c.1887 Iowa Handyman Special For Sale $35K

$35,000

Iowa handyman special. In 1887, the town doctor built this home. His office used the east door and was upstairs as were many of that time. His office had a built in cabinet used to store his medicines and instruments. Upstairs now are 3 bedrooms with closets in the corners of the hallway. They have old-style wide wood floors.

Realtor Comments

On the main floor, the owners used the north door into the parlor (now a bedroom). There is also a living room and formal dining room. These 3 rooms have narrow hardwood floors. The main floor bedroom has a closet stretching across one wall. Space was claimed under the stairs for a small office. The kitchen has a wall of wood cabinets with a window above the sink. The large full bathroom has laundry hookups and water heater. The south entry to the kitchen has coat hooks, a box bench for shoes made of barn boards and a pantry. A small basement accessed from outside has the newer furnace and connections for central air. An old washhouse located just outside the back door has a freezer. The garage could easily be put back to a 2 car garage. An interesting feature is an outhouse in the southwest corner. Another shed is in the back. The house has vinyl siding and some double pane windows. The house is being sold as is . There are 2 lilac bushes and other flowers, a walnut and an evergreen tree plus others. This piece of Lorimor’s history deserves to be rescued. Clean abstract.

4bed
1bath
Circa 1887

110 Kansas Ave, Lorimor, IA 50149

If interested in a property, please 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.

Contact Realtor: Retta Ripperger
Brokered by R Realty
Google Map
Niche

Location of This Iowa Handyman Special

Pros of Living in Lorimor, IA:

Small-Town Charm: Lorimor (pop.386) is a classic Midwestern town with a strong sense of community. If you enjoy friendly, tight-knit neighborhoods where people know each other, it can be very appealing. It’s a place where everyone seems to look out for each other.
Affordable Cost of Living: Like much of rural Iowa, Lorimor is very affordable. Housing costs are low, and the overall cost of living is much less than what you would find in larger cities, making it attractive for those looking to stretch their dollars further.
Natural Beauty & Outdoor Activities: Lorimor is located in an area of Iowa with lots of open spaces, farmland, and beautiful countryside. If you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and enjoying rural scenery, you’ll love the area. The town is also not too far from Lake Icaria, a popular spot for fishing, boating, and camping.
Low Crime Rates: Small towns like Lorimor generally experience much lower crime rates compared to urban areas, offering a sense of safety and security that’s great for families or retirees.
Proximity to Larger Cities: Lorimor is only about a 1.5-hour drive south of Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city. That means if you need to visit a larger city for work, entertainment, or services, it’s relatively easy to access.
Great for Families: The town offers a quiet, safe environment that’s well-suited for raising children. Schools in small towns are often more personal, with teachers and staff forming closer relationships with students.

Cons of Living in Lorimor, IA:

Limited Amenities: Like most small rural towns, Lorimor doesn’t have a lot in terms of shopping, dining, or entertainment. You’d likely need to drive to nearby towns (such as Afton or Osceola) for larger grocery stores, restaurants, or specialized services.
Job Opportunities: The job market in Lorimor is fairly limited, especially for people looking for roles in fields like tech, education, or healthcare. If you’re not working remotely, you’d probably need to commute to a nearby town or city, and the options might not be as abundant as in more urban areas.
Lack of Healthcare Services: There aren’t many healthcare facilities directly in Lorimor. For more serious medical needs, you’d likely need to head to Des Moines or another larger nearby town, which could be inconvenient in case of emergencies.
Limited Social Scene & Entertainment: While Lorimor has some community activities, it’s not the place for a bustling social life. If you thrive on having various entertainment options—bars, concerts, museums, etc.—you might find Lorimor a little too quiet or isolated.
Weather Extremes: Iowa weather can be extreme. Winters can be harsh with snow and cold temperatures, while summers can get hot and humid. Plus, the region is prone to occasional severe weather (tornadoes, thunderstorms), which is something to keep in mind if you’re new to the area.
Risk of Isolation: If you’re used to the vibrancy of a larger city, Lorimor’s small-town lifestyle might feel isolating at times. While the sense of community is great, some people find the limited variety in lifestyle options to be a downside.