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Vernon Heights

Vernon Heights

Neighborhood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Linn County 52403

$231,634 Average Value
$125 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

An oasis in Cedar Rapids

In its earliest days during the turn of the 20th century, Vernon Heights was considered an out-of-the-way spot for people who wanted respite from the loud, industrial pace of inner Cedar Rapids. And though the city has continued to expand in the 100 years since, Vernon Heights remains an oasis for its residents, who value its well-maintained classic architecture and a peaceful, verdant atmosphere. “It’s a welcoming community," says Cory Rath, a broker with Keller Williams who’s lived in Vernon Heights for over 20 years. "Really thoughtful, caring and amazing people who love old houses and neighborhoods. And people who might be in the treehugger category, as well. It’s not super snooty.”

Aerial view of Vernon Heights: a grid of homes and green spaces creating a vibrant scene.
Aerial view of Vernon Heights: a grid of homes and green spaces creating a vibrant scene.
Vernon Heights is located in the beautiful city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Vernon Heights is located in the beautiful city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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Lovingly restored Tudor homes

Founded in 1917, the community features Tudor, American Foursquare, bungalow, National and Craftsman-style homes. Streets tend to have sidewalks or driveways, but rarely both. Lawns ar often dotted with mature oaks, pines or small thickets of shrubbery that create a bucolic atmosphere. Prices start in the low $100,000s for smaller, one-story homes and rise to the mid-$200,000s for renovated centennials. Fully restored homes fall between the mid-$300,000s and $400,000s. Plans to convert a vacant school into a four-story apartment complex could change the residential landscape in the future, especially considering the fact that the majority of homes in the area are single-family.

This Vernon Heights bungalow is a one-story design with a welcoming front and warm details.
This Vernon Heights bungalow is a one-story design with a welcoming front and warm details.
Beautiful homes in Vernon Heights, each with its own unique style and welcoming charm.
Beautiful homes in Vernon Heights, each with its own unique style and welcoming charm.
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One of the best college prep programs in Iowa

Students can begin their education at Grant Wood Elementary School, which has a C-plus on Niche, and is located in the southeastern section of the community, close enough to be walking distance for many homes. From there, students can attend C-plus-rated McKinley STEAM Academy in nearby Wellington Heights. Niche gives George Washington High School a B-plus and ranks it as one of the state's best college-prep public high schools. Those interested in private education can attend A-minus-rated Trinity Lutheran School, which serves K – 8th-grade students and offers several scholarship opportunities based on need. Iowa has an open-enrollment policy, allowing parents to place their children in any public school, regardless of district.

McKinley STEAM Academy has a A+ grade in diversity from Niche.
McKinley STEAM Academy has a A+ grade in diversity from Niche.
A view of the George Washington High School buildings from the street.
A view of the George Washington High School buildings from the street.
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A 19th-century estate and gardens

Built during the late 1880s, the Brucemore Estate is a 26-acre plot of land featuring formal gardens, woodlands, ponds and an amphitheater. Located in neighboring Bever Park, the estate's centerpiece is a massive three-story Queen Anne-style mansion that still hosts garden parties and other happenings on its carefully manicured lawns. “It was donated to the national historic trust with the stipulation that it be used as a park and not a museum,” says Rath. “They host a lot of events there; it’s a huge place for the community.” Anderson Park is another community hub in Vernon Heights. Bordered by original brick streets and towering oaks, this triangular public park features playground equipment and expansive, grassy lawns for picnics, games or dog walking.

