Section Image

Peninsula Area

Peninsula Area

Neighborhood in Iowa City, Iowa

Johnson County 52245

$359,832 Average Value
$185 Average Price per Sq Ft
13 Homes For Sale

Secluded, not isolated

Peninsula Area is as much a concept as a neighborhood — around 400 houses and condos and branching off from a single access road into dense stands of trees. Sandwiched between parks to the north and south, bounded by the river in the south and west, the neighborhood is a nature lover's dream. Golf fairways, parks and water views are close to home, yet Downtown Iowa City is a 5-minute drive away. The area has a good mix of established families and young professionals who desire a sense of seclusion without sacrificing proximity to employers and entertainment. "One of the coolest things about the neighborhood is that people from all walks of life choose to live there and build a community," says Phil O'Brien, an Urban Acres Real Estate broker who has been selling in the area for 18 years. Seasonal events bring residents together, great schools are a short drive away and locals say hello to each other from front porches and sidewalks. "And if your neighbors don't know you," O'Brien says, "they probably know your dog."
From architecture to community spaces, Peninsula Area is designed for living well.
From architecture to community spaces, Peninsula Area is designed for living well.
City Park, just across the river, is a peaceful retreat for Peninsula Area locals.
City Park, just across the river, is a peaceful retreat for Peninsula Area locals.
1/2

Modern builds with vintage charm

Aside from a few older homes along the river that have docks, the neighborhood is relatively new. "My first open house, when I got my realtor's license, was 17 years ago in the area," O'Brien says. "That's around the same time the neighborhood was being developed." Built within the past 20 years, the condos and townhouses range between $200,000 and $350,000. Tall Brownstone units with Italianate architecture make up one street, while squat Craftsmans make up another. Every unit has a sidewalk outside the front door, lined by young trees that explode with color in autumn. Detached houses offer more design diversity but cost more Bungalows and Victorian Revival cottages with wide porches range from $400,000 to $670,000. Removed from the condos are a few cul-de-sac neighborhoods with New Traditional homes and Colonial Revivals with dormer windows, tapered columns and bright vinyl siding. Forest View Trailer Park once housed over 100 manufactured homes near the highway, but the area has since been cleared. "There are ongoing talks with the city about developing that land," O'Brien says.
Peninsula Area’s streets are lined with rows of charming contemporary craftsman homes.
Peninsula Area’s streets are lined with rows of charming contemporary craftsman homes.
Peninsula Area’s architectural diversity gives every street a unique and inviting character.
Peninsula Area’s architectural diversity gives every street a unique and inviting character.
1/2

Yards aren’t needed with parks so close

Locals have plenty of ways to get outside. Most notable is Thornberry Dog Park, which has shade shelters and fenced areas for dogs of different sizes. "There used to be a lot of through traffic because of the dog park," O'Brien says. "It was the only off-leash dog park in the city for a while, so it was very busy." On the far southeast corner of the neighborhood is Iowa City Skatepark – where bikers and skaters work on their newest trick. Walkers and joggers take to the paved Iowa River Trail that winds through the woods to riverside lookouts. The trail becomes a wooden bridge across the Iowa River Power Dam before continuing south to Manville Heights. The parks and trails are prone to flooding – as are the streets around the condos at Idyllwild.
Peninsula Area’s community vibe shines during events and meetups at City Park.
Peninsula Area’s community vibe shines during events and meetups at City Park.
Peninsula Area families love City Park for its wide-open spaces and beautiful scenery.
Peninsula Area families love City Park for its wide-open spaces and beautiful scenery.
1/2

Fantastic college prep at City High

While Iowa City may be best-known for higher education, primary and secondary schools don't take a back seat. The oldest students of Peninsula Area attend City High School, rated an A-minus by Niche. Second only to West High School, City High rates highly for college prep among Iowa's public high schools. Younger children can attend A-rated Lincoln Elementary School, followed by Southeast Junior High School, rated a B.
Peninsula Area's younger students attend Lincoln Elementary School.
Peninsula Area's younger students attend Lincoln Elementary School.
Peninsula Area's intermediate students attend South East Junior High.
Peninsula Area's intermediate students attend South East Junior High.
Peninsula Area students finish their primary education at nearby City High School.
Peninsula Area students finish their primary education at nearby City High School.
1/3

