Delightful, Sunny c.1900 Iowa Home With Detached Garage Under $90K

906 S 9th St, Burlington, IA 52601    $89,900

• Contact Realtor: Jeffery George
• Google Map
• Niche

Burlington, IA – Pros & Cons

Pros

Affordable Cost of Living

• Overall living costs are around 27–28% below the national average and 9–10% lower than the Iowa average

• Housing is a standout bargain: median home values

• Other essentials—groceries (~7% cheaper), healthcare, transportation—are also favorably priced.

Scenic Locale & Outdoor Recreation

• Nestled along the Mississippi River, Burlington offers picturesque surroundings and plentiful outdoor escapes, including parks like Crapo Park, trails, and green spaces.

Strong Cultural Fabric & Community Revitalization

• The historic downtown—with attractions like Snake Alley and Capitol Theater—is undergoing revitalization, with new restaurants, shops, and vibrant cultural venues.

• Residents note an active local music scene, film festivals, the Burlington Bees baseball team, and family-oriented destinations like FunCity.

Decent Commute & Livability

• Short average commute—around 15 minutes, nearly half the U.S. average.

• Overall livability ranks high: Burlington scores better than 76% of U.S. cities.

Education & Schools

• The Burlington Community School District serves approximately 3,334 students across K–12, with a student‑teacher ratio around 13.7:1

• Early childhood and family-friendly programs are well-regarded.

Economic Base

• A diverse economy with manufacturing (notably Case Corporation, “Backhoe Capital of the World”) and healthcare (Great River Medical Center) as major employers.

• Education resources nearby include Southeastern Community College, supporting workforce development.

Cons

Economic Challenges & Lower Incomes

• Median household income (~$46,700–$51,600) falls short of national averages, with nearly 19–20% of residents living in poverty.

• Unemployment (~5.2%) runs slightly higher than U.S. average.

Crime & Safety Concerns

• Local perceptions highlight drug-related crime and certain unsafe neighborhoods. Some reviews mention crime remains a concern despite decline.

• Niche ratings assign a C– grade for crime and safety.

Limited Amenities & Reliance on Cars

• Many amenities are not walkable; public transit is rudimentary, so a car is necessary for most errands.

School Performance

• Niche grades Burlington schools at C–, suggesting middling performance.

Economy in Transition

• Manufacturing downsizing and plant closures have impacted the workforce; while some replacements have emerged, economic rejuvenation remains an ongoing effort.

Population Decline

• The city’s population is shrinking—from ~25,600 in 2010 to ~23,565 in 2023 (a 1.8% decline since 2020).

Weather

• Like much of the Midwest, Burlington experiences harsh winters—something to consider depending on weather tolerance