong cultural identity tied to Meredith Willson (“River City”) and events like the Band Festival, plus museums and arts venues

• Downtown revitalization efforts (Federal Plaza, pedestrian-friendly design, festivals) encourage vibrant community life

• Thriving Outdoor & Recreational Scene

• Over 20 parks, plus trails, nature centers (like Lime Creek), riverfront amenities, and an ice arena hosting hockey and community events

• Activities include biking, kayaking, skating, camping, family events, and a lively sports culture.

• Strong Employment Base

• Diverse job market with healthcare (MercyOne), manufacturing (Cargill, Curries), education, services, and transit sectors

• Unemployment remains low

• Good Public Transit & Convenient Commutes

• Mason City Transit operates a weekday bus system; the airport offers flights to Chicago

• Short average commute (~14–15 min) and walkable downtown contribute to quality of life .

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Cons

• Higher Crime in Some Areas

• Crime is reported 83% higher than Iowa average; rising property crimes and some violent offenses—though violent crime remains moderate

• Some neighborhoods are reported by residents to be less safe, and shoplifting/vandalism in retail areas is a concern .

• Limited Entertainment Options for Youth

• While parks and events are plentiful, there’s limited teen nightlife—few movie theaters, arcades, or teen-oriented venues; residents cite a gap in youth activities .

• Economic & Demographic Challenges

• Population has been relatively stagnant or slowly declining since the 1970s; some parts of town show signs of aging infrastructure

• Median income ($53K) trails national average ($67K), and poverty sits at ~10.8% .

• School System Strengths & Weaknesses

• District receives a C+ overall, with math proficiency around 51%, reading 60%

• Graduation rate (~89%) is strong, but academic performance lags behind state averages .

• Weather & Seasonal Constraints

• Continental climate brings hot summers and cold winters — not ideal for those seeking milder year‑round conditions

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