Neighbors know each other’s names

Most homeowners can expect to pay HOA fees that help maintain community common spaces. One beneficiary of those fees is Emma J. Harvat Square Park. "It's where all the community events and gatherings occur, and it's right in the center of most of the homes," says Jill Armstrong, a broker at Skogman Realty who has been selling in the city for nearly three decades. Adults grill while children climb the jungle gym at the Summer Party, and the Fall Harvest Party has free beer and wine tastings, bands and costume contests. The University of Iowa, 2-1/2 miles away, is home to more sporting events and performances. "The university women's rowing team operates out of the boathouse on the peninsula, and you can go to the river and watch them practice," Armstrong says.
Peninsula Area is a neighborhood where convenience, beauty, and connection come together.
Peninsula Area is a neighborhood where convenience, beauty, and connection come together.
hornberry Dog Park is where Peninsula Area dog lovers and their pups socialize and play.
hornberry Dog Park is where Peninsula Area dog lovers and their pups socialize and play.
1/2

Mostly free from through-traffic

Parkview Church, an Evangelical church, and Elks Lodge, a membership-based country club with a pool, private restaurant and 9-hole golf course, share the peninsula with the housing developments. Aside from people traveling to those locations, the dog park and the restaurant, residents are typically the only ones driving in the Peninsula Area. While the neighborhood is bike-friendly and walkable for leisure, residents rely on their cars for commuting and running errands. Buses run along Foster Road. Interstate 80 marks the northern border of the community, and Dubuque Street leads 2 miles to downtown. Eastern Iowa Airport is 23 miles northwest. The nearest hospital is across the Iowa River on the university campus.
he local bus route makes commuting from Peninsula Area easy and hassle-free.
he local bus route makes commuting from Peninsula Area easy and hassle-free.
Peninsula Area blends modern living with a strong sense of community and connection.
Peninsula Area blends modern living with a strong sense of community and connection.
1/2

Major shopping just across the river

The neighborhood's seclusion and privacy are some of its best features, but that also means residents must travel outside the area for shopping, dining and running errands. Fortunately, plazas and stores are just across the river at The Iowa River Landing. The outdoor shopping mall has groceries and national chains like Lululemon, Anthropologie and Trader Joe's. One tiny-but-mighty shopping destination is walkable for many residents; patrons can chat while getting their hair styled at Willow & Ivy Salon. Owned by Sorayah, a professional stylist for over 25 years, the salon specializes in color treatments like glazing, balayage and foil highlights. Next to the salon is "one of the best spots in the city for ramen," O'Brien says. Japanese food lovers can eat at small tables on the sunny patio or at long communal tables inside, under paper lanterns and intricate chandeliers.
Shopping at Iowa River Landing is a favorite weekend activity for Peninsula Area families.
Shopping at Iowa River Landing is a favorite weekend activity for Peninsula Area families.
The Trader Joe's just a mile from Peninsula Area keeps everyone’s pantry well-stocked.
The Trader Joe's just a mile from Peninsula Area keeps everyone’s pantry well-stocked.
1/2
Heather Haggerty
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Dylan Stowell
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Ennis Warlick
Video By
Ennis Warlick

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 Chris Boddicker, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

The Eastern Iowa

35 min drive

Bus

Swisher St & Foster Rd

Bus

Foster Rd & Idyllwild Dr

Bus

Foster Rd 900 Block

Bus

Forest View Trailer Park

Bus

Walker Circle & Moses Bloom Ln

Bus

Foster Rd & Dubuque St

Bus

Foster Rd & Laura Dr

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Peninsula Area US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Peninsula Area Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$330,000
Median Sale Price
$315,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$466,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$335,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$270,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
47
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$185

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
572
Number of Homes for Sale
13
Median Year Built
2009
Months of Supply
3.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,362
Above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,741
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,474
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,129
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,058

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 Chris Boddicker, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,175
Median Age
35
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$95,624
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$131,203

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.2%
College Graduates
68.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
39.6%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

69 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

5 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

28 / 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 Peninsula Area 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
Peninsula Area