In the heart of the countryside, nestled between lush farmland and rolling hills, lies the small rural town of Center Junction. With a population of 111, per the 2010 census, and only 50 houses, Center Junction is more than just a town; it's a community. Main Street is a narrow asphalt road lined with trees. There are no sidewalks, but people are always doing outdoor activities, whether it's kids at play or residents tending to their gardens. Lots offer plenty of space, starting at 1/2 acre. It's a neighborhood that offers seclusion and distance from a big city but also a sense of community.
Central Park is a recreation focal point
Central Park is a hotspot for recreation and camping. This 297-acre park includes a lake and a pond stocked with bluegill, crappie, bass and catfish for fishing enthusiasts. Miles of hiking trails run through woodlands, restored prairie and wetland habitats. Visitors can also enjoy a play area, a swimming beach and a sand volleyball court near the enclosed pavilion, which is popular for family gatherings. Central Park offers two cabins and several kinds of camping options year-round. The nature center is located on the park grounds and has a variety of exhibits to educate the public about the native species and conservation.
Homes are budget-friendly
Many of the houses date back to the late 1800s, some needing a little updating. They comprise Victorian, Colonial revival and ranch-style homes and cost between $36,000 and $60,000. For parking, residents use garages, carports, or driveways.
High school offers AP classes
Center Junction is served by the Midland Community School District, which offers open enrollment. Students can start their education at Midland Elementary School, which has a C-plus rating from Niche. From there, students move onto Midland Middle/High School, which has a C, offers Advanced Placement classes.
IA-38 sits right next to neighborhood
Center Junction is primarily a farming community, offering a peaceful and self-sustaining lifestyle. For those who need to travel for work or other purposes, Iowa Highway 38 runs up against the western edge of Center Junction, providing easy access to either U.S. Highway 151 or Iowa Highway 50. The nearest airport for conventional travel is Cedar Rapids Municipal Airport, a 50-minute drive via US-151. As for medical care, residents can drive to Jones Regional Center, a 13-mile drive on Iowa Highway 38. Despite its remote location, Silver says she can’t think of a better place to live. “People are warm and friendly and take care of each other,” she says.
The only store in town
Lindley Locker, a custom meat locker, is the only business in Center Junction, according to Danielle Silver, who's owned it for 12 years. "People who live here have to drive to Anamosa or Monticello to eat out; that's eight to 10 miles from here," she says. The Grove Bar & Grill in Monticello has been a local favorite since 1947, serving American cuisine. Another go-to is Racks Swinging Door, known for its burgers, sandwiches, and happy hour menu. For groceries, locals can travel to Anamosa or Monticello for a Fareway Meat & Grocery store. Both are equidistant.
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.
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On average, homes in Center Junction, IA sell after 9 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Center Junction, IA over the last 12 months is $29,900, down 56% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$29,900
Median Single Family Price
$29,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$20
Last 12 months Home Sales
1
Median List Price
$29,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-58%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
12
Median Year Built
1915
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,296
Significantly below the national average
1,937
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
26,571
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
151
Median Age
47
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
23.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.5%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$62,884
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$60,172
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.2%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
23.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.2%
% Population in Labor Force
58.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
10°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
36''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
6/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 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.
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.
