OHU50K Notes $99,000

c.1920 Iowa Home With Wonderful Original Elements. This cheery yellow home is a lovely old home. The woodwork throughout it built to last. The backyard with views is a nice plus.

Porch featured at 420 N Wapello St, Ottumwa, IA, 52501

Realtor Comments

If you’ve been waiting for a truly special, character-filled home in Ottumwa, this is the one. Offered for the first time in nearly thirty years, the landmark residence at 420 N. Wapello showcases timeless craftsmanship with fantastic hardwood floors, rich wood trim, and a striking open staircase that creates a memorable first impression. The main level is designed for both everyday living and entertaining, featuring a formal dining room, an inviting living room with fireplace, a convenient powder room, and a country kitchen complete with a butler’s pantry. Upstairs, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms and a full bath, offering comfort and flexibility. Perfectly positioned near the heart of the city and just minutes from downtown amenities, this rare in-town property spans three parcels totaling approximately six-tenths of an acre-an exceptional find. With a newly painted interior and appliances including a gas range, refrigerator, washer, and dryer all conveying, this home is move-in ready and waiting to welcome its next owner.

3 bed
1.5 bath
Build date 1920

Exterior featured at 420 N Wapello St, Ottumwa, IA, 52501

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.

420 N Wapello St, Ottumwa, IA 52501 $99,000

Contact Realtor: Jim Clingman
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Exterior featured at 420 N Wapello St, Ottumwa, IA, 52501

Living Room featured at 420 N Wapello St, Ottumwa, IA, 52501

More featured at 420 N Wapello St, Ottumwa, IA, 52501

Living Room featured at 420 N Wapello St, Ottumwa, IA, 52501

Pros of Ottumwa, IA

1. Very affordable cost of living (biggest advantage)

Cost of living index around 83 (≈17% cheaper than U.S. average)
Median home value ~$120k
One of the cheapest places to live in the Midwest.

2. Cheap housing & easy homeownership

Rent averages under $1,000/month
Buying a home is realistic even on modest income
Good for saving money or buying property early.

3. Easy, low-stress lifestyle

Small population (~25k) → minimal traffic, short commutes
Quiet, slower pace of life
Good if you want simplicity and less chaos.

4. Decent diversity for a small town

Ranked relatively high for diversity in Iowa
More culturally mixed than many towns its size.

5. Basic amenities + regional access

Has essentials (shopping, healthcare, schools)
Within driving distance of bigger cities like Des Moines
Works as a “base city” if you don’t need big-city living daily.

Cons of Ottumwa, IA

1. Crime is higher than average (major drawback)

Overall crime about 42% higher than U.S. average
Some estimates show even higher spikes depending on metric
Safety varies a lot by neighborhood.

2. Economic struggles & lower incomes

Median income ~$57k, with ~19% poverty rate
Not a strong local economy.

3. Limited job opportunities

Economy centered on:
- Manufacturing
- Meat processing
- Retail
  Fewer high-paying or white-collar jobs
Many residents leave for better opportunities (common complaint)