$177,952Average Value$87Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Cresco draws families and retirees with its slower pace
Surrounded by the wilderness and farmlands of northern Iowa, Cresco is well-loved by many of its residents as a retreat from nearby metro areas like Rochester and La Crosse. “We’re a rural area that’s very strategically located,” says Steve Linderbaum, an agent with Country Life Real Estate. “We’re an hour’s drive from some top-notch medical facilities. People are friendly and housing’s affordable – it’s pretty attractive to retirees and families.” With a population just below 4,000, Cresco leans into its small-town pride with annual community celebrations and monuments dedicated to historic locals like the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Dr. Norman Borlaug. “I think quieter living brings people to the area,” says Linderbaum, who’s lived in Cresco his entire life. “We’ve sold homes to young, old and everything in between.”
Downtown Cresco features a variety of storefronts, many of which are locally owned.
Homes in Cresco are unique, and neighborhood blocks feature many different styles.
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Most homes are midcentury ranches on quarter-acre lots
Residential zones are laid out in neat, rectangular lots bordered by sidewalks and tall, mature trees. Quarter-acre lots are typical, and backyards frequently end in gravel alleys dotted with carports, sheds and trash cans. Midcentury homes are most common in the area, with ranch-style designs typically selling between $60,000 and $300,000. Turn-of-the-20th-century National and Cape Cod homes are also available, with prices that range from about $40,000 to $180,000, depending on their condition.
Cape Cod homes with add-on garages are frequently found in Cresco.
National homes in Cresco sometimes have both front and back porches.
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Private school tuition may be covered by state programs
Students can begin at Crestwood Elementary School, which has a B-minus from Niche. From there, seventh through 12th-grade students can enroll at Crestwood High School, which has a B. Between 2018 and 2024, the high school’s football, wrestling, girls basketball and cross country teams made it to their respective championship qualifiers at least once. Iowa has an open enrollment program that allows students to apply to schools outside of their assigned district. For a private education, students between kindergarten and sixth grade can attend Notre Dame Catholic School, which has not yet received a score from Niche. Qualified students can take advantage of the state’s Students First Act, which offers state-funded tuition assistance for a private school education.
Crestwood Elementary School has an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Notre Dame Catholic School is a private school serving grades K-6.
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Wildlife areas nearby attract hikers and bird watchers
Local neighborhood parks like Kessel, Beadle and Evans have standard amenities like playground equipment and short walking trails. However, with its proximity to several wildlife areas, locals don’t have to go far for a deeper dive into nature. With 410 acres of woodlands, streams and trails, Turkey River Wildlife Area is a popular spot for hiking, hunting, fishing and camping. Further afield is Cardinal Marsh Wildlife Management Area, home to hundreds of species of birds that shift with every migratory season. As a result, it’s gained a reputation among birders and nature lovers of every stripe, who bring their cameras and binoculars to its trails year-round. Built in 1914, the historic Cresco Theatre and Opera House is a 425-seat performance space that regularly hosts live performances and screenings of the latest films.
Beadle Park has a historic train engine on display.
Turkey River Wildlife Area is easily accessible for hunters and fishers alike.
Cardinal Marsh features a small series of protected lakes that freeze over in the winter.
Most area shopping is near the city center, including clothing stores, outdoor suppliers, local boutiques and a Fareway Meat and Grocery. Locally owned and operated restaurants easily outnumber franchises and chains, with several options for pizza, Mexican and other comfort foods. Dough & Joe has a vast selection of coffee, espresso and tea drinks to go with its freshly made doughnuts, kolaches, croissants and other baked goods. Fat T’s Café offers laid-back fare with a menu of burgers, pizzas and grilled sandwiches.
Dough & Joe in downtown Cresco serves donuts and is a top-10 rated bakery in Iowa.
Fat T's Cafe features standard pub fare like burgers and pizza.
Fareway is the local grocery store for the Cresco area.
