$236,141Average Value$145Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Supportive residents who share values
An unincorporated community in the northern end of Ida Township, Ida is what many may think of when picturing a classic farming town. Initially a stagecoach stopover for travelers in the 1800s, the area was developed in the 1830s thanks to the introduction of a railroad. Farmers were the first settlers in the area, taking advantage of the vast stretches of fertile, flat land. Though employment in the township has diversified, farming remains significant in the lives of Ida residents. Home to fewer than 1,000 people, the area has a small-town feel. "Everyone supports one another, the community and the schools," says Michael Begeman, a Realtor at Key Realty One who grew up in Ida. "Even residents without kids attend the football games to support the school." While the area is quite remote and only has a handful of non-residential buildings, nearby towns and the city of Monroe are only 10 miles away. Desirable schools, approachable home prices and a major holiday event only add to the draw of Ida, a neighborhood where residents share the values of family, friends, community and hard work.
Bluestreak Snack Shop in Ida is where all the kids go for frozen treats after school.
Ida is a quaint community surrounded by farmlands just outside of Monroe.
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Modest yards come to life around the holidays
In the center of Ida, roads of bungalows, farmhouse cottages and Colonial Revivals from the 1920s branch out from the two main roads. The century-old houses sell between $100,000 and $350,000. A few empty plots of land sell between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on their location and acreage. As the area slowly grew over the past 100 years, newer homes were added to the furthest points of Ida Road and Lewis Ave. Ranch-style houses are the most common, especially in the area's only development along Westwood Road. The one-story sprawling houses begin at $225,000 and max out around $350,000. Yards are modest near the town's center, usually between one-fifth and one-quarter of an acre. In preparation for a large Christmas festival, lawn decorations and bright lights fill those yards and bring some color to the town in the cold months after the trees have shed their leaves. Yards grow as the roads lead from the main intersection, and bigger houses fill the space. A few modern Craftsmans are valued between $200,000 and $450,000, with a rare property or two occasionally reaching upwards of $750,000.
Getting outside in Ida
Ida Fireman's Park, also called Ida Township Park, is behind the Ida Branch Library. The petite park includes two softball diamonds, a soccer field and a playground. When looking for exercise, most residents go to the fields and track behind the schools or to the many parks in Monroe that offer tennis courts, basketball courts and fishing spots along the River Raisin.
Come to Ida Fireman's Park for a baseball game or a stroll.
Residents of Ida love that all the amenities that are in walking distance.
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Where learning strikes
Students begin learning at Ida Elementary School, rated a B-plus by Niche. The school is right in the neighborhood, sharing a campus and parking lots with Ida Middle School and Ida High School. Ida Middle School is rated a B-minus, and Ida High School is rated a B. The high school is the third-best public high school in Monroe County, according to Niche, and a major reason why students from the surrounding counties utilize the school of choice program. "It's my most requested school district in the area from homebuyers with children," Begeman says. A blue lightning bolt is the district's mascot, and according to the district mantra, Ida Public Schools is "Where Learning Strikes." Baseball diamonds, playgrounds and a football field surrounded by a track border the three schools, and many residents have Bluestreak Pride, showing up to weekly games in blue and gold apparel.
Ida Elementary houses grades Pre-K and K-4, with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1.
Ida High School is located in the heart of Monroe County in Southeastern Michigan.
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Christmas in Ida
For over 40 years now, Ida has hosted one of the Midwest's largest parades of holiday lights. Christmas In Ida is a three-day holiday festival with food trucks, national talent and crafts. The parade and fireworks display occur on Saturday, bringing a crowd that has reached upwards of 48,000 in recent years. Starting in the high school's parking lot, the train of cars covered in bright lights, marching bands and puppies in Christmas sweaters loop around Mill Street and Lewis Ave. "The parade itself is broadcasted locally, and the community is very proud of it," Begeman says. "It gets so crowded that it's hard to attend at times, but it brings a lot of business to Ida. A new addition to Ida's events is a weekly farmers market at the township park. Ida Farmers Market began in the spring of 2024 and runs every Saturday morning until the end of October. Produce farmers, bakers, artists and butchers sell their goods in the parking lot past the Ida Branch Library.
Christmas in Ida features a fun run Friday evening of the annual festival.
Come celebrate the holidays with the annual Christmas in Ida festivities.
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Farmland in every direction
Ida is a one-stoplight town. One blinking red light hangs over Ida Road and Lewis Ave intersection, near a post office, library and a few small restaurants and shops. Nothing but farmlands stretch for miles in every direction from the intersection, and very few non-residents use the roads to pass through. Because of this, each face in Ida is familiar, and the CAP Index crime score is the lowest possible, at 1 out of 10. "Ida is for people who like a quiet town or like owning a decent-sized property," Begeman says. There are no buses, and while sidewalks are in the downtown area, they abruptly stop in each direction away from the main intersection. South Custer Road is three miles north and leads 9 miles east to Monroe's City Center. Many employers, like La-Z-Boy's headquarters and DTE Energy, are in Monroe. If not farmers, other working people in the area may commute 20 miles south to Toledo. One reason out-of-towners may stop in Ida is for the Ida Farmers Co-Op. Owned and operated by Lucky Farmers, the grain marketing and supply cooperative of the Midwest has a location in the center of Ida and its giant grain silos are a monument of the area.
Ida is a rural community located just outside of Monroe.
If you like peace and quiet, Ida might be the right place for you to find a home.
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Shopping staples of the community
When kids finish classes or after-school sports, they walk to Bluestreak Snack Shop for an ice cream cone, burger or taco. Painted in the school district's colors, "It's a landmark and right next to the school," Begeman says. "Even I went there as a kid." Carl's Hide-A-Way is also a staple in Ida and has been around for decades. Decorated with plastic cacti and sombreros, it's the go-to spot for chips and queso and margaritas by the pitcher. Classic tavern food like salads, sandwiches and deep-fried appetizers are available at The Original Ida Tavern. The establishment has been family-owned and operated since 1979 and has 14 craft beers on tap. There is a Dollar General on Lewis Ave, but many residents go to the Kroger 7 miles northwest along Custer Road for full grocery trips.
The Pressed Rose in Ida is a great place to stop for adorable home furnishings.
Just outside of Ida residents can shop at large grocery stores such as Kroger.
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
Drew Presto,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Ida Firemans Park
Transit
Airport
Detroit Metro Wayne County
51 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Ida
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Ida Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Ida, Monroe sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Ida, Monroe over the last 12 months is $274,500, up 31% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great opportunity to own this 3 bedroom ranch home in Ida School DIstrict! Very large living areas, and a huge primarty suite! Primary bath has been updated with a walk in shower. Backyard features a high fence, and is child or pet friendly. Full basement is an open pallette to be finished according to your design. The wood foundation offers ability to insulate and finish easily, without
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Drew Presto,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
789
Median Age
44
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
23.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$91,666
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$102,311
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.2%
College Graduates
25.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
37/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
40/ 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.
