$404,439Average Value$191Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
An extension of university housing
Melrose is just outside one of the state's most populous cities, which has a rich history, excellent arts and a growing dining scene. Still, it manages to feel like a small college town. Tailgating from sporting events takes over the streets, students walking to class set the pace of traffic and school pride runs deep in Iowa City, especially in Melrose. Just south of the University of Iowa campus, Melrose is a small neighborhood with many student renters and landlord-owned properties. A short walk from campus, the petite area could be considered an extension of the university. Highways, train tracks, and sports stadiums encompass the area, so while noise can be high, so can community involvement. "There are not only university activities but city-run events as well," says Taylor Blazek, a Realtor with Urban Acres Real Estate who has been selling in the area for over a decade. "Great schools are nearby, too. The neighborhood is right at the center of it all."
From above, Melrose shines as a cozy, welcoming community.
Melrose boasts an eclectic mix of housing styles.
1/2
Home of the Hawkeyes
Outside the homes and a small church, the area consists of parking lots for commuting students. However, those parking lots turn into the central hub for tailgating during sports games. Trash cans and portable toilets line the perimeters, and thousands of students, parents and local fans come out in a sea of black and gold to support the Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. "If you're not going to be out at the sports games on those days, you don't even want to live in those neighborhoods," Blazek says. "It's wall-to-wall packed, and all the streets are blocked off." Outside of football, the residents gather for baseball games at Duane Banks Field and check out shows and performances through the university's art programs. Summers are significantly quieter in Iowa City when students head home for break. Still, downtown events keep locals busy. Summer of the Arts is a big event that features jazz festivals, blues performances and silent DJs. Restaurants open their doors at the summer block party, allowing shoppers to grab a drink before walking around downtown.
Living in Melrose means being minutes away from the University of Iowa’s vibrant campus.
Melrose’s proximity to the University of Iowa Hospital is a major perk for residents.
1/2
Tailgating around the homes on every street
The tiny neighborhood has only 100 houses, but architecture varies greatly on the streets of Melrose. Small ranch-style homes and cottages are the least expensive in the area, starting at $250,000, while Colonial Revivals and new traditional homes with Dutch or Tudor inspiration reach $575,000. Detached garages and large driveways are standard for fitting many cars, which is handy for the students who end up renting the homes. "Very few available homes pop up there because investors buy them and then hold onto them as student housing," Blazek says. "It's less residential and more of an investment area." In fact, many landlords have it written on their leases that the residents must be out and away from their units for the day for the seven home football games of the season. The lawns and driveways are converted into event parking spaces for the landlords to sell for the day. While most residents don't own their properties, some people – hopefully big Hawkeye fans – decide to set down roots in Melrose because of its proximity and conveniences.
Hawkeye pride is alive in Melrose, just blocks from Kinnick Stadium.
Living in Melrose means easy access to the excitement of Hawkeye football at Kinnick.
1/2
Walk or bike to work or class
Every house is within walking distance of the university and the campus's associated hospitals and medical buildings. During the week, roads can be congested due to students walking to and from class. Roads are narrow, so street parking isn't allowed. Still, sidewalks are plentiful, and the quiet roads lend themselves nicely to biking commuters. Melrose Ave takes drivers and bus riders west, and Highway 1 connects to the main thoroughfares and routes that cover Greater Iowa City. The nearest regional airport, Eastern Iowa Airport, is 22 miles northwest.
The University of Iowa Hospital is a quick bike ride from the heart of Melrose.
Melrose’s location makes walking to the University of Iowa Hospital a breeze.