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Community events celebrate agriculture and local pride
Every summer, the Mighty Coward County Fair fills the fairgrounds with carnival rides, performance spaces and thousands of visitors. Stock car races, tractor pulls and livestock showings fill five days of food and community cheer. Named for the Novel Prize-winning agriculturalist and Cresco native, the Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest combines a weekend farmers market with live events and family friendly competitions. Locals can show off culinary skills at the steak cook-off, bid on some comfort at the quilt auction and say hello to their neighbors at the Harvest Fest Parade.
Emergency care is available within city limits
The area’s main highway is state Route 9, which cuts through the middle of the city. The Regional Health Services of Howard County provides the city with emergency and general health services, though specialized care from other reputable institutions isn’t far away. The Mayo Clinic is in Rochester, about 60 miles away, while the MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center is about 30 miles away.
The Regional Health Services of Howard County provides healthcare for the area.
The Mayo Clinic in Rochester sits about an hour away from Cresco.
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Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Chris Freeman
Video By
Chris Freeman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Stephanie Liddiard,
an experienced agent in this area.
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 Cresco, IA sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Cresco, IA over the last 12 months is $175,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 106 6th Ave W in Cresco, Iowa—where timeless character meets modern comfort on a sprawling .65-acre corner lot just one block from Kessel Park and walking distance to downtown and the Cresco Fitness Center. From the moment you step into the inviting foyer, you'll be drawn in by the charm of elegant archways, soaring 11' ceilings, and rich architectural details throughout. The main
Well preserved example of early architecture in the manner of Frank Lloyd Wright. Family home of renowned Iowa architect George R. Laub, designed in 1952 and constructed in 1953. The exterior is a marvelous mélange of materials: Mankato marble, Norman brick and 12” cedar. The roof is an imaginative interplay of 5 gently sloping elevations supported by 2” X 12” rafters with wide upswept eves and
Beautifully rehabbed condo in a prime Cresco location! This 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a stunning kitchen featuring high-end cherry cabinetry, granite countertops, and premium commercial-grade Jenn-Air, Bosch, and GE appliances. The main level shines with all new flooring, updated light fixtures, a custom built-in cherry entertainment center, and a spacious primary bedroom complete with an
This spacious home was designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. The front door enters the cozy living room that is partially divided by the staircase and could serve as two separate living areas. A home office with hardwood floors and built in shelving is conveniently located off of the living room. The large kitchen offers space for a small table or breakfast nook. Towards the back of the
This home has already had a home inspection done by a licensed Home Inspector. Just ask for a copy of the report! New Siding, new electrical, new plumbing, spray foam insulation, added four legal bedrooms in lower level, new kitchen cabinets, counters and sink, laundry room on the main level. New concrete driveway, sidewalks, and house foundation. The garage is all insulated and ready for heat,
Kimberly HolthausCedar Valley Property Solutions - Decorah
Here is your chance to purchase a lot located in the Webster Subdivision. Close to the schools, daycare, parks, and walking/biking trails! This is a fully developed lot with city water and sewer on a paved road with curb and gutter. This lot has good elevation for a walkout basement. Make your dream of building your perfect home a reality!
Here is your chance to own a beautiful home on North Elm Street. This 3 story stucco home is filled with history, charm, detail, and beauty! Main floor features an eat-in kitchen with ample cupboard space, original hardwood flooring, and all appliances to stay. The formal dining room features gorgeous woodwork and a built in hutch. Cozy den/library with built-in book shelves and a wood burning
Take a look at this spacious 5 bedroom 3 bath home. The main floor features hardwood floors, an updated kitchen, 2 half baths, laundry and 2 bedrooms. Upstairs are 3 additional bedrooms and a 3/4 bath. The master bedroom has access to a private balcony. This home has a steel roof and many vinyl replacement windows. Parking and storage will never be an issue with the detached 4 car garage. This
Bring your ideas and build your dream property on this 1/2 acre lot. The lot is surrounded by many mature trees. An established driveway and stubbed in sewer & water will speed up the development process. An existing garage slab could be utilized for a new structure. This property is zoned R-2 allowing for a single or two family residence.
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