Rent to own Homes in Mason City, IA
Home to just over 27,700 Iowans, Mason City is located in Cerro Gordo County (for which it's the county seat), and covers 28.1 square miles. The city has important waterways, such as the Winnebago River and Willow Creek, that run through town as a constant reminder of the city's appropriate nickname, River City. With a rich musical heritage, ample amusement places, big city amenities and plenty of natural space, it's easy to see why Mason City is regarded as one of America's best small towns. Mason City's mix of hospitality and entertainment is certain to win over any soul.
Mason City, IA is a great place for affordable rent-to-own homes! With a median household income of over $53,406 and a median rent of $733, the Mason City, IA rent-to-own market is more affordable than the traditional housing market which has shown tremendous growth across the U.S. and with it, aggressive competition for home purchases. With the current housing shortage trend it can make it harder to become a homeowner, including in Mason City, IA. This means higher than average down payments for homes and higher qualification standards for conventional home loans. With a rent-to-own property, tenants are also buyers. You can live in the house for a set amount of time before you purchase it, meaning that you get to know the house, your neighbors, and your community before making the final purchase. This enables you and your family to make the right choice based on both information and experience. Rent-to-own is also a great alternative way to get into a home if you have bad credit or don't have enough saved for a down payment.
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Mason City, IA is seeing rapid growth and Mason City, IA's' housing market remains optimal with an average home price that is -48% below the 2024 national average. Mason City, IA is part of Cerro Gordo county and taxes are an important factor to consider when purchasing a home whether through rent to own or a traditional purchase. The average tax rate as of 2024 for county Cerro Gordo is 1.15% which is above the national average, which is 0.99%.
Median Home Price in Mason City, IA
Median Rent in Mason City, IA
Top 4 Reasons to Live in Mason City, IA
Get outside and smell the fresh air! Mason City is full of outdoor entertainment. The River City Sculptures on Parade covers a 1.6 mile trail and showcases beautiful sculpture art works. Golfers can play a round of 18 holes at Highland Park Golf Course, a championship-style par-72 venue. Those looked for some rugged fun can spend a night camping out at MacNider Campgrounds. Mason City also boasts many parks, including the 57.6-acre East Park, which offers incredible views of the town's waterways and numerous activities. The Lime Creek Conservation Area is a gorgeous nature preserve that's situated on the outskirts of town and is great for all sorts of excursions, from hiking to hunting.
Get a historic prairie-style house! 30.4% of housing units in Mason City were constructed before 1940, and many of these feature classic prairie architecture. Many of these prairie-style homes have been nationally recognized as historic landmarks. The Rock Glen and Rock Crest areas are worth exploring for these types of homes. The Dr. G.C. Stockman House, for instance, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is a stunning classic example of the Prairie School architecture that has become identifiable with the Mason City region. Although you can't live in this dwelling now (it's a museum), you can find prairie houses for sale or rent in areas throughout town.
Enjoy a feast anytime! Mason City has all the familiar chain eateries, but the independently-owned restaurants are the true treat. Housed in Historic Park Inn Hotel, the 1910 Grille is the spot for fine dining in town. Pete's Kitchen serves tasty homemade sandwiches and a variety of desserts. And Willow Run Lounge is great for those wanting to have pub food along with a few drinks.
Decide to buy or rent! 33% of housing units in Mason City are being leased, which is higher than Iowa's average. With a nice mix of homeowners and renters, newcomers here can select among many for sale and for rent listings. There are even some rent to own homes available. To find a suitable property in Mason City, look at a variety of listings, from those near Lester Milligan Park to those around Southbridge Mall.