$240,568Average Value$194Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
A community proud of its history
Though small, Lucas Farms is a neighborhood that is big on history. The neighborhood sits in the southeast end of Iowa City, between Route 6 and a train track. It takes its name from Robert Lucas, Iowa's first governor. He and his family owned a farm that covered most of the area, hence the "Farms" half of the current name. Established in 1844 – two years before Iowa was declared a state – the neighborhood is still the sight of Lucas's Plum Grove Historic Home, which has been preserved to its original features and is open to the public. Instead of farmland, around 800 houses now surround the property, including many designed by the notable Howard Moffit. The neighborhood is not just a historic one, however. "It's a community-based neighborhood," says Sanja Hunt, a Realtor at Skogman Realty. "It's very friendly and close-knit. Everybody knows everybody." An active neighborhood association organizes community bike rides, meetings and picnics. The association holds pony rides and history-based events to celebrate the area's past as a farm. Despite houses being historic, schools being highly rated and the community being close, "Lucas Farms homes are approachable for first-time homebuyers since they're affordable but charming," Hunt says.
Large trees and quiet streets give Lucas Farms a secluded feeling.
Lucas Farms is a historical neighborhood on Iowa City's south side.
Lucas Farms gets its name from Robert Lucas, Iowa’s first governor who's farm was there.
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Houses from every decade
Howard Moffit is a name that every resident of Lucas Farms knows well. In the 1920s, there was a need for rental housing specifically for university students. Moffit built around 200 homes quickly, using repurposed and recycled materials, despite having no architecture or construction training. A little wonky and uneven, no two houses are alike, but all are part of the National Register of Historic Places. The area has continued to see development, and it is believed that a building from every decade since Iowa City's establishment can be found in Lucas Farms. Ranch-style homes and bungalows from the middle of the 20th-century range from $230,000 to $300,000. Historic homes, including the Moffit homes, sit in the same price range, but the most elaborate and largest houses reach upwards of $500,000. New developments in Riverfront Crossings are increasing the median price. Still, homes in the neighborhood remain $100,000 less than the Greater Iowa City average.
Several historic Moffitt Cottages are scattered throughout Lucas Farms.
A few larger American Foursquare homes can be found near Plum Grove Historical Site.
Three-bedroom ranches are a popular style in Lucas Farms as well.
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Getting anywhere in 15 minutes
With Route 6 to the south and an industrial train track to the north, Lucas Farms has very little through traffic. Even though sidewalks are plentiful, the narrow streets and cul-de-sacs are usually busy with joggers, dog walkers and kids enjoying their bikes after school. Buses run along Lower Muscatine Road, and locals can expect a short commute regardless of where they work around the city. "The truth about Iowa City is that you can get anywhere in 15 minutes or less," Hunt says. "People are choosing where to live for the homes and community more than proximity to work." Eastern Iowa Airport is 25 miles north, towards Cedar Rapids. Routes 6 and 1 make it easy to travel 2 miles to downtown and around Greater Iowa City.
Highway 6 runs along the south side of Lucas Farms and runs throughout Iowa City.
Centrally-located Highland Park is a favorite walking destination of Lucas Farms residents.
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Gathering and getting active outside
Soccer fields, tennis courts and a playground are at Mercer Park, just 1 mile east of the neighborhood. The park is also where City High's baseball team plays home games, and residents come out to support the players around the largest of the four baseball diamonds. Some houses back to Highland Park, the small but mighty gathering space for community events with a playground and gazebo. Being as close as they are to downtown, Lucas Farms residents can bike to the loops and trails at Riverfront Crossings Park. Recent renovations have improved the area, including more benches, a play area and newly paved paths.
Mercer Park is a hot spot for families wanting to get out of the house and get outside.
Lucas Farms residents flock to the pickleball courts at Mercer Park.
Residents walk to Highland Park for some play or quiet time.
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One-stop shopping in the neighborhood
Running errands close to home is a major draw of any neighborhood, and Iowa City Marketplace allows that opportunity for Lucas Farms natives. Once called the Sycamore Mall, the marketplace is an indoor-outdoor shopping center with big box stores, restaurants and shops. Fitness centers, pet shops and home improvement stores take up the remaining space in the plaza, making it a one-stop shop right next to home. World Food Market and Dollar Tree are in the mall, but Hy-Vee Grocery is best for large grocery hauls and less than a mile north of the train tracks. Towards the west is Grizzly's South Side Pub & Grill. The laid-back watering hole has served the city for over 20 years with neon beer signs, pool tables and mounted taxidermy.
The retail hub near Lucas Farms is Iowa City Marketplace, just down the road.
Nearby HyVee is the go-to grocery store for Lucas Farms residents.
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Well-rounded education close to home
The Iowa City Community School District educated students with an overall Niche grade of A. Walkable from many of the homes in the neighborhood is B-minus rated Mark Twain Elementary. Southeast Junior High School is next in line and rated a B. Rounding out the primary education is City High School. Rated an A-minus, the school offers AP classes, a gifted program and a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1.
Mark Twain Elementary's mascot is the Tigers.
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.
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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Lucas Farms Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Lucas Farms, Iowa City sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Lucas Farms, Iowa City over the last 12 months is $275,000, up 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in the midst of Iowa City, 1211 Pine St offers a functional ranch-style layout with 984 square feet on the main level and an additional 300 finished square feet in the lower level. Built in 1958, this home features three bedrooms and one bathroom. Also included on the main level is the kitchen which offers ample storage space with a dining room right off of the kitchen. The basement is
Well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home situated on a spacious double lot in a quiet residential neighborhood. This property offers excellent value and thoughtful updates, including replaced A/C (2024) and water heater (2023). Built on a solid concrete slab foundation, the home provides durability and easy maintenance. The detached 2-car garage and additional storage shed offer ample space for
Great single family or rental property walking distance to campus & downtown or ride the free City bus. Only a few blocks from Big Grove Brewery. Easy walk if you cannot drive home. 4beds/2baths/2car garage +off-street & on-street parking. Nice backyard w/brick paver patio, privacy fence, shed & firepit. Recent plumbing & electrical updates done! See Seller Disclosure for foundation work
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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.
