$194,895Average Value$124Average Price per Sq Ft27Homes For Sale
Small-town setting with amenities in Vinton
Vinton, located in eastern Iowa, serves as the seat of Benton County. Its location just south of the Cedar River made it ideal for early settlers to farm and trade. Today, the city is home to around 5,000 residents, and it offers “a small-town atmosphere with all the amenities of a larger town — a hospital, dentists and grocery stores,” says Tamara Stark-Mahood, a sales associate with Iowa Land Management and Real Estate who has lived in Vinton for more than 30 years. These services also provide jobs for many locals, although proximity to Cedar Rapids also attracts some commuters. “It’s a great place to live if you work in Cedar Rapids but don’t want to live in the big city,” Stark-Mahood says. “It’s about a 40-minute drive with very little traffic — you don’t have to get up and listen to the traffic report.”
Decorative carvings of animals can be found throughout Vinton.
Vinton’s public library features decorative butterflies outside of its front entrance.
1/2
Vinton’s downtown features locally owned businesses
The community has a variety of retail and dining options. “We have a traditional, old-fashioned downtown with stores, coffee shops and offices,” Stark-Mahood says. “Our stores have been here forever, so they’re doing well.” One of the downtown’s largest storefronts houses Brickside Brew-n-Chew, The Niche and Red Cedar Wines — a coffee shop, antique store and wine bar, respectively. Popular restaurants include Ron-Da-Voo Lounge & Deli, known for its nachos and wings, and Lotus Restaurant, which serves Chinese food. Beast & Bird, located on North K Avenue, is another local favorite. “It’s a fantastic smoked barbecue place with a nice, high-end bar,” Stark-Mahood says. Vinton’s two grocery stores are Fareway and Dollar Fresh. For malls and big-box retail, residents head to Waterloo or Cedar Rapids, both within a 35-mile drive.
Vinton’s Palace Theatre is a local favorite that has stood the test of time.
Vinton is home to a variety of locally owned stores, galleries, and performing arts spaces.
1/2
Victorian and midcentury homes mix with newer development
Many Vinton streets are lined with sidewalks, and private driveways are also relatively common. In the central portion of the community, housing includes some well-preserved Victorian-era builds, early 1900s cottages and midcentury ranch-style homes. “We have a historical section, and other historical houses are peppered throughout the town,” Stark-Mahood says. On the outskirts of the city, there are a few newer developments with cul-de-sacs and ranch-style houses.
Modest cottages and fixer-uppers typically sell between $40,000 and $120,000, depending on the condition, but most sales range from around $120,000 to $540,000. Cedar River is prone to flooding after heavy rains, and lenders may require flood insurance.
While most homes in Vinton are painted in subdued white, blue or grey tones, some residents choose bright colors to help their homes stand out.
Some homes in Vinton feature spacious front and backyards.
1/2
Vinton-Shellsburg schools earn B ratings and offer extracurriculars
Tilford Elementary School has preschool through fourth grade and earns a B rating from Niche. Shellsburg Elementary School serves the district’s fifth-grade students, and it gets a B-plus. Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School also receives a B-plus, and Vinton-Shellsburg High School rates a B. The high school offers a variety of extracurricular sports, including swimming, wrestling and golf.
Tilford Elementary serves Vinton’s young learners.
Vinton’s residents often take pride in their community’s high school sports teams.
1/2
Vinton has parks, river recreation and indoor fitness areas
The city maintains seven parks, with Riverside and Celebration parks among the most popular. Riverside Park features a gaga ball pit and a disc golf course, while Celebration Park, beside the Cedar River, includes a gazebo that’s often rented out for proms and weddings. Vinton Parks & Recreation also operates the Skate & Activity Center, a seasonal swimming pool and a recreation center with an indoor batting cage and fitness equipment.
The river itself offers opportunities for fishing, tubing and boating. “There are two access points in Vinton, and tons of parks farther along the river where you can put in and take out,” Stark-Mahood says. Golfers can play the Vinton Country Club’s nine-hole course, which is open to the public, and the 15-mile Old Creamery Nature Trail provides space for biking and dog walking.
Families can find several playground and parks throughout Vinton.
Residents of Vinton can head to Riverside Park for views of the water.
