$338,976Average Value$272Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
Setting down roots in a historic district
Longfellow is home to a long list of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and a welcoming community that gathers for picnics and celebrations. Kids bike on the streets, and neighbors wave to each other while tending their lawns in the self-described "front porch neighborhood." Other than apartment buildings and some housing for sororities and fraternities along the northern and western borders, the neighborhood is mostly single-family homes, with fewer renters than in other Iowa City communities. The houses typically have unique features in a variety of architectural styles. "Once people move to Longfellow, they tend to stay for a while," says Sanja Hunt, a Realtor at Skogman Realty who has lived in Iowa City for over 45 years. Historic plaques installed by the neighborhood association make for an informational guided walk that takes visitors back to the early years of Iowa City. With downtown 1 mile west, shopping plazas 1 mile east and highly rated schools nearby, Longfellow residents have every reason to stay and start making history of their own.
Longfellow is a historic neighborhood southeast of Downtown Iowa City.
Longfellow is a residential neighborhood surrounding its namesake elementary school.
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A long history in Longfellow
Many businesses called Longfellow home during the late 1800s and early 1900s, thanks to their proximity to the train tracks along the neighborhood's southern border. Chicken hatcheries, farm equipment factories, corner markets and a baseball diamond once filled the area. While the ballpark and industrial buildings are mostly gone, historic homes dating back to the 1800s remain on nearly every corner of town. Howard Moffit is well known in Iowa City for building almost 200 houses out of recycled and reclaimed materials, a few of which sit along Muscatine Ave. Iowa City's first-ever apartment building, The Summit, was built in 1916 and is a community pillar in the neighborhood. Each unit once had a Murphy bed and claw-footed tub, but since being converted to owner-occupied condos, many of the units underwent renovations. However, the original flooring and tile remain, and units sell for around $150,000.
The historic condominium building just north of Longfellow provides smaller housing options.
The quiet and established neighborhood of Longfellow is just minutes from Downtown Iowa City.
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Permits required for renovations
Due to their protected status, Longfellow homes display a stunning array of architecture dating back to 1858. That protection also makes renovations more complex. "Most of the homes are historically preserved, and any renovations require a permit to uphold the home's integrity," says Taylor Blazek, a Realtor with Urban Acres Real Estate who has 10 years of experience selling in Iowa City. Most houses were built between 1910 and 1940, so bungalows and ranch-style homes ranging between $170,000 and $275,000 are common. Colonial Revivals and Victorian mansions from the late 1800s fetch the highest prices, often selling between $700,000 and $900,000. The century-old dwellings have original components like wood flooring, decorative door frames, and built-in bookcases. Still, they often feature updated bathrooms and kitchens with modern conveniences. Although houses with five-plus bedrooms offer significantly more square footage, yard space remains the same as the smaller homes on narrow lots.
The historic homes along Summit Street are some of the largest in the neighborhood.
Larger Craftsman homes are a popular style in the Longfellow neighborhood.
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Small bakeries and large shopping plazas close to home
Hidden among the houses on Summit Street is a little bakery with striped umbrellas and tiny outdoor tables, reminiscent of a Parisian café. "Deluxe Cakes and Pastries is incredible," Hunt says. "The building is the size of a postage stamp, but the business is booming. It's like a little beehive in there." Cases and cake stands of pies, tartlets and croissants bring customers into the tiny shop. The bakery, founded more than 20 years ago, also sells sandwiches, fresh bread and a rotating menu of savory grab-and-go items. At the intersection of Muscatine and 1st Ave, past the eastern border of the neighborhood, are Hy-Vee Grocery and Walgreens. But the freshest local produce is at the farmers' market downtown. "It's out of this world," Blazek says. "The Amish living south of the city bring vegetables straight from the farm." Also downtown is Orchard Green Restaurant and Lounge. The American fusion restaurant offers handcrafted cocktails, specialty entrees and decadent deserts in a white-tablecloth dining room
Longfellow residents love being able to walk to Deluxe for delicious coffee and a sweet pastry.
HyVee is one of a several grocery stores located within two miles of Longfellow.
