$373,861Average Value$190Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes 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.
City Park, just across the river, is a peaceful retreat for Peninsula Area locals.
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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.
Thornberry Dog Park is where Peninsula Area's dog lovers and their pups socialize and play.
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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 architectural diversity gives every street a unique and inviting character.
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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 families love City Park for its wide-open spaces and beautiful scenery.
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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.
Trader Joe's, just a mile from Peninsula Area, keeps everyone’s pantry well stocked.
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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.
The 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.
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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 intermediate students attend South East Junior High.
Peninsula Area students finish their primary education at nearby City High School.
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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Peninsula Area Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Peninsula Area, Iowa City sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Peninsula Area, Iowa City over the last 12 months is $326,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
IThis two-story condo features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and boasts the best Price Per Square Foot in the Association. The main level includes an office area, a living room with a gas fireplace, a dining area, and a sunroom. The spacious kitchen is equipped with an island and a half bath. Recently, new flooring has been installed on the lower level. The condo also offers an oversized 2-car
Private but still easily accessible lies this 2200+ sq ft ranch home. Close enough to commute, but the setting of trees in the back and being at the end of the cul-de-sac. The location is great, but inside you'll find an open floor plan with the dining room leading off into the deck to enjoy the trees and private backyard. Also on the main level, you'll find the laundry room, guest bath, 2
Welcome home to this beautiful condo in Iowa City’s highly sought-after Peninsula Neighborhood, offering low maintenance living in a vibrant community. Outstanding location near trails, dog park, golf course, shops, restaurants, Iowa River Landing, & the University of Iowa. This brownstone end-unit condo backs to green space with no neighbors behind you! The charming front porch welcomes you
Spacious condos located in the desirable Peninsula Neighborhood. Each unit comes with granite counters, a washer/dryer, electric fireplace, one assigned underground parking spot, and one storage space in the garage included with rent! 1200-1550 square feet (2-3br's) of space in each of these gorgeous condos. Just a block from the dog park, disc golf course, and more! Keyed Entry Doors. Iowa City
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