1/2
Curling up with a book and a coffee
The neighborhood has no restaurants or shops, but plenty of dining options are nearby. Hudson's Southside Tap serves American classics like burgers, wings, fried appetizers and massive salads. The outdoor patio has bistro lights hanging from the ceiling and flowery vines climbing up the beams and trellises. Patrons can wash down their meals with a flight from the tap list, which features over 30 ales, sours, lagers and more. Kids love the reading nooks and shelves of books at Sidekick Coffee & Books. The place is for more than just kids; it serves espresso drinks, wine, and cocktails for adults. Toasted scones, cinnamon rolls and cookies keep residents warm in the winter, while milkshakes and sundaes from the ice cream bar keep them cool in the summer. Aldi is just 1 mile south for stocking up on groceries, but Hillcrest C-Store is the nearest convenience store for quick snacks and beverages.
The cozy charm of Sidekick Coffee & Books makes it a Melrose favorite.
Locals love Hudson’s Southside Tap for its friendly atmosphere and great food.
1/2
Plenty of walking trails by the water
When not tailgating in the backyard, locals get outside at Brookland Park. Home to a small playground, pavilion and picnic benches, it's a great spot to relax with a book or a walk around the brook. The park's trails extend to neighborhoods south of Melrose, but walkers should take extra precautions when crossing the train tracks that run the southern border. The brook is also prone to flooding, as is the valley in the forest close to the Iowa River. Along the river, extending 2 miles from Melrose to City Park is the Iowa River Corridor Trail. The paved trail also leads to pedestrian bridges that cross over the river into Downtown Iowa City.
Melrose residents enjoy fishing along the peaceful banks of the Iowa River.
Melrose residents enjoy relaxing strolls through the shaded paths of Brookland Park.
1/2
The best public high school in the state
Young students who live in the eastern half of Melrose can expect to attend Lincoln Elementary School, rated an A by Niche. Those in the western half can attend Ernest Horn Elementary, a B-rated school. Middle schoolers come together at B-rated Northwest Junior High School before moving on to West High School. According to Niche, West is the best public high school in the state and has the best college prep program. The campus is also noted for its STEM program — the third best in the state.
Horn Elementary School helps young Melrose residents thrive in a supportive environment.
Northwest Junior High provides a strong foundation for Melrose’s middle school students.
Melrose students excel with the opportunities and support at West High School.
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 neighborhood?
Reach out to
Matthew Lepic,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
City Park
Brookland Park
Transit
Airport
The Eastern Iowa
34 min drive
Bus
Riverside Dr & Myrtle Ave
Bus
Melrose Ave & South Grand Ave
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Melrose
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Melrose, Iowa City sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Melrose, Iowa City over the last 12 months is $390,000.
One owner single family home + a shop in a great location! Single family home offers sprawling living space including a living room, kitchen with newer refrigerator, 3 bedrooms on the main with hardwood under carpet and one full bath. Bonus addition/family room with wood burning fireplace! Lower level offers more space with a workshop, nonconforming bedroom, great storage, and a second bathroom
The height of Hawkeye Student Living -Coming Fall 2025. Experience the electric feel of living in Iowa City and press play on your future at Replay. Our thoughtfully designed floor plans cater to every lifestyle, offering options from cozy one-bedroom apartments to spacious three-bedroom units, each featuring private bathrooms for ultimate convenience and privacy. Discover your ideal living space
801 Melrose Avenue Iowa City IA - One Bedroom Apartment For Rent! West Campus!Call Us Now or Email Us Now To Schedule A Private Showing! Sorry No Pets! No Smoking! One Bedroom One Bathroom Apartment For Rent! Great West Campus Location! Right Across The Street From Kinnick Stadium & University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics! Walk to University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Pharmacy,
1 Triangle Place Iowa City IA - One Bedroom Apartment For Rent! West Campus!Call Us Now or Email Us Now To Schedule A Private Showing! Sorry No Pets! No Smoking! Newly Remodeled One Bedroom One Bathroom Apartment For Rent! Great West Campus Location! Right Across The Street From Kinnick Stadium & University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics! New Kitchen Cabinets! New Stainless
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Matthew Lepic,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
274
Median Age
28
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.8%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$49,999
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$54,157
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.1%
College Graduates
57.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
30''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
70/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
43/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
56/ 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.
