Downtown Council Bluffs combines the experience of city life with the character of a small town
Originally a small settlement called Traders Point nearly 200 years ago, Council Bluffs has gradually developed into an active town just a short drive from Omaha across the Missouri River. Containing several community parks and celebrated eateries, Downtown Council Bluffs serves as a fine landing spot for those wanting to experience city life while still retaining the character of a smaller town. "We're in the heartlands where people care about each other, they are friendly and they are kind. And it would say it's very family-oriented," says local Realtor Shawn Lake of Key Real Estate, who has been selling homes for over 15 years. "We have plenty of opportunity here — opportunity for jobs, opportunity for housing, opportunity for anyone."
Council Bluffs is the most populous city in Southwest Iowa.
Downtown Council Bluffs is a warm and welkoming community.
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Tudors and Colonial-revivals are just some of the numerous home styles featured in the neighborhood
Homes in Downtown Council Bluffs are anything but cookie-cutter. A variety of home architectures are present throughout the neighborhood from Tudor and Craftsman-style dwellings to Neoclassical and colonial properties. Older homes often price between $100,000 and $200,000 while larger 4,000-square-foot homes can top out closer to $300,000. The market in Downtown Council Bluffs is relatively competitive with many homes selling within three to four weeks. "We have a wide variety of homes," Lake says. "In my opinion, our market, compared to other markets, we don't have that 'up and down.' We are fairly steady, so for real estate, it's always a good investment because you're not gonna lose."
colonial homes can be found in downtown Council Bluffs.
Tudor homes can be found in downtown Council Bluffs.
Brick homes are commonplace in the downtown Council Bluffs neighborhood.
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Acclaimed eateries and popular boutiques in Downtown Council Bluffs
Residents often visit the local Super Saver for fresh fruits and veggies, though additional shopping options can be found along West Broadway. Dusted Charm is a popular boutique in the core of Downtown Council Bluffs while musicians can shop around at Lidgett Music. Downtown Council Bluffs also offers a host of acclaimed eateries. Stationed on 5th Avenue, Primo's Modern Mexican is a local staple for its chicken tacos and margaritas. Caddy's Kitchen & Cocktails off West Broadway is another hot spot, offering a robust brunch menu highlighted by its Meal in a Mug while Boxer Barbeque on South Main Street is a top destination to gather friends for the big game.
Downtown Council Bluffs has many outing opportunities any day of the week.
Discover the perfect guitar at Lidgett Music.
Downtown Council Bluffs is full of life and character.
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Baseball fields at Abraham Lincoln High School.
Schools in the Council Bluffs Community School District
Students in Downtown Council Bluffs are served by the Council Bluffs Community School District. Children can go to Bloomer Elementary School before moving on to Gerald W. Kirn Middle School off East Kanesville Boulevard. Both schools earn an overall grade of C from Niche. Teens may attend Abraham Lincoln High School off Bonham Street. Earning a Niche grade of C-plus, the high school presents a wide range of extracurricular clubs and organizations, as well as a competitive athletics program offering teams from football and baseball to bowling and golf.
Parks, community events, and museums
Locals often head to the heart of Council Bluffs to walk their canine companions at Bayliss Park. Highlighted by its central fountain, the park is a hub for an array of community events from the annual Winterfest and Farmers Market Council Bluffs, which operates every Thursday from May through September. After school, kids flock to Broadway Skatepark to show off their skills. Fairmount Park also sits nearby, where locals can enjoy nature along the hiking trails or take in picturesque views of the city at Lookout Point. History buffs won't need to travel far to learn about Council Bluff's olden days. The Union Pacific Railroad Museum is a popular attraction stationed directly next to Bayliss Park while the Kanesville Tabernacle draws theological historians. The annual Bikes on the 100 Block is another town tradition, attracting bikers from across the country each third Thursday of every month from May to September.
Broadway Skate Park is a great place for the kids.
Bayliss Park is a great place to spend time outdoors.
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A walkable neighborhood with bike share stations
Downtown Council Bluffs is very walkable, especially along West Broadway and South Main Street. Locals can even speed up their adventures at one of the city's Heartland Bike Share stations. Just 4 miles from Omaha, locals can get to the city in under 15 minutes to discover more of the area's attractions.
Find electric rental bikes to get around Downtown Council Bluffs.
Take your dog for a walk at Bayliss Park.
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Written By
Ryan Quigley
Photography Contributed By
Seth Johanson
Video By
Mallory Nolte
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Emilee Jensen
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Good Life Group
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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Developer's Dream! Development land situated within Council Bluffs' prime retail/commercial area - Metro Crossing just steps to the East & Manawa Power Center steps to the North. High visibility & strong traffic counts. Great access to Omaha, NE via Veterans Memorial Hwy & easy access to both I-80/I-29. City services & amenities are available. Offered at $7.50 PSF. Subject to unknown ongoing
Situated in the heart of our vibrant city, “The Archive” is a stunning architectural gem with a rich history as a former post office and courthouse. This meticulously preserved building embodies the spirit of our heritage while offering modern living. Here, you’ll find a unique opportunity to embrace living history, where echoes of the past blend seamlessly with contemporary
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,097
Median Age
44
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$19,191
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$32,167
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
77.2%
College Graduates
8.5%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.6%
% Population in Labor Force
43.2%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
32''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
12''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
55/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
77/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit 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.