Brucemore Estate is a Historic grandeur with beautiful gardens, located in Vernon heights.
Brucemore Estate is a Historic grandeur with beautiful gardens, located in Vernon heights.
Locals of Vernon Heights can enjoy the open green space at Anderson Park.
Locals of Vernon Heights can enjoy the open green space at Anderson Park.
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Local startups at NewBo City Market

Less than 2 miles to southwest, NewBo City Market offers some of the most popular food and boutique shopping experiences in Cedar Rapids. Founded in the remains of the historic Quality Chef plant after the Iowa Flood of 2008, the City Market provides a foundation and incubator for several local restaurants and business startups. Locals can sample artisan loaves at Anhs Bread Therapy or get a sweet treat from K.C. Cakes. Unique local crafts are available at Tangled Heartstrings and Tree of Liminality. All local shops, all under one roof. Walgreens and Hy-Vee Grocery Store can be found 3 miles north in Kenwood Park, with another cluster of retail establishments just southeast along Mount Vernon Road SE.

Lindale Mall is a great place for Vernon Height residents to go and find a variety of shops.
Lindale Mall is a great place for Vernon Height residents to go and find a variety of shops.
NewBo City Market offers Vernon Heights residents a place to visit for food and market needs.
NewBo City Market offers Vernon Heights residents a place to visit for food and market needs.
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A straight line to downtown Cedar Rapids

Mount Vernon Road provides a direct line into downtown Cedar Rapids, located less than 2 miles west, giving easy access to Mercy Medical Park or St. Luke’s Hospital. Eastern Iowa Airport is 10 miles southwest via Interstate 380. Cedar Rapids Transit offers a bus line that travels all over the city at $1 a fare.

Just outside of Vernon Heights, you'll find the beautiful Downtown Cedar Rapids.
Just outside of Vernon Heights, you'll find the beautiful Downtown Cedar Rapids.
Locals of Vernon Heights enjoying the weekend by crusing around on some e-scooters.
Locals of Vernon Heights enjoying the weekend by crusing around on some e-scooters.
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Block parties in Vernon Heights

“The most amazing thing about Vernon Heights is the robust series of community events,” Rath says. “There’s the annual Easter Egg hunt in Anderson Park; we have a Halloween parade for the kids. This has all been happening for decades.” The Vernon Heights Neighborhood Association hosts a number of events from week to week, including block parties and dinners hosted at various homes. Further south, locals can celebrate the Czech and Slovak heritage of the area during Houby Days, an annual festival of local food, dance and music, all in the name of the Eastern European cultures that call Cedar Rapids home.

Most of the Vernon Heights neighborhood is a very walkable area for residents.
Most of the Vernon Heights neighborhood is a very walkable area for residents.
Local Vernon Heights biker taken a break before his next big push.
Local Vernon Heights biker taken a break before his next big push.
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Important to know

Cedar Rapids has a history of flooding, including the 2008 Iowa Flood, which left over 10,000 people displaced and nearly 8,000 pieces of property damaged or destroyed. The city has responded with a $1 billion flood management system that includes barriers, dam operators and safety precautions. Cedar Rapids Fire Station 6 can be found at the neighborhood's southern border, providing quick response in emergencies, though sirens might be loud in nearby residential zones.

Phil Keeling
Written By
Phil Keeling
Tyler O'Neil
Photography Contributed By
Tyler O'Neil
Charles Kennedy
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Charles Kennedy

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jason Vestweber, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

The Eastern Iowa

19 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Vernon Heights US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$210,000
Median Single Family Price
$210,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$125
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
42
Months of Supply
0.90
Median List Price
$214,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-4%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
436
Median Year Built
1920
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,518
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 4
    12 - 1:30pm

    1926 Higley Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

    $187,500

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,425 Sq Ft
    • 1926 Higley Ave SE
    • New 1 day ago

    This home offers comfort, character, and lots of potential to increase square footage! The main level includes an inviting living area perfect for entertaining, along with a formal dining room ideal for hosting. You'll love the convenience of main-level laundry and the functional layout. Upstairs, you’ll find 3 bedrooms and a full bath with separate vanities, making it easier for those mornings

    Sarah Auman COLDWELL BANKER HEDGES

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jason Vestweber, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,709
Median Age
39
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$104,980
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$107,751

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97%
College Graduates
57.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
18''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

40 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

39 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

18 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Reviews

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Vernon Heights