$159,237Average Value$157Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Small town living just outside of Waterloo
The small town of Washburn offers slower paced living just outside of the Cedar Valley. Rudy Navarro, a resident of 8 years, says he enjoys the community because of its privacy and friendly neighbors.
“People mind their business, which is something I like,” he says. “They’re very friendly, but they’re not really nosey. You can light fireworks on the 4th of July, and nobody will say anything to you, have a bonfire in your backyard, and nobody is going to say anything.”
Navarro says that along with privacy and friendly neighbors, Washburn’s well-kept streets make it stand out from other communities. “Washburn is very clean,” he says. “Everybody takes care of their houses. The lawns are cut, and the houses are very nice. You won’t see too many run-down houses.”
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Using La Porte Road to get into town
Washburn is approximately 7 miles south of Waterloo and 8 miles north of La Porte City. Sherri Wilson, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Elevated Real Estate, says this fact makes Washburn more appealing to a selection of buyers.
“It’s one of the more desired areas because you’re only 12 to 15 minutes from everything — grocery shopping, entertainment, dinner — but you live far enough outside of the Cedar Valley that you don't have to deal with the bustle,” she says.
However, Navarro says that distance from city centers can also have downsides. “If you need something quick, you’re going to have to drive out of town. That can take about 10-15 minutes. That’s just something that I’ve learned to live with.”
There are no sidewalks, bike lanes or public transit routes. La Porte Road — also known as US 218 — is the area's major transportation point.
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1950s and 60s homes
Minimal traditional and ranch-style houses with shingle siding line the majority of streets of Washburn. Most were built in the 1950s and 60s and have two to three bedrooms. While the average size of a house is about 1,0000 square feet, most homes are closer to the 700 to 800 square foot range. Lot sizes, on the other hand, are some of the largest in the area, with the median being close to 13,000 square feet. With no sidewalks, driveways directly merge into the narrow roads. Established trees sit in front and backyards, and some homes feature well-kept gardens. Prices range from $80,000 to $175,000, although there are outliers on Elm Street.
Elm is the only residential Washburn Street north of East Washburn Avenue. It’s home to a handful of houses, including brick homes built in the 1930s. Homes there can cost up to $230,000.
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Nearby public schools
Washburn doesn’t have its own school district, so most families send their kids to Waterloo Community Schools. Orange Elementary has a C-plus rating on Niche and is about 5 miles north of Washburn. Hoover Middle, which has a B-minus, is a popular next step and is located about 7 miles north. Waterloo West High School also has a B-minus and is about 8 miles north. The high school offers over 40 clubs and activities including eSports, Bible Club and Bowling.
Hoover Middle School in Waterloo fosters academic excellence and personal growth.
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Mo’s, The Moose Lodge and East San Marnan
Washburn doesn’t have much shopping and dining, but it does have a few options. Mo's One More Lounge is a bar and grill known for its laid-back atmosphere and cheeseburgers served between two grilled cheese sandwiches. The Moose Lodge offers a rotating menu and a variety of social events, sharing regular updates via its Facebook page. Guests can participate in a Dart and Pool League, Wednesday Night Rummy Tournaments and an Annual Craft and Bake Sale.
Washburn is also just 5 miles south of East San Marnan Drive, Waterloo’s major shopping district and home to Walmart, Sam’s Club and Menards.
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Cedar Terrace Park, Lost Island Waterpark and Lost Island Theme Park
There are no parks in Washburn, but there are recreation options within 5 miles. Cedar Terrace Park is a small area 3 miles north with a playscape, picnic table and open field. The town is also 3 miles south of Lost Island Waterpark and Lost Island Theme Park. The waterpark features multiple water slides swimming pools, an arcade, a mini-golf course and more. The theme park is separate from the waterpark and has over 30 rides and playgrounds.
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Washburn Block Party
The Washburn Community Association hosted the community’s first block party in August 2024. The free event featured games and activities such as skee ball, bowling, and mini golf. Plus, Hometown Heroes BBQ sold barbecue plates, which went quickly Navarro says.
“It wasn’t too big—it stretched about six houses—but the food ran out, so it was a good turn out,” Navarro says. “The kids definitely loved it. They had a bunch of activities like face painting, balloons, snow cones, prizes and games. It was a good time.”
Navarro says the Washburn Community Association has plans to continue to host the second block party in 2025.
Downtown Waterloo - Waterloo Urban Farmers Market
Formed and Made Market showcases Waterloo’s vibrant artisan community.
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
Karmen Schwake,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Cedar Terrace Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Washburn
US
Homicide
1
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
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Washburn, Waterloo sell after 3 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Washburn, Waterloo over the last 12 months is $137,875, down 11% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, May 4th (1:30 PM-3:00 PM) Looking for country living with picturesque views, but still only 10 minutes from town? This lovely home has a corner lot with nearly acre, nestled in a quiet neighborhood on the edge of town. Living room looks out upon beautiful fields with many opportunities to see deer, turkeys, and great views of both the sunrise and sunset! There are 3
Check out this conveniently located 3 bedroom home in Washburn, IA. A ranch home situated on over a half acre of land, this ranch home is the perfect spot for you to call home. On the main floor there are 3 bedrooms, the bathroom, combo kitchen and dining area, and a large living room. Downstairs has all the potential for the new owner to create more livable space or to have ample storage space.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Karmen Schwake,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
842
Median Age
44
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.5%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$85,416
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$97,860
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.6%
College Graduates
25.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.7%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
11°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
24''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
35/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
8/ 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.
