$361,460Average Value$185Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
A woodsy neighborhood with easy commuter access
It's fitting that Shimek was named after Bohumil Shimek, an influential naturalist and early-1900s botany professor at the University of Iowa. The wooded community sits along the northern edge of Iowa City, with homes surrounded by mature trees and protected forests. The centrally-located Shimek Elementary School gives the area a family-friendly feel. And the location provides easy access to parks and the Iowa River.
Shimek’s quiet streets and tree-lined avenues make it a truly picturesque neighborhood.
Shimek’s homes are where timeless architecture meets neighborhood pride.
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Diverse homes on large lots
Nature isn't the only draw, though. "A big appeal of Shimek is the variety — there's everything from small, 100-year-old starter homes to larger historic homes, with lots of mid-century modern options and even some modern townhomes," says Julie Dancer with Lepic-Kroeger Realtors, who grew up in the Iowa City area. "So, I would say it's a relatively affordable area, but there are also some special, historically relevant homes." Prices for homes and townhomes start around $200,00 for 1,000 square feet and rise to $325,000 for 2,000 square feet. Estates from the early 1900s and newer houses from the 2020s are more likely to be in the $500,000 to $900,000 price range. The average lot size in Shimek is 1/4 acre. There are sidewalks and clearly marked crosswalks around the elementary school, and most homes are shaded by mature trees.
Shimek residents love their spacious ranch homes with character and warmth.
The larger contemporary homes in Shimek offer space and style for families to grow.
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Open land and protected parks
The Shimek Ravine, in the western end of the community, is a section of protected land that highlights the neighborhood's love of nature. In the 1980s, residents banded together to raise more than $100,000 to purchase the land and donate it to the Bur Oak Trust. Today, the ravine is home to mature hickories and oaks that shade trails, as well as an array of wildlife, from wild turkeys to white-tailed deer. Just across Dodge Street, Hickory Hill Park is another beloved green space. Quite a bit larger than Shimek Ravine, it has wooded trails and picnic spots hidden across its 185 acres. North Dodge Athletic Club, tucked into the community's northeast corner, has a pool and sports courts open all year. City Park is just over a mile away, making it bikeable and walkable for many residents. It's the biggest recreational hub in the city, with a public pool, sports courts, a festival stage and access to the river.
City Park, just across the river, is a favorite retreat for Shimek families.
Shimek skaters head to Terrill Mill Skate Park to show off their skills.
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Natural education opportunities at Shimek Elementary
Kids are zoned for Shimek Elementary School, which gets an A-minus grade from Niche and is walkable from many homes. Its active Parent-Teachers' Organization plans events like an ice cream social and a spring carnival. "I think there is a true sense of community around Shimek Elementary," Dancer says. "The area surrounding the school is very lush, and they have an outdoor garden. I remember a number of years ago when they had live goats munching away on the property." Shimek grads move on to South East Junior High, rated B, and City High School, rated A-minus. City High offers courses in partnership with the University of Iowa and Kirkland Community College.
Shimek Elementary fosters learning and community for the neighborhood’s youngest residents."
Shimek’s middle schoolers thrive at South East Junior High just minutes away.
Shimek families are proud to send their kids to the acclaimed City High School.
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Free bus rides and easy access to I-80
The Hy-Vee along North Dodge has a grocery store, Market Grille, gas station and Chinese restaurant. For other needs, locals head 2 miles to downtown Iowa City. Buses in Iowa City are free, and two lines run right through the neighborhood. Bussing to the university is possible, too, but there is no direct line, so the trip takes about 25 minutes. Commuters can easily reach Interstate 80, because the entrance to the interstate is less than a mile away from most homes. Those closest to the major thoroughfare might experience some road noise, but the highway is shielded by mature trees. Residents in the eastern portion of the neighborhood may also hear sirens from the fire station just across North Dodge Street.
The convenient bus routes in Shimek make getting around stress-free for residents.
Shimek’s vibrant community spirit shines in every aspect of the neighborhood.
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Community at a local coffee shop and old-school tavern
Press Coffee, located just across North Dodge Street, draws in visitors with its striking black Victorian exterior and invites them to stay with top-notch brews and a strong community spirit. Some of the many events held at Press include book readings by authors, rock-painting groups, a Halloween dog costume contest, LGBTQ+ nights and tarot readings under the moonlight. "I don't really feel like we've ever said no to someone asking if they can host an event here," laughs Katie Ford, a co-owner of Press. "Whatever the people in the neighborhood want, we are here for it." Press makes a point to stay open 365 days a year, even on holidays "because not everybody celebrates every holiday or has someone to celebrate with," Ford says. "We want to be the place with lights on when everyone else is shuttered," adds Lisa Edwards, Press's other co-owner. Just down the street, Hilltop Tavern is another community staple. It's been serving drinks since right after Prohibition ended in 1933. Not a typical destination for local college students, the historic building has pool tables and an unfussy attitude.
Locals love the cozy atmosphere and great coffee at Shimek’s Press Coffee.
Shimek residents unwind at Hilltop Tavern & Eatery, a neighborhood favorite.
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
Jerome Edwards,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Terrill Mill Park
City Park
Transit
Airport
The Eastern Iowa
34 min drive
Bus
North Dodge St & Hy Vee
Bus
North Dodge St
Bus
Iowa City Community School District Office
Bus
North Dodge St & Act Circle
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Shimek
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Shimek Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Shimek, Iowa City sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Shimek, Iowa City over the last 12 months is $348,500, up 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Solid 1960s ranch in a fantastic location—just minutes from the University of Iowa and I-80! This home sits on over a third of an acre in an established neighborhood with a private backyard and mature trees. Inside, you'll find an impressive kitchen with newer teakwood cabinetry, quartz countertops,tile backsplash and a pantry—perfect for cooking and gathering. There's a formal dining room, plus
Welcome home to this beautifully designed 2-story home in the Palisades neighborhood! Hardwood floors welcome you & lead to the main floor office with double pocket doors. The open floor plan includes living room w/ gas fireplace & large windows, offering great natural light. The kitchen boasts upgraded appliances, custom cabinetry, & ample storage, including a large walk-in pantry. Kitchen also
Located in the desirable Iowa City north end. Just steps inside the front door you'll find a bright and airy LARGE eat-in kitchen with a roomy pantry that overlooks the wooded ravine that is the backdrop for your back yard. The bedrooms are spacious and light filled, just across from the renovated bathroom with skylight. The lower level features a spacious family room, a non-conforming 4th
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jerome Edwards,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,006
Median Age
35
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$64,573
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$104,061
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.6%
College Graduates
81%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
38.9%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
30''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
48/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
27/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
31/ 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.
