Sweet c.1900 Iowa Cottage With Original Woodwork and Hardwoods Under $57K
OHU50K Notes $56,600
Sweet c.1900 Iowa Cottage With Original Woodwork and Hardwoods. Located on a nice corner lot in a peaceful neighborhood.
Realtor Comments
Affordable living in this century-old two-bedroom charmer with lots of natural character throughout. The home features wood floors in the living room and formal dining room, there’s an eat-in kitchen, and the bathroom has been modified to include a roll-in shower and main floor laundry hook-ups. You’ll enjoy relaxing on the screened porch. The property comes with a partially chain-link fenced backyard, newer vinyl siding, and room for expansion in the roomy walk-up attic.
- 2 bed
- 1 bath
- Build date 1900
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.
929 Russell St, Ottumwa, IA 52501 $56,500
- Contact Realtor: Jim Clingman
- Google Map
- Niche
Pros of Living in Ottumwa, IA
1. Affordable Cost of Living & Housing
Ottumwa boasts a very low cost of living and housing prices. The median home value is around $92K, dramatically below the national median, and rent averages $956/month compared to $1,348 nationally.
2. Strong Sense of Community & Local Culture
Ottumwa hosts a vibrant downtown district with over 135 businesses—including boutiques, eateries, and entertainment venues—driven by rejuvenation incentive. Community events are alive and well, with summer concerts, Pride festivities, and the colorful annual Ottumwa Pro Balloon Races drawing residents together.
3. Education and Career Pathways
While public schools have faced criticism, Ottumwa offers progressive programs like SparkTank—a project-based STEM initiative connecting students with local businesses for real-world experience. The city also hosts Indian Hills Community College and a satellite campus of Buena Vista University, supporting accessible higher education.
4. Art, History & Architecture
Ottumwa is rich in historic charm, with districts like Fifth Street Bluff and the Historic Railroad District, featuring Tudor Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne architecture Landmarks like B’nai Jacob Synagogue, the courthouse, and several churches further reflect its heritage
5. Convenient Commutes & Livability
Residents enjoy short commutes—average travel time is about 17 minutes —and overall livability scores are above average for similarly sized towns. The city offers good health infrastructure, parks, and accessible services
6. Diverse Population
The city offers more diversity than many surrounding areas, with a notable Hispanic population (around 15%) and various other represented groups. Niche gives Ottumwa an A– for diversity
Cons of Living in Ottumwa, IA
1. Crime & Safety Concerns
Crime rates in Ottumwa are significantly above the Iowa average, raising safety concerns for some residents. Reviewers and forums frequently cite issues with theft, drug activity, and overall community safety.
2. Economic Challenges
Ottumwa faces economic limitations—median household income hovers around $57K, with poverty rates near 19%. Many note a depressed job environment, with the local economy heavily reliant on a few major employers like JBS and John Deere
3. School Performance Variability
Public schools often receive low marks; for instance, Ottumwa High School was rated 2/10 by some, prompting families to seek alternatives outside the district. Though education initiatives exist, overall school system performance remains a common concern.
4. Limited Amenities & Shopping
Despite downtown improvements, many residents travel outside the city for broader retail options—Des Moines and Iowa City are frequent destinations. The local mall has struggled with vacancies
5. Traffic Quirks & Local Frustrations
Some visitors notice odd behaviors at stop signs—hesitation and confusion at four-way stops and roundabouts are recurring complaints in local forums
