Section Image

Manville Heights

Manville Heights

$569,485 Average Value
$189 Average Price per Sq Ft
0 Homes For Sale

Offering both privacy and proximity

Tucked into a sharp curve of the Iowa River is Manville Heights, home to many employees of the University of Iowa and hospitals downtown that are within walking distance. Historic homes on spacious lawns with mature trees give the neighborhood a stately disposition. Despite the comparatively high cost of owning in Manville Heights, homebuyers are eager to call the area home. "Houses barely make it on the market, and some sell overnight if buyers are ready," says Sanja Hunt, a Realtor at Skogman Realty. "I had one house that sold in four hours over the phone. The buyers only saw it through a video call before making an offer." The city's waterfront park lies along the northern end of the neighborhood, while university buildings are to the east and beyond the train tracks and U.S. Route 6 in the south. Highly rated schools, theaters and expansive cuisine options are nearby. Somewhat isolated by a lack of commercial development and by the flowing waters to its east and west, Manville Heights offers a sought-after mix of privacy and proximity.

Manville Heights is a historic residential district overlooking downtown Iowa City.
Manville Heights is a historic residential district overlooking downtown Iowa City.
Manville Heights is full of stately older homes with ornate styling.
Manville Heights is full of stately older homes with ornate styling.
1/2

Historic exteriors and updated interiors

With a median price of $545,000, homes in Manville Heights are $200,000 more expensive than the Iowa City metro average. Though small, it boasts diverse architectural styles, and residents are unafraid to invest in their properties. The area is historic, but the homes are not preserved, so renovations and remodels are common. Colonial Revivals have dormer windows and contrasting shutters on the outside but modern kitchens and bathrooms inside. "There are houses from the 1800s to new builds from the last few years," says Taylor Blazek, a Realtor with Urban Acres Real Estate. "Some of the more decrepit homes have been torn down and replaced with cool remodels of contemporary and midcentury modern styles." Brick cottages, split-levels and ranch-style homes accompany the larger homes of the area, and houses sit between $350,000 and $1 million. Still, a few outlier mansions, with five or more bedrooms and guesthouses above detached garages, can reach upwards of $1.7 million.

Manville Heights boasts several bona fide multimillion dollar mansions in its borders.
Manville Heights boasts several bona fide multimillion dollar mansions in its borders.
Quirky brick cottages with Tudor styling can be found throughout Manville Heights.
Quirky brick cottages with Tudor styling can be found throughout Manville Heights.
Old, mature trees surround the stately homes of Manville Heights.
Old, mature trees surround the stately homes of Manville Heights.
1/3

The best public high school in the state

Lincoln Elementary School. which most Manville Heights children can walk to within 20 minutes, is rated A by Niche and goes up to the sixth grade. Students can then attend Northwest Junior High School through eighth grade. Northwest has an overall B grade and a diversity grade of A. According to Niche, West High School is the best public high school in the state. Rated an A-plus, it is also rated the best school for college preparation and the third best for STEM programs.

Lincoln Elementary School serves Manville Heights' younger students.
Lincoln Elementary School serves Manville Heights' younger students.
Manville Heights students continue their educations at Northwest Junior High.
Manville Heights students continue their educations at Northwest Junior High.
Manville Heights students complete their primary education at City High School.
Manville Heights students complete their primary education at City High School.
1/3

Playing tennis and baseball along the bends of the river

City Park is a short walk or bike ride away from the homes in Manville Heights and is the destination for getting outside. A teal and yellow, three-level playground with bridges and slides keeps young kids busy, while the eight baseball diamonds provide space for the area's youth baseball and softball leagues. In addition to courts for tennis, volleyball and horseshoe, the large park has walking trails that meander along the river and past large ponds. The ponds aren't for swimming, but the Olympic-size public pool is. Finkbine Golf Course, where the university's team plays, opens 18 holes and a driving range to the public. After a round, golfers can relax on a patio overlooking the course while enjoying hand-crafted cocktails and burgers from Bump's Restaurant.

