c.1850 Iowa Greek Revival Mansion Multi-Family – The Songstone Mansion $199K

Realtor Comments

In the heart of Keokuk, Iowa’s historic district, stands the 1850 SONGSTONE HOUSE – a stately reminder of a more gracious era built of solid brick and stone. SONGSTONE is an original Greek Revival style mansion. Guests are welcomed with an impressive foyer featuring an expansive winding walnut staircase, ornate chandeliers, crafted fireplace mantels, large windows and hardwood flooring. SONGSTONE has served as a single-family residence and as a multi-unit property with up to 5 apartments while maintaining main living quarters on the first floor. The basement has prerviously been rented as an apartment with ground-level access. The north half of the roof was replaced in 2024, and the main roof in 2019. Some renovation is needed, giving way to your own creativity. Heating is provided by a Crown Boiler, 2 Pellet Stoves and a Drolet Wood Burning stove. The washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator and freezer convey. The yard features mature trees, an orchard of fruit trees including apple, pear, and plum. Plantings including roses and lilies and cherry trees, along the front yard iron fencing, enhance privacy & beauty. Off street parking. Looking for a modestly priced historical home to enhance with your personal touch? Call for your personal showing.

• 5 beds
• 5 bath
• 4,692 sqft
• Build date 1850

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.

*

Pros

• Extremely inexpensive housing. The Census puts the median value of owner-occupied homes at only $104,300 and median rent at $871. That’s one of Keokuk’s biggest attractions.
• Low overall cost of living. One estimate puts Keokuk’s overall cost of living about 28% below the national average.
• Mississippi River location. This is a genuine advantage. You get river views, boating/fishing opportunities and a historic river-town environment that you simply won’t get in many inexpensive Midwestern communities.
• Interesting historic architecture. Keokuk was once a prosperous industrial and commercial center, so there are substantial older homes and historic buildings.
• Basic amenities are actually pretty good for a town of 9,500. You have a Walmart Supercenter, Hy-Vee and Aldi, along with locally owned restaurants. Walmart Supercenter Hy-Vee Pickup ALDI
• Local restaurant scene isn’t terrible. There are some genuinely well-regarded independent spots, including Angelini’s Ristorante Italiano and Java River | Café & Bakery.
• Healthcare is available locally. Keokuk has a 24/7 emergency department and outpatient medical services, so you’re not in a town with absolutely no healthcare infrastructure. UnityPoint Health – Emergency Medicine
• Good location for exploring the tri-state area. Illinois and Missouri are immediately across the Mississippi, giving you more options than the town’s population would suggest.
• Older/retirement-friendly population. About 21% of residents are 65+, and Niche ranks Keokuk #38 among Iowa communities for retirement.
• Shorter commutes. You’re unlikely to spend your life sitting in traffic.

Cons

• Population decline is the biggest red flag. Keokuk has gone from roughly 17,000 residents in the 1960s to about 9,500 today. The University of Iowa describes plant closures, automation and economic changes as major contributors.
• The local economy isn’t especially strong. Median household income is only about $52,700, considerably below the national figure.
• Job opportunities can be limiting. If you’re bringing a remote job or are retired, this is much less concerning. If you need a specialized professional career, I’d investigate the employment market carefully.
• Crime is a legitimate concern. Niche gives Keokuk a C for crime & safety, while another livability analysis rates crime particularly poorly.  I would research the specific neighborhood before buying, rather than judging the whole city uniformly.
• Schools aren’t a major selling point. Niche gives the public-school category a C-.
• Some neighborhoods have visible economic deterioration. This is the flip side of those $80k–$120k houses: bargains can come with deferred maintenance, vacant properties and neighborhood-quality differences.
• Healthcare is adequate, not world-class. Basic and emergency care exists, but you’ll probably want to travel for some advanced/specialized treatment.
• Limited big-city amenities. You have everyday shopping, but not the breadth of restaurants, entertainment, cultural attractions and specialty services you’d find in Des Moines, St. Louis, or the Chicago area.
• Mississippi River flooding is something to investigate. This doesn’t mean the entire city is flood-prone, but I’d absolutely check the FEMA flood map and insurance requirements for any property you’re considering.
• Weather. Hot/humid summers, cold winters, snow, thunderstorms and occasional severe weather.
• The city isn’t particularly diverse. Census data shows Keokuk is about 86% non-Hispanic White, with relatively small Black, Asian and foreign-born populations.

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*