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What I Like Best About Mason City Iowa

In 2018, U.S. News and World Report named Iowa the #1 state in the country. Mason City is the largest city in Northern Central Iowa and is the crown jewel of the area. What is it that makes Mason City IA so desirable? 

Located in the heart of the Midwest, Mason City IA offers award-winning attractions, one-of-a-kind shops, eateries, and fabulous shopping – all blended with rich history and stunning architecture. It is a family friendly city with neighborhoods for every life style and income.

People

With a population of approximately 28,000, Mason City offers small town living with a friendliness that rivals ‘southern hospitality’. If you enjoy neighbors who wave and stop to chat, are there for you in a pinch, and you can borrow a cup of sugar from, then Mason City is your kind of town.

Vibrant Downtown

Located on the Winnebago River, Mason City is known as the “River City” with a walkable and picturesque downtown with an abundance of shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities.

The Mason City Downtown Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Most notably is the selection of 32 houses and commercial buildings designed in the Prairie School architecture, 17 of which are located on the National Register, and built between 1908 and 1922. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Stockman House, Park Inn Hotel, and the National City Bank.

Another claim to fame is favorite son, Meredith Wilson, who wrote and composed the musical “The Music Man” in 1962. Mason City was the inspiration for the play and movie, however, the movie was filmed on location and not in Mason City.

Parks and Trails

Outdoor activities abound in Mason City. Its numerous city parks offer play grounds, fishing, sports, picnicking, camping and more. And there are plenty of biking and walking trails, places for canoeing and kayaking, sports complexes, golf courses, and more.

The Lime Creek Nature Center is the premier conservation education facility in Iowa. Consisting of 440 acres atop the limestone bluffs of the Winnebago River, it includes an outdoor amphitheater, hands-on nature displays, and nearly nine miles of trails through prairie, forest, and wetland habitat provide remarkable experiences.

Convenience

Located only 120 miles north of Des Moines and 135 miles South of Minneapolis/St. Paul, you can conveniently enjoy a weekend “in the city”.

Health Care

Mercy One, a 346-bed regional referral teaching center, is known as a little Mayo Clinic (which is located 90 miles away) in Rochester MN.

Mercy One and Mason City Clinic offers a Heart Center, Expanded Cancer Center, Level II Trauma Center, a Diabetes Center of Excellence, a Bariatric Center of Excellence, a Stroke Center of Excellence, and a newly remodeled Behavioral Health Center and has ranked in the top 100 nationally for nine consecutive years.

Schools

AreaVibes.com give Mason City IA schools an A+ with an 89% graduation rate… 1 higher than Iowa and 7% higher than U.S. averages.

The North Iowa Area Community College is amazing, offering degrees in agriculture, arts and sciences, business including an entrepreneur center, industrial technology, continuing education, and health. Health education takes place in a brand new Health Care Simulation Center; a state-of-the-art medical training facility.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Mason City  is 3% lower than Iowa and 12% less than the U.S. average.

The median home price for Mason City homes is $102,800, which is 22.6% lower than the Iowa and 44% lower than the U.S. average.

If you are looking to relocate to Mason City, buy your first home here, or buy your last home here, it would be our privilege to assist you with your move. Give us a call today , 641-424-HOME (4663), and let’s get started! Visit https://www.janefischer.com/ for more info!

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