c.1900 Iowa Queen Anne $125K

307 N Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158   $125,000

• Contact Realtor: Amanda Sager
• Google Map
• Niche

 

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First off, the realtor’s 1910 build date is off, because the Patrick family was living in the home in 1903.  C.N. Patrick was an optometrist who also gave bango, guitar and mandolin lessons out of the home. He lived in the home with his wife Winifred, and sons Russell, Merle and John.

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Pros

• Affordable cost of living & housing

• Living expenses—including housing, groceries, healthcare, and more—are approximately 26% below the national average and around 8% below Iowa’s average

• Median home value is roughly $117K, compared to ~$303K nationally, and median rent is about $830/month, significantly lower than typical rents .

• Diverse & inclusive community

• The city has a rich multicultural population: over 30% Hispanic/Latino, a growing Asian community, and 19% foreign-born, making it notably more diverse than most places in Iowa .

• Niche grades “Diversity” as A, and residents praise the welcoming, inclusive vibe

• Local economy & job opportunities

• Employers like JBS USA, Lennox International, Emerson, and others provide steady employment, often paying between $15–$20/hour plus benefits

• Niche rates the job market as B, though PlaceVista lists employment as a D‑rated area relative to national

• Community events & recreation

• Marshalltown hosts festivals like Oktemberfest, the Central Iowa Fair, and Harvest Market, plus more than 20 parks, trails, and the Linn Creek Recreational Trail along the Iowa River

• Lower average commute

• The mean travel time to work is around 17 minutes, with most residents driving alone. Public transit exists but is not heavily used

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Cons

• Crime rates above average

• Marshalltown’s overall crime rate is 42–95% higher than average for similar-sized Iowa communities

• The probability of falling victim to violent crime is about 1 in 217, and the chance of property crime is 1 in 51 (burglary, theft, auto theft, arson)

• PlaceVista reports higher rates of assault, burglary, theft, and vehicle theft compared to Iowa averages

• Moderate income & poverty concerns

• Median household income is approximately $59K–68K, below national (~$70K) and statewide averages, with about 14% of residents living in poverty .

• About 44% of households earn less than $50K/year, indicating income below national norms .

• Education performance is average

• Local schools are graded C by Niche, with academic performance below Iowa state averages in reading and math proficiency

• The district includes 9 schools serving around 5,200 students, with a student-teacher ratio near 14:1

• Limited nightlife & amenities

• Nightlife is modest. Reviews mention minimal options for younger adults outside college-related venues; people often travel to cities like Des Moines or Ames for more diverse entertainment or shopping

• Reddit users describe the local mall as largely inactive or closed—one noted:

• Mixed reviews from locals

• While many praise community spirit, others express frustration:

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Summary

Marshalltown offers exceptional affordability, a vibrant, diverse community, key local employment opportunities, and an appealing lineup of parks and local festivals. It’s especially suited for families, newcomers, or people looking to settle affordably in Central Iowa.

However, it does come with higher-than-average crime rates, modest income levels, mid-range schools, and limited nightlife or entertainment—especially for those seeking urban amenities or strong educational outcomes.

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Best fit if you:

• Want affordable housing and low cost of living.

• Appreciate living in a multicultural, mid-sized Iowa city.

• Value community events, green spaces, and short commutes.

Less ideal if you:

• Prioritize very low crime rates or top-tier schools.

• Seek robust nightlife, shopping, or cultural options.

• Require high household income and broad career growth.

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