Mason City is a place where people can march to the beat of their own drum. Whether someone wants to go shopping downtown, hike through the city’s 70 miles of trails or explore a free art museum, it’s available here. This community, the largest city in North Iowa with almost 27,000 people, has multiple major employers in industries including healthcare and manufacturing. Mason City was the birthplace of Meridith Wilson and inspired his legendary musical “The Music Man,” and the city counts the North Iowa Band Festival among its popular annual traditions. “The city has a wide variety of different price points, affordability for different people depending on what they’re looking for, how much they can afford,” says Jessica Sears, who’s with Realty ONE Group and is a native of the city.
Mason City residents take pride in their city and their communities.
Downtown Mason City has historic buildings, Central Park, and ample shopping and dining choices.
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Prairie School architechture is common
One of the things Mason City is known for is its abundance of homes with the Prairie School architecture style. A signature style in the Midwest popularized in the early 20th century by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Prairie School is defined by an abundance of horizontal panels inspired by the region's landscape. In fact, Mason City’s Rock Crest-Rock Glen Historic District holds the distinction of having the highest concentration of Prairie School homes in the world. “There’s a lot of unique architecture, and people from all over the world actually look for certain types of homes like that, depending on the architect,” Sears says.
But buyers can also find bungalow- and gable-front-style fixer-uppers for less than $60,000. Homes in better condition but less than 2,000 square feet sell for $60,000 to $200,000, in the Youngs and South Carolina Acres neighborhoods. Larger options go for anywhere between $200,000 and $800,000, whether one of the classic Prairie School examples in Rock Crest-Rock Glen or a home built in the early 21st century in the Fairways subdivision. The average sale price across the city is $190,000, and homes tend to sell after 41 days on the market, on par with the national average of 44.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Stockman House is a shining example of Prairie School architecture.
Modern homes can be found in developments around the outskirts of Mason City.
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Smithfield and Kraft offer manufacturing jobs
The North Iowa Mercy Health Center, which has 342 beds, is the largest employer in not just Mason City but also Cerro Gordo County. However, Mason City is also home to almost 50 manufacturing facilities for companies including Smithfield and Kraft. “A lot of people work in town,” Sears says. “Due to the low cost of living and good affordability, some people that work remotely live in Mason City, too.”
Mason City is home to a large hospital, MercyOne North Iowas Medical Center.
Kraft Heinz has a large factory and employs many Mason City residents.
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Evans Preserve extends trail system
Mason City’s park system extends several hundred acres, and includes 57 miles of trails. “A lot of people like to do recreation,” Sears says. “So hiking, mountain biking. The city just invested a lot of money into new biking trails.” Mason City opened a new singletrack portion of its Prairie Rock Trails system in October 2024. Parks include Parker’s Woods, which runs along a portion of Willow Creek, a waterway open to fishing. Lester Milligan Park has 2 miles of trails and, with a location by two ponds, is a spot for both swimming and fishing. The Mason City YMCA offers indoor recreation at cost. The facility has weight and cardio equipment and runs adult and youth sports leagues.
The 2,058-seat Mason City Arena is the largest venue in North Iowa. The area is the home of junior league hockey teams the Mason City Toros and North Iowa Bulls, but also hosts youth and high school hockey games, figure skating, concerts, tradeshows and community events.
The area’s climate includes warm summers and cold winters, with almost 40 inches of snow. Iowa has averaged about 70 tornadoes per year since 2010, according to a Des Moines Register record.
Visitors to Central Park can browse public art and a sculpture of Mason City's favorite architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.
Mason City Arena is home to the Mason City Hohawks, a hockey program with teams in several age groups.
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Main Street Mason City District is a commercial hub for North Iowa
Part of Mason City’s status as the biggest city in the region is that it’s also the most prominent place for retail in the area. Many of Mason City’s shopping and dining options are downtown, in the walkable Main Street Mason City District. More is available to the west, along Fourth Street, including the Willowbrook Mall, a collection of small businesses like a shoe store and a bakery.
