$266,528Average Value$173Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
The community of Carter Lake isn't far from Downtown Omaha.
Carter Lake lures homebuyers with its namesake fishing lake
In the late 19th century, a dramatic flood carved out a new channel of the Missouri River, leaving behind an oxbow-shaped lake and altering the natural border between Nebraska and Iowa. As a result, Carter Lake is the only Iowa city west of the river. But despite its zip code, the city is technically an Omaha suburb that stretches between Eppley Airfield and the downtown area. Its namesake lake curves around the northern boundaries, surrounded by parks, fairways and fishing spots. Many residents commute to Downtown Omaha and Council Bluffs, but the Prairie Flower Casino provides jobs closer to home.
How the housing market compares to nearby Omaha neighborhoods
Midcentury ranch-style homes line the residential streets, along with New Traditional houses that were added from the late 1990s through the early 2010s. Lot sizes vary but can reach up to a third of an acre, and some properties have lake access with private docks. The city’s median home sale price of $225,000 is lower than Omaha’s median and well below the overall median for Downtown Omaha, where apartments are far more common than single-family homes. Sale prices typically start in the upper $100,000s and climb to the mid-$600,000s, depending on size and location. If you’re looking for lower prices and don’t mind sacrificing direct access to the water, homes in nearby Florence Boulevard and Conestoga Community often sell for less. However, property taxes in Iowa are generally lower than in Nebraska. Depending on the overall cost of the home, that could significantly reduce your monthly costs.
Some homes along Carter Lake have private docks.
Cozy ranch homes can be found throughout Carter Lake.
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Outdoor life revolves around Carter Lake
The city’s namesake oxbow lake shapes most outdoor life here. Anglers can often be seen casting their lines at Mabrey Park, which hosts a youth fishing derby every June. Other lakeside green spaces include:
Levi Carter Park, featuring a playground and splash pad, a boat ramp and athletic facilities
Wavecrest Park, with a sandy swimming beach
Carter Lake Skate Park, where skaters can practice their tricks on ramps, rails and boxes
Shoreline Golf Course, a scenic 18-hole course
Another annual event, Carter Lake Days, is usually held on the last weekend in July. The family-friendly festival features a parade, a vendor fair, live music, a beer garden and fireworks.
Mabrey Park is a great place to go fishing.
Relax by the water at Wavecrest Park.
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Carter Lake offers short commutes, airport access and paved paths
Most residents rely on cars, and the 3-mile drive to Downtown Omaha usually takes less than 10 minutes in regular traffic. The businesses in Midtown Crossing are about 5 miles away, a roughly 15-minute drive. Although not many people rely on public transit around here, Omaha Metro bus routes serve the city, and they’re a more practical choice here than in some other Omaha neighborhoods. On the subject of practicality, Eppley Airfield is less than 2 miles away, making Carter Lake a convenient option for frequent travelers or airline workers. It’s a good spot for pedestrians and cyclists, too: Paved multiuse paths tie into the larger Omaha trail network, and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge crosses the Missouri River into Council Bluffs a short bike ride away.
Carter Lake Elementary School is centrally located, making it easy for students to get to class.
The city is home to Carter Lake Elementary School
The Council Bluffs Community School District serves Carter Lake students. They’ll typically start at Carter Lake Elementary School, which serves kids from prekindergarten through fifth grade and offers Multilingual Learner and Spanish World Language Immersion programs. Heartland Christian School provides a highly rated private option across the river in Council Bluffs.
Where to eat locally and shop for groceries
Carter Lake isn’t a dining destination, but it does have a few places to grab a bite. Options include:
Vida, a Mexican joint serving tacos, burritos and micheladas
River’s Edge Café, a casual breakfast and burger spot tucked inside Prairie Flower Casino
Sky Bar & Grill, Prairie Flower Casino’s sports bar
There are a couple of convenience stores in town, but you’ll probably have to venture into Council Bluffs or Omaha for bigger shopping trips. Aldi and Baker’s are both nearby, and there’s also a Hy-Vee on the West Broadway commercial corridor in Council Bluffs.
Flood risk is a concern, but airplane noise isn’t usually a problem
Because the lake curves around the city, flood risk can be a factor in some areas. Your lender might require proof of flood insurance if you buy a home here. Some buyers also worry about airplane noise from nearby Eppley, but most locals say it's not a major concern.
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Seth Johanson
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Terry O'Toole,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Carter Lake, IA sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Carter Lake, IA over the last 12 months is $220,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This beautiful ranch home offers the perfect combination of comfort, style, and convenience in a quiet location just minutes from downtown Omaha, Eppley Airfield, Council Bluffs, shopping, dining, and major interstate access. Step inside to find the farmhouse feel, inviting living spaces, an open layout ideal for everyday living & entertaining, and a functional kitchen with ample cabinetry and
Split-entry homes like this one give you room to actually spread out -- main-level living up top for everyday life, then a whole second living space downstairs for movie nights, a home office, or somewhere to close the door & unwind. This Carter Lake home sits on a fenced .14-acre lot with a deck made for warm-weather evenings & a backyard built for real use. Built in 1959 & updated with a
Open House 09/13 12:00-1:00PM. Updated and low-maintenance living in Carter Lake! This 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers an oversized 2-car garage with plenty of room for a workshop or extra storage. Inside, you’ll find brand-new flooring and paint throughout, along with an updated kitchen featuring new cabinets, countertops, and appliances. The home also features a brand-new AC and furnace. The
Welcome to a new construction townhome in the heart of Carter Lake. Zero entry home that walks into an open living/dining/kitchen on main floor. The second floor has three bedrooms with the primary bedroom having its own bathroom. Home has an attached two car garage. Close to downtown Omaha and minutes to Eppley Airport. Townhome is attached to 1503 Silver Lane. Some photos are virtually staged.
Don’t miss your opportunity to see this incredible waterfront townhome! Experience lakefront living in one of the Omaha metro’s best-kept secrets! Tucked inside an exclusive gated community of just 20 lakefront residences, this maintenance-free Carter Lake townhome offers the ultimate lock-and-leave lifestyle. Spend your days boating, fishing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, or relaxing on your
Exceptional commercial development opportunity in Carter Lake featuring four contiguous parcels totaling 11.9 acres, strategically positioned with excellent traffic exposure and accessibility. The property's commercial zoning supports a broad range of permitted uses, including maintenance facilities, utilities, office space, communication services, construction sales, parking structures, and
Step inside to find brand-new flooring throughout, fresh interior paint, new light fixtures, and an abundance of natural light from the new windows. The stunning new kitchen features gorgeous granite countertops, new cabinetry, a new sink, and a full suite of brand-new appliances, creating the perfect space for cooking and entertaining. The completely renovated bathroom offers a fresh, modern
Venecia VargasBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Good Life Group
Visit our website: MOVE-IN SPECIAL 50% OFF: Apply, sign your lease, pay your security deposit, and move-in within 7 days to receive 50% off of your first month's rent! 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom house located in a great Carter Lake neighborhood. This house features a large updated kitchen with a brand new gas range and stove, new central AC, a huge fenced-in backyard, and a detached
This 3 bedroom, 1 bath single-family home in Carter Lake is getting its finishing touches and will be available soon! Inside, the home offers a bright, neutral feel with a comfortable and practical layout. All three bedrooms offer good natural light, while the hallway provides additional linen storage, closet space, and shelving. A designated laundry area with washer and dryer hookups
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