$182,487Average Value$102Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
Forest City is rooted in recreation and manufacturing
Forest City packs outdoor recreation and job opportunities into a small northern Iowa community of about 4,200 along the Winnebago River. Once part of a forest, pieces of the natural landscape remain preserved through several parks, some of them by the river. Winnebago Industries gives the area a significant manufacturing presence, producing its signature RVs. Forest City’s homes vary quite a bit in age and style, but remain relatively affordable. “There’s a vast variety in all of these little towns around here. They do vary in terms of some being original, some being more updated,” says Jordan Rose, a local Realtor with Realty One Group Welcome Home-Mason City, who has almost five years of industry experience. “But the majority of the build dates are going to be older in the area. I think that helps keep some of the prices a little down compared to other areas of the county.”
Forest City is a small Iowa community surrounded by farmland.
Pammel Park offers, ball fields and a playground near the Winnebago River.
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Established houses create an eclectic inventory
The dense foliage may be long gone, but Forest City still lives up to its name in some ways with the mature trees towering over many of its neighborhood blocks. The houses were built from the early 1900s to the 1990s. Options include a mix of bungalows, colonials, gable-front and ranch-style homes. These properties come with about one-tenth to one-fifth of an acre. Sale prices fall between $70,000 and $460,000, depending on condition and square footage.
New traditional homes can be found in Forest City.
Foursquare homes are easily spotted in Forest City.
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Area schools have high activity participation
The Forest City Community School District maintains a B-plus grade from Niche. Forest City Elementary gets a B rating and emphasizes STEM-based instruction. Over 90% of students at the A-minus-rated Forest City Middle participate in extracurricular activities, with options like an esports club and a newspaper staff. Forest City High also has an A-minus grade and has an over 80% activity participation rate, including sports teams from bowling to swimming. Waldorf University is a higher education option in the community, a private, faith-based school known in part for its fine arts.
Forest City Elementary School has earned an overall grade of B from Niche.com.
Forest City Middle School has earned an overall grade of A- from Niche.com.
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Varied landscapes are available close by
Green spaces like Pammel Park border the portion of the Winnebago River that snakes through Forest City. Stretching 35 acres, Pammel is Forest City’s largest park, and it’s filled with trails, a playground, a disc golf course and campsites. It also provides direct water access. Clarks Woods Park, across the water, is more heavily wooded and has picnic tables and a play area. Thomas Bearse Park features a dog park just north of Clark Woods. Inland options include Boman Park, with basketball, tennis and sand volleyball courts.
Forest City Dog Park
Boman Park
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Local restaurants cover a range of cuisines
Forest City’s downtown is lined with businesses along Clark Street, like Ay Jalisco, a restaurant with popular margaritas. Down the street, Sally's is a diner known for its homemade pies. The Quilted Forest offers a kaleidoscope of quilting fabrics, and Nu2u Consignments is a thrift store on the stretch with all sorts of clothing and home goods. U.S. Route 69 is another prominent thoroughfare in Forest City, home to a Hy-Vee grocery store and a location of the regional chain Cabin Coffee Co., which Rogers says is really popular. Locals head to places like Mason City for more amenities — that area has big-box stores, including Walmart and Target.
Sally's Home Cooking serves up a hearty breakfast or lunch in Forest City.
Ay Jalisco offers Forest City residents a taste of Mexico.
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Rustic roads connect people to the rest of the region
Scenic one-lane roads like 330th, 310th and 300th streets link Forest City to Mason City, located roughly 30 miles east. Mason City’s MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center has 346 beds. Minnesota’s Rochester International Airport, about 100 miles away, is the closest place to catch a commercial flight.
