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

OHU50K Notes $69,500

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

Yard featured at 416 N Adams Ave, Mason City, IA, 50401

Realtor Comments

First time offered…This grand historic home is truly a diamond in the rough, which with the right touches, will transform itself into the home of your dreams. Offering 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, oak floors, open staircase, 2 fireplaces, main floor den/library, kitchen breakfast nook, double garage and much more. Close walking distance to all of downtown’s amenities. Please note, the home has not been occupied for several years, and is being sold ‘As Is’. All the utilities have been shut off.

4 bed
2 bath
3,380 square feet
Build date 1900

Other Interiors featured at 416 N Adams Ave, Mason City, IA, 50401

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.

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

Contact Realtor: Joe Chodur
Google Map
Niche

Family History

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.

Richard Currie and his new bride, Helen Thomas.

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 .

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 .