Besides its shops and restaurants, downtown is also home to the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, which has free admission and is known in part for its collection of Bill Baird puppets. The North Iowa Band Festival — which dates back more than 80 years — includes a parade that marches through downtown each May and is considered the largest free band competition across the Midwest.
The quaint downtown shops give Mason City plenty of character.
The indoor Willowbrook Mall is one shopping destination in Mason City.
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Mason City Transit helps keep residents moving
Mason City Transit is a public transportation bus system that operates Monday through Friday. Interstate 35 connects to the state capital, Des Moines, about 120 miles south. The Mason City Municipal Airport has flights into Chicago on United Airlines.
Newman Catholic School is a highly rated private option
The area’s Mason City Community School District carries a C-plus rating on Niche and includes a couple of B-rated campuses in Jefferson Elementary and Roosevelt Elementary.
Newman Catholic School is a private option that earns a B-plus grade on Niche and is in the top 10 of the site’s list of the best Catholic high schools in the state. But Newman isn’t limited to the high school level — it serves more than 500 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The North Iowa Area Community College is based in Mason City. The two-year college offers the opportunity for guaranteed admission to Buena Vista University with a completion of an associate’s degree.
Mason City High School serves around 1,000 students in grades 9-12.
Just east of Mason City is North Iowa Community College, a popular secondary education choice for the area.
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Crime
Mason City experienced a 9% increase in overall crime from 2022 to 2023, according to Iowa Department of Public Safety stats. The city’s rate of property crime is higher than national levels, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer.
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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On average, homes in Mason City, IA sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Mason City, IA over the last 12 months is $166,500, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Excellent location for development. 5 Acres near major retailers and manufacturing. Great location, only 2 turns and 3.4 miles from the Avenue of the Saints - Business Highway 18 /US 27. Lot sized at 331 x 661 (5 Acres -+) on the 2900 block of 9th Street SW. Other manufactures in this area are Metal Craft and Woodharbor Door and Cabinet Co. Major retailers Walmart, Super Target, Kohls and Staples
Discover the charm and potential of this acreage offering just under 4 acres in a beautiful setting that gently flows downhill toward the water. Located in Portland with a Mason City address and within the Central Springs School District—known for its scholarship opportunities. This property provides a wonderful place to plant roots. The existing farmhouse, with a septic updated in 2017, is being
Enjoy the freedom and simplicity of low-maintenance living in this beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 3-bath twin home offering approximately 2,700 sq ft of comfortable, thoughtfully planned space. The inviting layout provides convenient main-level living while still offering plenty of room for guests, hobbies, or a dedicated office. The gorgeous, light-filled living room on the main level features
2 bedroom 2 story home. Spacious room sizes. Living room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Foyer with open staircase all on main level. Enjoy the fully enclosed front porch with lots of windows. Upper level features 2 bedrooms and a large bath. Bedroom one is oversized with a bonus extra area which would make a great office area or even a crib room. Vinyl replacement windows through the home. Vinyl siding
Step into this vibrant 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home that shines with personality and space! The open floor plan creates a bright and welcoming flow, perfect for everyday living or entertaining guests. Enjoy a fenced yard ideal for pets or outdoor fun. Enjoy the 2 stall detached garage for tinkering around, extra parking space or storage. The functional basement adds extra flexibility whether you need
Prime residential lots for sale in Asbury 8th Subdivision. Asbury is a well established subdivision with pathways, playgrounds and mature landscaping adjacent to the newly platted lots. Area is close to schools, east side shopping and only minutes form central downtown district. Larry and Zelda Elwood have a vested interest in this property and are licensed realtors in the state of Iowa.