Manville Heights residents can ride their bikes to adjacent beautiful City Park.
Manville Heights residents can ride their bikes to adjacent beautiful City Park.
Manville Heights is directly adjacent to beautiful City Park, providing outdoor amenities.
Manville Heights is directly adjacent to beautiful City Park, providing outdoor amenities.
1/2

Celebrating the arts through the university

U of I is known for students who are passionate about sports, enjoy partying and are dedicated to their studies. However, one may be surprised to learn just how devoted the university is to the arts. "We are the UNESCO City of Literature in the United States," Blazek says. "Manville Heights is a fun place to live if you're a fan of musicals, theater and fine arts because the school's art buildings border the neighborhood." Also nearby is The Riverside Festival Stage at City Park. The circular theater with medieval features hosts Shakespeare in the Park.

Hancher Auditorium in Manville Heights features Broadway shows and classical music performances.
Hancher Auditorium in Manville Heights features Broadway shows and classical music performances.
Historic Kinnick Stadium is within easy walking distance from Manville Heights.
Historic Kinnick Stadium is within easy walking distance from Manville Heights.
1/2

Bridges and tunnels bring walkers to work

Many residents of Manville Heights work at the university or associated hospitals and medical centers. "A bridge connects the neighborhood to VA Hospital, and a tunnel connects from there to the UI Hospital," Hunt says. "It's extremely convenient for walking or biking to work." Bordered by train tracks and Route 6 to the south, the area is buffered from heavy traffic. Buses run south on Riverside Drive, bringing people to the university and downtown. Eastern Iowa Airport is 22 miles north, about a 30-minute drive away.

Manville Heights is served by the free Cambus system.
Manville Heights is served by the free Cambus system.
Manville Heights is a bikeable neighborhood and cyclists are common.
Manville Heights is a bikeable neighborhood and cyclists are common.
1/2

Worldly cuisine at every corner

For groceries, Trader Joe's is only 1 mile northwest. Global Mart sits at the intersection of 2nd Street and 1st Avenue. Restaurants along 2nd Street specialize in Vietnamese, Indian, Chinese and West African cuisine. Italian restaurant Monica's was voted the Best All-Around Restaurant in 2023 as part of the Iowa City Community's Choice Awards. Home improvements and backyard upgrades are made easy thanks to Walmart and home improvement stores being under 3 miles south.

Manville Heights is just minutes from Iowa River Landing and its wealth of shopping and dining.
Manville Heights is just minutes from Iowa River Landing and its wealth of shopping and dining.
Just down Route 1, Manville Heights residents can enjoy classic Italian cuisine at Monica's.
Just down Route 1, Manville Heights residents can enjoy classic Italian cuisine at Monica's.
Manville Heights residents have access to a Trader Joe's just minutes away.
Manville Heights residents have access to a Trader Joe's just minutes away.
1/3
Heather Haggerty
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Dylan Stowell
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Amon Parson
Video By
Amon Parson

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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 Brandi Radcliffe, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

The Eastern Iowa

35 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Manville Heights US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Manville Heights Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$274,990
Median Sale Price
$276,990
Median Single Family Sale Price
$589,987
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$276,990
Median Change From 1st List Price
-1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
15
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$189

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
422
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Median Year Built
1941
Months of Supply
0.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,326
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,986
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,095
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,979

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    12 - 1:30pm

    127 Grove St, Iowa City, IA 52246

    $299,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,909 Sq Ft
    • 127 Grove St
    • New 16 days ago

    Absolutley charming Cape Cod Manville Heights home. This adorable home has charm and history. This 1 1/2 story home sits on large lot with quick access to City Park, the U of I and Hancher Auditiorium. The living room picture window opens up to a vast flat back yard which abuts to a tree lined ravine. The basement has been improved by Tomlinson & Cannon. Sump pump, tiling, Grip tight wall

    Whit Lovelace Urban Acres Real Estate

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Brandi Radcliffe, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,525
Median Age
26
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
6%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$64,687
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$121,686

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.2%
College Graduates
89.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
57.1%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
56%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
30''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

76 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

29 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

48 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Manville Heights neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Manville Heights