c.1900 Four Bedroom Iowa Handyman Special With Original Elements $75K
OHU50K Notes $75,000
Check out this Iowa handyman special with stained glass, hardwood floors, unpainted woodwork and tiled kitchen.
Realtor Comments
Do you love to envision a work in progress? Her years show in places, but the gorgeous old trim work, stained glass and charm all surely draw the eye. 4 bedrooms, 1 bath and a basement ready to refinish. Set upon a large corner lot, dappled with a beautiful variety of trees, she emanates hope and opportunity for the right buyer. We don’t have the time to spend that she deserves, so we are offering her to you. We removed the chattel and left the base for you to bring back to life. A labor of love but so much potential, at a price point that allows for the full attention to be given to her. Incredibly placed close to downtown, parks, schools and a neighborhood anticipating her makeover. Property is being sold as is. Bring your vision to life in this huge property.
- 4 bed
- 1 bath
- Build date 1900
712 West St, Shenandoah, IA 51601 $75,000
- Contact Realtor: Stephanie Bowden
- Google Map
- Niche
Pros of Living in Shenandoah, IA
1. Very Affordable Cost of Living
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Overall cost of living is significantly below the national average, especially housing costs (much lower than typical U.S. cities).
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Median home values are low compared with most areas.
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Rent is also quite affordable relative to broader U.S. averages.
2. Short Commute & Small-Town Convenience
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Average commute times are short, which is a plus if you prefer less time in traffic.
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Parking is generally easy and local infrastructure is simple to navigate.
3. Tight-Knitted, Community Feel
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Many locals describe Shenandoah as a friendly, small community where people know each other.
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Community events (like local festivals and markets) add to social engagement.
4. Local Amenities & Recreation
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A cozy downtown with unique shops and restaurants enhances local quality of life.
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Outdoor recreation, like the Wabash Trace Nature Trail and parks, is readily available.
5. Reasonable Safety
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Some crime metrics (especially violent crime) are lower than the national average, giving many residents a sense of safety.
6. Close to Larger Cities
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Access to Omaha and other larger metro areas within about an hour — good for city trips, airports, or services not available locally.
Cons of Living in Shenandoah, IA
1. Limited Job Market & Lower Local Incomes
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Median household income is below the national median, and educational attainment is lower than average, which could reflect fewer high-paying job opportunities.
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Job growth and variety are more limited than in larger cities.
2. Amenities & Services Can Be Sparse
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Many amenities (especially specialty services or entertainment) may require driving — public transit is limited.
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Some residents note limited options in dining or nightlife compared to larger cities.
3. Small-Town Lifestyle Isn’t for Everyone
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Social circles can feel “clicky” or tight-knit, making it harder for newcomers to fully integrate.
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Entertainment and cultural diversity are limited relative to bigger metro areas. Resident feedback from local forums mentions fewer local events and a quieter social scene.
4. Mixed Crime Perceptions
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While some data show lower violent crime, other crime indices suggest higher property crime rates — and crime experiences can vary by neighborhood.
5. Rural Setting Means Limited Transit
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Public transportation options are limited, so owning a car is nearly essential.
6. Regional Rural Challenges
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As with many rural Midwest towns, access to specialized healthcare, advanced schooling, arts, and cultural diversity can be limited compared with larger cities.