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A sought-after elementary school
Students are served by Iowa City Community School District, the best school district in the Cedar Rapids area, according to Niche. Longfellow Elementary School, the neighborhood's namesake, sits right in the center of the gridded rows of homes. "That school is what people want to move to the neighborhood for," Blazek says. Rated a B by Niche, the school serves kindergarten through sixth grade and recently underwent a major renovation to improve heating and cooling while preserving the 100-year-old building's integrity. Southeast Junior High School is also rated a B and is just over 1 mile southeast. City High School is rated an A-minus and is walkable for some students. The largest high school in the district, it has a wide array of extracurriculars, sports and clubs.
Longfellow Elementary School serves students in grades K-5.
South East Junior High is the largest middle school in Iowa City.
City High School's historical campus sits atop a hill surrounded by neighborhoods.
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Walking under the train tracks
Though less than a mile long, the Longfellow Nature Trail is frequently busy with walkers, joggers and bikers. A tunnel runs below the train tracks that once ended the trail, giving residents access to neighborhoods beyond the southern train track border. The trail, like a few houses in the neighborhood, backs up to a small creek that is prone to flooding during heavy storms. After school hours, the playground and large fields behind Longfellow Elementary become a destination for getting outside. On snowy days, the short hills behind the building are covered in sleds and snowmen. While pets aren't allowed on the school grounds, the rest of the neighborhood has plenty of sidewalks shaded by nature trees for long walks.
Children are able to walk or bike to the green space behind Longfellow Elementary.
The Longfellow Nature Trail features a colorfully-painted tunnel and a wooded path.
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Close to major employers
It's easy to get around Longfellow thanks to buses along Muscatine Avenue and Burlington Street, which lead one mile west to Downtown Iowa City. Many residents of the city, including those in Longfellow, work for the University of Iowa or at the associated hospital and medical clinics just across the Iowa River. Eastern Iowa Airport is the nearest regional hub, 25 miles north towards Cedar Rapids.
Historic plaques placed along Longfellow's streets show off the neighborhood's rich history.
Busses stop several places in and around Longfellow, making for a convenient and free ride.
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
Becky Halsch,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Longfellow Nature Trail
Transit
Airport
The Eastern Iowa
36 min drive
Bus
Burlington St & Johnson St
Bus
Dodge St & Court St
Bus
Burlington St & Summit St
Bus
Burlington St & Muscatine Ave
Bus
Dodge St & Bowery St
Bus
Court St & Muscatine Ave
Bus
Bowery St & Johnson St
Longfellow Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Longfellow, Iowa City sell after 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Longfellow, Iowa City over the last 12 months is $280,000, up 32% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Incredible opportunity to own a beautifully updated 1910 believed to be a Sears and Roebuck house in the much-desired Longfellow Neighborhood in downtown Iowa City! This charming Craftsman has a large living space for entertaining with an updated kitchen and stainless-steel appliances yet has retained the beautiful character with oak wood floors and oversized trim throughout the main level. The
With easy access to the University of Iowa, UI Hospitals, parks, and schools, this home offers brand-new EVERYTHING in a prime location. This completely renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury. A top-to-bottom transformation (literally no area was left untouched) has turned this bungalow into a bright, stylish retreat, featuring contemporary
2 unit rental in downtown IC. 1st floor is a 2 bed 1 bath, 2nd floor is a 3 bed 1 bath. Paved lot behind the house. Total rents are $2950 with an increase to $3050 in August 2025.
This 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom 1,167 sq foot secure apartment complex is located near downtown. It is just a short walk to campus, shopping, convenience stores, restaurants and more, with bus service available by front curb of building. Each apartment offers a spacious living room with a small dining room area. The kitchen features a dishwasher, disposal, and ample cabinet storage. Each unit will
Experience the perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort in these beautifully renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartments. Nestled in a lovingly preserved historic building, each 500 sq. ft. unit features updated interiors designed for cozy, convenient living.Enjoy the ease of free on-site parking and complimentary access to washer and dryer facilities. A spacious yard offers a
Gorgeous historic home located on East Burlington Street. Very close proximity to the University of Iowa and downtown Iowa City. House comes with parking. 4 bedroom 2 bath main and upper level for $495/month. Only two rooms available for $495/month. Please contact me for additional questions.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Becky Halsch,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,297
Median Age
27
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
7.3%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$42,514
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,175
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99%
College Graduates
62.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
29.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
80.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
30''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
57/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
58/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
37/ 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.
