c.1950 Iowa Lustron Home For Sale $59,900

The prefab, enameled steel, Lustron homes were introduced in 1948 in response to the need of housing after WWII. Our featured home today is the tan three-bedroom Westchester model. The two-bedroom Westchester is easily recognized  by its notched porch outside of the living room., but the three-bedroom Westchester has no porch area. You can date the Westchester design by the bedroom windows. The earliest homes had pairs of small slit windows set high on the wall. In 1949 and 1950, they changed to the larger single window design that this home has.

In most cases, like our featured home, the foundation was a basic concrete slab. Windows were casement with aluminum sashes, and the skeleton framing of the house was steel. Porcelain steel panels formed the siding, interior walls and roof. The Westchester’s exterior came in four colors: surf blue, dove gray, maize yellow and desert tan.

Lustron homes like this one sold from the factory for about $7,500. By the time a foundation, erection costs and other fees were added, the total could amount to $10,000. At a time when similar-sized frames homes were going for $6,500 complete, $10K seemed a high price to pay for a small, plain looking house. Although about 2,500 Lustron homes were sold, the company soon folded.

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Pros of Fort Madison, IA

Very Low Cost of Living

• Housing prices and rents are well below the national average, making it attractive for retirees, first-time buyers, or anyone on a tight budget.

• Property taxes and everyday expenses are generally affordable.

Small-Town Feel

• Tight-knit community where people tend to know their neighbors.

• Slower pace of life with less stress than larger cities.

Scenic Riverfront Location

• Situated along the Mississippi River, offering river views, walking paths, and outdoor recreation.

• Popular for fishing, boating, and enjoying sunsets.

History & Character

• Home to Old Fort Madison, Iowa’s oldest military fort.

• Historic architecture and a sense of local pride in the town’s heritage.

Easy Commutes & Low Traffic

• Little congestion and short drive times anywhere in town.

• Simple daily logistics compared to metro areas.

Access to Nature

• Close to parks, wildlife areas, and rural landscapes.

• Quiet environment with less noise and pollution.

Retiree-Friendly

• Calm lifestyle, low costs, and community services make it appealing for retirees.

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Cons of Fort Madison, IA

Limited Job Market

• Fewer professional and high-paying job opportunities.

• Many residents commute to nearby cities or rely on manufacturing, healthcare, or public-sector jobs.

Limited Entertainment & Dining

• Small selection of restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and cultural events.

• Residents often travel to Burlington, Keokuk, or the Quad Cities for more options.

Healthcare Limitations

• Basic healthcare is available, but specialized medical care usually requires travel to larger cities.

Weather Extremes

• Cold, snowy winters and humid summers.

• Flood risk can be a concern due to proximity to the Mississippi River.

Low Walkability & Public Transit

• Most errands require a car.

• Public transportation options are minimal.

Population Decline / Aging Demographics

• Like many small Midwestern towns, Fort Madison has faced population decline.

• Fewer amenities aimed at young professionals or college-aged residents.

Education & Opportunities for Youth

• Schools are adequate but limited in variety.

• Fewer extracurricular, advanced academic, or career-path opportunities compared to larger districts.

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Summary

Best for:
People seeking very affordable housing
Retirees or remote workers
Those who enjoy quiet, small-town living
Nature and river lovers

Might not suit:
Young professionals seeking career growth
People who want nightlife, shopping, or cultural variety
Those needing specialized healthcare nearby

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