1/2
Driving two-lane roads toward Waterloo or Cedar Rapids
Benton County Transportation runs an on-demand shuttle service for county residents, but most people rely on cars for travel. The two-lane state Route 150 and U.S. Route 218 link commuters with U.S. Route 30 and Interstate 380. Waterloo and Cedar Rapids are both within 35 miles, and the Eastern Iowa Airport is less than 40 miles away. Vinton’s Virginia Gay Hospital has outpatient specialty clinics and diagnostic testing facilities, and it's a Level IV trauma center.
Trains regularly pass through the city and sometimes make stops at the grain elevators, which can affect north-south travel. “The busiest elevator has a spur, though, so it doesn’t really block traffic as much,” Stark-Mahood says. “Everybody knows the ways around the trains.”
Annual events include Fourth Street parades and the Benton County Fair
Vinton hosts several events, including the day-long Party in the Park each July. The Benton County Fair takes place in June, with a large midway and nightly entertainment. “Every night is something new and exciting,” Stark-Mahood says. In September, car enthusiasts come from around the region to watch the Vinton Cruise along Fourth Street, and there’s a Christmas parade down Fourth Street each December.
Written By
Ginny West
Photography Contributed By
Joan Wall
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jaime Hymer,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Vinton, IA sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Vinton, IA over the last 12 months is $195,000, up 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
For the remainder of the month take advantage of a new lease price but act quickly as this is only good until 5/1/25!! Buyer is entering into a lease option with the Lutheran Living Community for continuum of care. This is a unique opportunity to live independently and transition to the Nursing Home, Assisted Living or Memory Care when needed. Details will be reviewed upon request of potential
Directly across the street from a large green space, splash pad, pavilion, and park. Conveniently located near Theisens, church, Market Fresh, and Family Dollar. Desirable building location.
Classic 'white picket fence' charm inside & out! From the moment you see this from the curb, you're going to want to see more! Beginning at the brick street, straight to the cozy covered porch, this home invites you in. Step into the family room, w/ a brick fireplace, to the left is a brand new main floor laundry, complete w/ a half bath, or step around the corner and picture your family meals in
Welcome home to your 2021 custom built Barndominium! This Montana ranch boasts quarter sawn cabinetry and doors that are a true work of art. Open floor plan and 640sq feet of outdoor porches as well as a massive 2400 sq foot attached garage can accommodate 6 vehicles. A 12x11 office could be used as a 3rd non-conforming bedroom. The home sits atop the ridge of Mud Creek and outside the 500-year
Built in 1907, this beautifully maintained home welcomes you with timeless character, thoughtful updates, and the kind of warmth that’s becoming harder to find. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by exceptional curb appeal, an inviting covered front porch perfect for morning coffee or evening conversations, mature landscaping, towering shade trees, and three established lilac bushes
Beautiful buildable lot with amazing views and great location. Directly across the street from a park, pavilion, and Vinton Parks and Recreation Department SPLASH PAD!! City utilities available.
Early opportunity for new construction by Haefner Construction! This thoughtfully designed 1,713 sq ft home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in a prime location directly across from a park, pavilion, and splash pad—perfect for enjoying the outdoors right out your front door. Inside, the open floor plan is ideal for modern living, with a layout perfectly suited for a spacious kitchen island. A
High Point Land Company is pleased to present 130 acres located in Benton County, Iowa, offering buyers a rare opportunity to own a turn-key investment property with dependable annual income and excellent recreational value. Properties that combine strong income with quality habitat are becoming increasingly difficult to find, and this farm offers both in a highly desirable location.The
Move-in ready traditional 4-bedroom brick home featuring over 1600 finished square feet. Welcoming roomy front porch, new eat-in kitchen with stainless appliances, updated bath with storage cabinetry, first floor laundry in bonus breezeway area off of kitchen. New flooring and paint throughout with neutral colors. Home features bedroom on main which could also be used as a den, dining room or
ready to build your dream home? take this opportunity for a lot in a growing development! This lot will be located right across from the future development park and no back yard neighbors!
Embrace Historic Charm: A Victorian Masterpiece Awaiting Your Vision. Step back in time and bring your modern inspiration to this striking Victorian home, rich with architectural character and ready to be restored to its full glory. This property is eligible under the First Look Initiative, which expires after 30 full days on market. No investor offers will be considered until the first look
Professional office suite available in downtown Vinton, IA. Features a secure entrance, central air, and both front and back parking for convenience. Ideal for small businesses or remote professionals looking for a comfortable and accessible workspace in a central location.Don't miss this ideal spot to grow your business!Apply Online! Fast & Easy! (Copy & Paste
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
