$286,207Average Value$296Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Filled with charm and potential
As Iowa City slowly expands south and east, neighborhoods fill the space that was once farmland and empty fields. Pepperwood is one of those pocket neighborhoods south of U.S. Route 6 that were built in the 1980s when the city grew substantially. Basketball hoops hang over cement roads filled with kids riding bikes and joggers running laps. Populated by a mix of young professionals, families and multi-decade residents, the neighborhood is one where people tend to stay for a while. "It doesn't have the same turnover rate you'd see in other neighborhoods near the hospitals and university," says Phil O'Brien, an Urban Acres Real Estate broker who has been selling in the area for 18 years. Two miles from downtown, the small neighborhood is close to employers, highly-rated schools and busy parks. Like its aging homes, Pepperwood has potential for those willing to invest in a quiet, peaceful community.
Pepperwood is a small residential suburb on the south side of Iowa City.
Pepperwood residents gather at Wetherby Park for story time, family reunions, and block parties.
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Spending room for renovations and additions
Small yards share privacy fences on roads that twist around each other and end in cul-de-sacs. Small trees planted when the neighborhood was developed have become towering oaks and maples that shade the sidewalks in the summer and fill them with colorful leaves in the fall. Locals rake the leaves into heaps that wait between the streets and sidewalks to be picked up by the city's collection and compost program. Split-level and bi-level homes with attached garages were built in the1980s and '90s. Ranch-style homes with Craftsman, Tudor and mid-century influences are also typical. Single-family homes range between $250,000 and $350,000, with a median sales price of $290,000; despite being less expensive than the Iowa City average by almost $40,000, houses tend to stay on the market for nearly two months. "The affordability allows homeowners to reinvest in their properties," O'Brien says. "Bathroom and kitchen remodels are standard, and people care about their curb appeal." The backyards of houses off Sandusky and Briar drives are prone to flooding. Pepperwood residents are not required to buy flood insurance.
Pepperwood residents enjoying strolling through their quiet and winding streets.
Pepperwood has several cul-de-sacs where neighbors become friends & children play in the street.
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Youth baseball, disc golf and miles of biking trails
East of the neighborhood, the Iowa River Corridor Trail runs 16 miles along the banks of the river. Popular among joggers and bikers, the trail passes by many parks, including Napoleon Park. Home to eight diamonds, it hosts youth baseball and adult softball leagues. "Pepperwood is very family-friendly, and the residents are active," says Jaime Hymer, associate broker at Pinnacle Realty, who worked in athletics before transitioning to real estate in Iowa City eight years ago. "There are so many ways to get active around the city." Napoleon Park is less than a mile from Pepperwood, and Wetherby Park is even closer. Walking loops surround basketball courts, a large playground and a full disc golf course. In warm months, the sweet smell of flowers is in the air near the community garden, which has nearly 100 plots for locals to plant fruits and vegetables.
Pepperwood is adjacent to Wetherby Park which has many neighborhood amenities.
The mile-long trail at Wetherby Park connects to the sidewalks of Pepperwood.
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On-street parking and attached garages
The University of Iowa, VA Hospital and University Hospital employ many residents on both sides of the city, and traffic is never too bad getting from one end to the other. "It's an entirely different city during the summers," Hymer says. "Once the students leave, it's quieter and more professional. But there are still events going on downtown all the time." Downtown is just 2 miles north, while the major employers are a mile past that and across the Iowa River. Though Pepperwood is close to jobs, shopping plazas and parks, residents typically rely on cars to get around. Every home has a driveway and garage for at least one car, and the wide streets have enough room for overflow parking. Buses run north and east of the neighborhood, with one stopping in the neighborhood at the intersection of Sandusky and Broadway. Eastern Iowa Airport is 25 miles north in the direction of Cedar Rapids.
Like many Iowa City neighborhoods, Pepperwood has a strong connection to the University of Iowa.
Pepperwood has bus stops for the lines that go downtown and throughout Iowa City.
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The best public high school in the state
Alexander Elementary School is 2 miles south and rated a B-minus by Niche. Northwest Junior High School is rated a B, and West High School is rated an A-plus. West school is the highest-rated public high school in the state and ranked highly for college prep and STEM programs. While the University of Iowa is close – only 3 miles away – its presence doesn't impact Pepperwood as much as other neighborhoods that have many rentals.
Northwest Junior High is one of three public middle schools in Iowa City.
Adjacent West High School is rated as one of the top high schools in the state.
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Kids and dogs welcome at Big Grove
Just north of U.S. Route 6, at Big Grove Brewery & Taproom, bright bulbs reflect off the tiled ceiling above the pouring station, and string lights hang over beams in the back room over long communal tables. Dogs are allowed on the back patio, which has picnic benches, umbrellas and Adirondack chairs. Kids play in the designated area off to the side while adults play giant Jenga and cornhole with a beer in hand. Collectors frequent Sweet Livin' Antiques, Arts & Records, hunting for treasure among the cardboard boxes of records, towers of turntables and shelves of glassware inside the tiny store. Hy-Vee is 1 mile northwest, and Iowa City Marketplace is in the same direction. The indoor-outdoor mall has chain restaurants, national brand retailers and a fitness center.
Nearby Big Grove Brewery has delicious food and award-winning beer.
Pepperwood residents are just minutes from nearby shopping and dining.
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
Tim Conroy,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Transit
Airport
The Eastern Iowa
37 min drive
Bus
Sandusky Dr & Broadway St
Pepperwood Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Pepperwood, Iowa City sell after 155 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Pepperwood, Iowa City over the last 12 months is $390,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Single story ranch 3 bedroom gem where comfort meets modern living! Beautifully maintained home with a host of upgrades, you will love this home! Living room features gorgeous hardwood floors with nice earthy tones. Whip up your meals in this modern kitchen with a brand new gas stove & microwave with an adjoining breakfast bar and the dining area close by for family meals. Off the dining area
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tim Conroy,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
630
Median Age
36
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$71,685
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$86,063
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.2%
College Graduates
29%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.3%
% Population in Labor Force
81.2%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
30''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
60/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
20/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
22/ 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.
