Why Live in Washburn
Washburn, located approximately 7 miles south of Waterloo and 8 miles north of La Porte City, is a neighborhood that offers a quieter lifestyle while still being within a 12 to 15-minute drive from essential amenities such as grocery stores, entertainment, and dining options. The area lacks sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transit routes, with La Porte Road (US 218) serving as the main transportation artery. Washburn does not have its own school district, so children typically attend Waterloo Community Schools, with Orange Elementary, Hoover Middle, and Waterloo West High School being the primary options, all within 8 miles north of the neighborhood.
Local dining includes Mo's One More Lounge, known for its unique cheeseburgers, and the Moose Lodge, which hosts various social events and leagues. For shopping, residents can head 5 miles north to East San Marnan Drive in Waterloo, which features major retailers like Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Menards. Recreational opportunities are available within a 5-mile radius, including Cedar Terrace Park and the Lost Island Waterpark and Theme Park, which offer a variety of activities from water slides to mini-golf.
Housing in Washburn primarily consists of minimal traditional and ranch-style homes built in the 1950s and 60s, with most homes ranging from 700 to 800 square feet on large lots averaging 13,000 square feet. The neighborhood lacks sidewalks, so driveways lead directly onto narrow roads. Established trees and well-kept gardens are common features. Washburn is safer than the national average, making it a practical choice for those seeking a quieter lifestyle close to urban conveniences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washburn a good place to live?
Washburn is a good place to live. Washburn is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Washburn has 1 park for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 1.1 people per acre and a median age of 44. The average household income is $97,860 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 25.3% of residents. A majority of residents in Washburn are home owners, with 10.4% of residents renting and 89.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Washburn can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Washburn neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Washburn?
The median home price in Washburn is $549,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $109,800 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,840 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $122K a year to afford the median home price in Washburn. The average household income in Washburn is $98K.
What are the best public schools in Washburn?
The best public schools that serve Washburn are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Washburn, Waterloo, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Washburn, Waterloo, IA?
Home Trends in Washburn, IA
On average, homes in Washburn, Waterloo sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Washburn, Waterloo over the last 12 months is $567,500, up 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$567,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$223,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$549,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$655,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$485
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
Median List Price
$549,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
19%