$336,563Average Value$205Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes 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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/3
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
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
Rob McCain,
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
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Longfellow
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Longfellow Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Longfellow, Iowa City sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Longfellow, Iowa City over the last 12 months is $280,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Each unit in this 8 plex has 4 beds and 2 baths. Total rents are $10,350 for the 24-25 term, some vacancies remain for the 25-26 term. Large concrete parking lot in rear of building.
This is a 2 unit rental. 1st floor is a 1 bed 1 bath unit and the 2nd floor is a 4 bed 1 bath unit. Total rents for both are $2650 per mo. Plenty of off street parking on the side and rear of the property. Priced below assessed value.
This 4 bed (possibly 5) 2 bath house rents for $2300 with an increase to $2375 in August. Gravel parking in the front and 2 car garage in the alley. Priced well below the assessed value.
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
711 E Burlington Street Iowa City IA - Studio, 1, 2 Bedroom Apartments Available At This Location! Prime On U of I Campus Location! Walk to Class!Call Us Now or Email Us Now To Schedule A Private Showing! Sorry No Pets! No Smoking!We Offer A Mix Of Spacious Studio Apartments, 1 Bedroom Apartments, 2 Bedroom Apartments At This Prime Location! Walk to Class! On U of I Campus! Prime
711 E Burlington Street Iowa City IA - Studio, 1, 2 Bedroom Apartments Available At This Location! Prime On U of I Campus Location! Walk to Class!Call Us Now or Email Us Now To Schedule A Private Showing! Sorry No Pets! No Smoking!We Offer A Mix Of Spacious Studio Apartments, 1 Bedroom Apartments, 2 Bedroom Apartments At This Prime Location! Walk to Class! On U of I Campus! Prime
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rob McCain,
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.
