c.1950 Iowa Lustron Home For Sale Reduced to Under $80K

OHU50K Notes $85,000 Reduced to $79,900

Lustron home for sale! Love it when we come across one!

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 surf blue two-bedroom Westchester model. The Westchester is easily recognized by its notched porch outside of the living room. 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 like this one.

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. This is the surf blue model.

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.

Yard featured at 415 S Main St, Sigourney, IA, 52591

Realtor Comments

Dont miss this opportunity to own a piece of architectural history! This all-steel, prefabricated Lustron home is one of the few remaining mid-century models known for their durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency. Built post-WWII, Lustron homes were designed to lastand this one has been thoughtfully updated while preserving its unique character. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home features original steel wall panels, a spacious living room, dedicated dining area, a galley kitchen, a generously sized laundry room, and tons of storage! Recent updates include a remodeled bathroom, new carpet and paint in one of the bedrooms, mini-split air conditioning system, and a contractor-repaired main sewer line to the city connection. The exterior offers even more to love: a one-car detached garage, newly added chain-link fence, private patio space, and a charming gazebo for outdoor enjoyment. A true collectors home with modern convenience schedule your showing today!

2 bed
1 bath
Build date 1950

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.

415 S Main St, Sigourney, IA 52591 $85,000. Reduced to $79,900

Contact Realtor: Cheyenne Conrad
Google Map
Niche

House View featured at 415 S Main St, Sigourney, IA, 52591

Pros

Very Affordable Cost of Living & Housing
- Total living costs ~26% below the U.S. average and ~8% lower than Iowa’s average, thanks to particularly low housing costs—homes ~66% cheaper than the national average; 2-bedroom rents around $770/month (46% below U.S.)
- AreaVibes gives it top ratings for cost of living and housing
Safety & Low Crime
- Crime rate is about 51–66% lower than Iowa and U.S. averages, making it a notably safe small town
Strong Schools & Community Education
- Public school district (K–12) rated B+ by Niche, boasting 76% math and 70% reading proficiency, with good student-teacher ratio (~14:1)
- High school graduation rate around 89%, above Iowa and national levels
High Livability Score & Community Feel
- AreaVibes gives an overall livability score of 77/100, ranking better than ~77% of U.S. towns
- Residents highlight a friendly, family-focused community, clean environment, and growing local scene
Charming Historic Downtown
- The Public Square Historic District, including a 1911 courthouse and brick storefronts, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Cons

Limited Local Amenities & Entertainment
- Few shops, restaurants, or cultural venues; residents often need vehicles to reach essentials or specialized services .
Commute & Public Transit Limitations
- No public transportation; residents rely heavily on cars, with longer commute times than average .
Slow Technological Advancements
- Mobile internet speeds are lower than larger regions, which may hinder remote work or connectivity
Smaller Population & Lack of Diversity
- Population hovers around 2,000, with limited diversity and fewer social/cultural opportunities compared to bigger cities