Gorgeous c.1915 Four-Bedroom Iowa Craftsman Home $165K

1217 N Main St, Carroll, IA 51401   $165,000

• Contact Realtor: Janelle Lenz Schreck
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The home was sold to Milton Leroy Mills in 1942. Milton (1876-1960) was a barber who owned his own shop. He married Mary Travis in 1905. The couple had no children but rented out rooms in the house to a series of women lodgers.

Pros of Living in Carroll, IA

1. Low Cost of Living & Affordable Housing

• The overall cost of living is about 23% lower than the U.S. average, though just slightly (3–4%) higher than Iowa’s average

• Median home prices are around $170K–$185K, nearly 50% less than the national median, and somewhat below Iowa’s average

• Renting a two-bedroom unit averages between $740–$750/month, which is significantly cheaper than national and state-level rents

• Home values have seen solid appreciation, with an 11.6% increase in the last year and nearly 64% over the last decade

• Overall cost categories such as groceries, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses are generally below national norms

2. Short Commutes & Good Transportation Infrastructure

• Residents typically enjoy short commute times—about 11–12 minutes, well under the national average of 26 minutes.

• Car ownership levels are in line with the national average (about 2 cars per household)

3. Strong Community & Safe Environment

• Reddit users describe Carroll as “quiet,” “safe,” and “family‑friendly,” with low crime and warm social vibes

• Amenities include a brewery, distillery, restaurants, library, rec center, plus parks, a semi-pro baseball team, and summer events like concerts and movie nights

• Outdoor spaces like Swan Lake State Park (with trails, disc golf, paddleboats, biking paths) are nearby and well-loved

4. Quality Schools & Youth Opportunities

• The Carroll Community School District serves the area with a full K–12 system, favorable student-to-teacher ratio (~15.5:1), and a range of extracurriculars including music, sports, and FFA

5. Rich Local History & Cultural Identity

• Noteworthy landmarks include the historic Carnegie Library Building, now a local museum, and the beautifully designed streetscape revitalization downtown

• The city’s character is shaped by both its architectural heritage and community-driven development.

Cons of Living in Carroll, IA

1. Limited Nightlife & Cultural Variety

• Some Reddit users note that for those under 40 or with more urban entertainment preferences, Carroll may feel quiet or lacking in nightlife and diverse offerings

2. Job Market Limitations

• While there are local employers like manufacturing and retail businesses, career opportunities may not be as plentiful or varied as in urban centers

• However, some appreciate that there are “options” and that employment is a “lock” if prearranged

3. Relative Isolation

• Carroll is described as pleasant but “in the middle of nowhere” by some residents. Major cities like Des Moines are about 1.5 hours away, with Omaha and Sioux City around 2 hours

• This can make spontaneous trips or access to big-city amenities a bit more effort.

4. Weather & Natural Events

• The area experiences typical Midwestern seasonal swings, including snow and storms. While tornadoes aren’t frequent, events like derechos have occurred

5. Demographic Homogeneity

• The population is predominantly White (~91%), with relatively low racial and ethnic diversity