Growth in Washington is driven by schools and lower home prices
Agriculture, Midwestern charm and city conveniences converge in Washington, a city of about 7,000 people and the seat of Washington County. The city hums with activity thanks to a thriving Main Street and a regular slate of events, but strong agricultural roots give it a laid-back atmosphere. “Washington is a growing town about 40 minutes south of Iowa City with their own school system,” says Matthew Lepic, a broker associate with Lepic-Kroeger Realtors with more than 20 years of real estate experience. “That growth is driven by people leaving the big cities like Cedar Rapids and Iowa City for the school system and the lower cost of living.”
New builds and 20th century homes
Washington has a blend of existing homes built throughout the 1900s in the center of town and new construction in subdivisions toward the outskirts. Homes from the early 1900s typically feature styles like National, bungalow, American Foursquare, Victorian and Colonial Revival, while ranch-style and split-level homes were more popular after the 1950s. Older homes tend to have driveways and detached garages, although some homeowners have added attached garages. New builds in housing additions like Country Club View sport Craftsman-inspired details and single-level designs. The median sale price is about $200,000, which is lower than Iowa City’s median of roughly $300,000.
Washington public schools offer dual credit, plus a private elementary
“The school system is smaller, and people like that,” Lepic says. “They have great sporting facilities too.” Washington Community School District serves about 1,800 students and receives a C rating from Niche. The school system has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, according to Niche. Two elementary schools feed into one middle school and one high school. High schoolers can choose from more than 30 dual credit courses offered through Kirkwood Community College. Washington is also home to St. James Catholic Elementary School, a pre-kindergarten through fifth grade facility that is unrated by Niche.
Main Street has American, Italian and Mexican restaurants
Downtown Washington surrounds Central Park, a hub for community events like the farmers market and the Thursday Night Live concert series in the summer and fall. “Their downtown area is really cool with older buildings and some good shopping with good, local places to eat,” Lepic says. Café Dodici has Italian fare, while the adjoining Dodici’s Shop has wine, chocolates, and gourmet wraps and sandwiches. Frontier Family Restaurant has breakfast skillets and comfort food, while Unc and Neph’s serves up burgers, sandwiches and brews. There are several Mexican restaurants in town like La Morenita Tienda y Taqueria, a Hispanic grocery store and eatery. Residents grab groceries at Fareway, Hy-Vee and Walmart.
Outdoor fun at Wellness Park and performances at indoor venues
Several parks and playgrounds in town provide room to roam and play, but the newest addition is Wellness Park, an 80-acre expanse with a baseball and softball complex near the new YMCA of Washington County and aquatic center. The park features a playground, soccer fields, a sand volleyball court and access to the 14-mile Kewash Nature Trail, and plans call for a fishing pond, more trails and a four-season shelter. A few miles outside town, Clemmons Creek Wildlife and Recreation has nearly 300 acres of wildlife and wetlands for hiking, archery, hunting and fishing. Golfers tee off at Washington Golf and Country Club, a semi-private 9-hole course open to the public. Locals can catch a live performance at Washington Community Theater or the Washington Area Performing Arts and Events Center. State Theater has been screening movies since 1897 and was certified as the world’s oldest continually operating cinema theater by Guinness World Records in 2016.
Craft shows and a legendary Christmas play
More than 100 vendors showcase their wares at the spring and fall craft shows in Washington. The community has local traditions like Pink Friday, the local precursor to Black Friday, held the weekend before Thanksgiving. The holiday season starts on November 30 with a tree lighting ceremony, a lighted parade, a candlelight tour of homes and breakfast with Santa. Marion Avenue Baptist Church has held a theatrical performance known as the Live Animal Christmas Show for 50 years. The show features scenes from the Bible brought to life through costumes, songs and, of course, animals.
In addition to Marion Avenue Baptist Church, Washington has churches like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. James Catholic Church, United Methodist Church and New Hope Mennonite Church.
Iowa City is 40 minutes away
State Route 92 runs through the center of town and intersects with Route 1 on the west side of town. Washington County Hospital offers medical care in town and is a major employer. Cedar Rapids has domestic flights about 60 miles away, but Des Moines International Airport has more options about 100 miles away. Iowa City is within a 30-mile drive. While the area is mostly car-dependent, bikers can hop on the Kewash Nature Trail and pedal 14 miles to Keota. An active rail line in town can cause occasional delays.
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Written By
Leslie Klosterman