Forest City fosters multiple opportunities to come together
Forest City hosts various community events throughout the year, from the summertime Puckerbrush Days to Christmas on Clark Street in December. Puckerbrush is a callback to Forest City’s original name. The annual festival, which takes place over two days in July, features live music, a car show, a pet parade and an ice cream eating contest. Christmas on Clark Street offers free holiday movie screenings, horse-drawn wagon rides and picture opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Forest City, IA sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Forest City, IA over the last 12 months is $160,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A spacious two-story home offering generous room to live, gather, and grow. Thoughtful updates pair with abundant square footage, including a main-level primary suite with an oversized bath, convenient main-level laundry, a bright kitchen with a breakfast nook, formal dining, and an expansive living room. The second story offers 3 bedrooms, fresh paint, nice hardwood, and multiple nooks ideal for
Walk into this nostalgic 1940's cottage home with all the new updates! Siding, shingles, (most) windows, plumbing, wiring, and more! Located close to Waldorf University, this quintessential 1 1/2 story home features hardwood floors, the classic lines, and mature trees. The front foyer welcomes guests into the formal living room with the original hardwood floors, newly refinished. A large bay
Foundation Repair Included! This quaint mid-century 1.5 story sits quietly in a mature neighborhood. Just around the corner from a park with a playset and shelter house, this is a great neighborhood for quiet neighbors and safe bike riding! The front porch is perfect for morning coffee or shaded evenings. A large entryway greets you with room for coats and shoes organizing! The spacious living
Modern Comfort Meets Rural Serenity — Just Minutes from Forest City Nestled on 1.65 acres in a peaceful, private neighborhood, this beautifully reimagined home offers the perfect blend of modern upgrades and natural charm. With 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full baths, the property has been completely remodeled from the ground up—including new utilities, electrical, plumbing, septic system, siding,
80.00 acres, m/l, located southwest of Forest City, Iowa on the north side of 310th St./Co. Rd. B16.This level to gently sloping farm has 68.91 FSA/Eff. crop acres with a CSR2 of 46.30. There are also 10.52 acres enrolled in two CRP contracts. There are 5.52 acres enrolled in a CP-28 CRP contract that pays $1,010.00 annually and expires on 9/30/30. There are 5.00 acres enrolled in a CP-27
Located in an Area very Well Known for Producing Giant Whitetails here in North Iowa this Farm is situated on the south side of River Road just out east of Forest City and not far from PILOT KNOB. There are 40 Total Acres w/ approximately 29 Acres enrolled in CRP in two contracts with an Annual Payment of $5,250. The 7 Acre contract Exp. in 2031 and the larger 22 Acre contract is enrolled until
80.00 acres, m/l, located southwest of Forest City, Iowa on the north side of 310th St./Co. Rd. B16 at Oak Ave.This level farm has 41.81 FSA/Eff. crop acres with a CSR2 of 38.40. There are also 32.61 acres enrolled in two CRP contracts. There are 12.76 acres enrolled in a CP-27/28 CRP contract that pays $1,519.00 annually and expires on 9/30/28. There are 19.85 acres enrolled in a
150.42 acres, m/l, located southwest of Forest City, Iowa on the south side of 320th St.This nearly level farm has 60.72 FSA/Eff. crop acres with a CSR2 of 48.40. There are also 88.78 acres enrolled in several CRP contracts. Contact agent or see brochure for details.This is a nice mixed-use farm with cropland, CRP, and recreational opportunities.Seller has two additional
An amazing opportunity awaits with this spacious 7-bedroom, 3-bathroom former assisted living facility! This property offers endless potential—whether you’re looking to create your dream home, a multi-family residence, or bring your own business or development vision to life. Featuring generous living areas, wide hallways, and multiple bedrooms already in place, this property provides a solid
80.00 acres, m/l, located southwest of Forest City, Iowa on the north side of 310th St./Co. Rd. B16. This level to gently sloping farm has 68.91 FSA/Eff. crop acres with a CSR2 of 46.30. There are also 10.52 acres enrolled in two CRP contracts. There are 5.52 acres enrolled in a CP-28 CRP contract that pays $1,010.00 annually and expires on 9/30/30. There are 5.00 acres enrolled in a CP-27 CRP
Ready for a fix up. This 3 bedroom 2 story house sits on a 60' x 132' lot along a quiet street. Close proximity to schools, college and downtown. Large back yard and an attached 2 car garage. This property is listed sight unseen. No showings will be allowed and no interior access is granted. This property may also be marketed via an auction event at (void where prohibited).
Welcome to 716 N 7th Street in Forest City! This charming 3 bedroom home offers a warm, spacious layout with a large living area perfect for gatherings and everyday comfort. The finished lower level provides even more living space, featuring a family room and an additional bathroom. Enjoy the outdoors with a new fence-in backyard, ideal for pets, kids, or private relaxation. A back deck offers
Catarino Martinez GonzalezRealty ONE Group Black Diamond
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