PRIME CORNER LOT WITH Z4 ZONING - BUILD YOUR WAY! This unrestricted corner lot provides the freedom to construct what you desire. Its versatile Z4 zoning allows for a wide range of uses, including a residential build with a large shed, a commercial enterprise, storage facilities, a drive-thru coffee shop, or simply a convenient parking area. Conveniently located off Highway 65, just north of the
Lot 15. A few lots left in the beautiful Fairway Addition. West side of town near Newman School, shopping and the Country Club golf course. Walking path to Clear Lake or Big Blue. Larry and Zelda Elwood are licensed realtors in the state of Iowa and have a vested interest in this property.
This well-maintained home offers a great mix of updates, space, and flexibility. The kitchen is equipped with new stainless steel appliances, including a stove, refrigerator, and hooded microwave, while new PEX water lines throughout the home provide modern efficiency and peace of mind. Natural light pours into the living room through a large bay window, creating a bright and welcoming
This rock solid and well-maintained 2 bedroom has it all. Great southwest location, newer furnace & hot water heater, extra generous room sizes, kitchen/dining area, wide-open basement offers great rec room possibilities, attached garage with opener, fenced yard and more. Priced to sell so don't wait another moment to make the call!
Available for the first time, Willow Creek Townhomes. Beautiful 2 bedroom unit with 9 foot ceilings, Woodharbor cabinets, bamboo floors, and more. Nice two car attached garage, in a very convenient location right outside downtown Mason City. HOA fees pay all snow and lawncare.
Welcome home the newest luxury multifamily community in Mason City. Located in the prestigious downtown area, The River offers you a haven to come home to. With our spacious and inviting studio, one, two and three bedroom apartment homes and our two and three bedroom townhomes, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect layout to fit all your needs. Each apartment home has been created with your
Welcome to The Meadows Your Home in the Heart of Clear Lake, IAThe Meadows offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and community in one of Clear Lakes most desirable residential areas. Our spacious apartment homes feature thoughtfully designed layouts, modern finishes, and all the essentials that make everyday living easy. Whether you're relaxing inside your home or enjoying
Welcome to The Delaware, a premier living destination in Mason City, IA!This apartment complex offers a host of amenities designed for a modern, convenient lifestyle. Each unit is equipped with in-unit washer and dryers, stainless steel appliances, LVP flooring, and carpeted rooms, all finished with sleek, contemporary touches. The Delaware has private underground parking options
All apartments have their own entrance and patio for additional out door living space. All of the furnishings in the apartments are new. This complex is located on a dead end which means no traffic. It sits on 7 acres of park like setting with mature trees and plenty a yard space. Private off-street parking, completely remodeled laundry facility featuring new washers and dryers. All new entry
Constructed in 1982, Shalom Tower II is a 48 unit independent living apartment complex built to accommodate seniors on lower fixed incomes. Similar to Tower I, Shalom II is located on the north side of Good Shepherd’s campus across the street from The Senior Activity Center and open to persons 55 years of age and older. Rent is based on individual income and subsidized through HUD. The secure
Our Efficiency Apartments feature a kitchenette with new cabinets and counter, a full size fridge and apartment size stove. The living area is 15' x 15' with a double and a single closet. Standing shower, vanity and toilet complete the bathroom. Our one bedroom feature a separate bedroom with 2 double closets as well as a living/dining area and a full bath with a tub shower combo. Each kitchen
Near the downtown restaurants, stores, churches, hospitals. Plenty of lot and street parking.A coin operated washer and dryer is available most times for convenience. The area is quiet and friendly,well kept and safe. The apartments are clean.
Units are spacious and in great condition. We take great pride in our community, and it shows in how well it's maintained. There is NO application fee when the application is completed on our website. Internet service is available upon move in. No waiting for hookup. A Rental application (at no cost) is required before a showing. Just visit our website at masoncityapartments.
All newly remodeled apartments in 2021! Pilgrim Place is an affordable, non-profit, older adult (62+) community with several apartments equipped to accommodate those who are mobility impaired (also available to those over the age of 18). Pilgrim Place is a three-story, 34 unit community located within walking distance of many banks, shopping areas and medical facilities in Mason City, Iowa.
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