Where are the best neighborhoods in Iowa City? I get asked this a lot and yet there’s no point in me answering that question since it would be totally subjective. What I can do to help is introduce you to neighborhoods in Iowa City. Today I’m looking at homes and neighborhoods in the  Shimek Elementary School District. Looking at neighborhoods by school district is the most efficient way to look at neighborhoods. Schools affect the desireability of an area and ultimately that will impact the price of real estate. This is universal, not just in Iowa City. Houses close or within walking distance of the University of Iowa are a prime example of how that works. Location is still king and you will pay to be close to the UIOWA!

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Housing Trends in the Shimek Neighborhood

28 homes sold in the Shimek School District in 2011 (and that was up compared to 2010 when only 23 sold). This is the lowest number of homes sold in all the Iowa City school districts, although of course a contributing factor to that is that Shimek is also a smaller school district. Nonetheless, it’s still one of the areas in Iowa City with a lower turn over rate of homes. In other words there are generally less homes for sale in the Shimek neighborhoods than in some other neighborhoods in Iowa City. The lower east side for instance or the west side in the Weber school district have a much higher turn over rate of homes with folks moving much more frequently. The takeaway from that is if you see a house in the Shimek neighborhood you like you should jump on it. No waiting for something better to come on the market – You might be in for a long wait!

This link takes you to listings of homes for sale in the Shimek School District where the Broker participates in IDX. (Not all Brokers do. Beats me why that is. I can’t think of a single reason why Brokers wouldn’t want more exposure for their sellers!) The lowest priced home on the list is $156,500, (there are only two listed under 200k). Median price for single family homes currently listed is $339,000.  The highest priced home listed is $650,000.

Amenities in the Shimek Neighborhood

A big plus of living in the north of Iowa City is that I-80 Exits 244 and 246 are close by. (Access to the Interstate is missing on the east side and something you should factor in if it’s important to you). Downtown Iowa City is less than 10 minutes away via N Dodge St. As is the case with all neighborhoods in Iowa City, there’s a park close by. (Iowa City has 41 parks at the last count so regardless of where you live there will always be a park close by). In this case it’s Hickory Hill Park. Iowa City is very “Green.” And I’m not just talking about parks, the City also has a strong focus on taking care of the environment.  ECO Iowa City for instance is an initiative to improve environmental sustainability in Iowa City. The University of Iowa participates in a big way too.

If you’re relocating to Iowa City and need a Buyer’s Agent to help you find the right home in the right neighborhood to fit your lifestyle give me a call. As you can see, we have some very fine neighborhoods to choose from!

While I’m here, let me share with you a couple of links to other neighborhoods I visited with clients recently. Watch out for more. I often stay behind after clients leave to take photos.  I’ll cover as many neighborhoods as time permits in future posts.

Stunning Pond Views in the Wellington Neighborhood

A Sunny Day in the Goosetown Neighborhood