Exploring the Zillow Home Value Index data reveals fascinating trends in Iowa’s most affordable neighborhoods. You’ll find that Waterloo dominates the list with 13 of the 25 least expensive neighborhoods in the state. The average home value among these neighborhoods is just $103,635, making them potential gems for first-time homebuyers and investors alike.
You might be surprised to learn that these affordable neighborhoods have experienced remarkable growth over the past 15 years, with an average appreciation of 91.86%. The King Irving neighborhood in Des Moines stands out with an astonishing 239.56% increase since 2010, transforming from one of Iowa’s most affordable areas to a neighborhood showing strong investment potential while remaining budget-friendly.
When you compare the 2020-2025 growth rates, you’ll notice that many neighborhoods accelerated their appreciation during this five-year period, suggesting increasing demand for affordable housing options across Iowa’s urban centers. Six major cities are represented, including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Davenport, Council Bluffs, and Dubuque, offering diverse options across the state.
1. Capitol View South (Des Moines)
- 2025 Value: $138,632.33
- 2010 Value: $48,017.82
- 2015 Value: $56,356.88
- 2020 Value: $119,891.00
- Change from 2010-2025: 188.71%
- Change from 2015-2025: 145.99%
- Change from 2020-2025: 15.63%
Offering views of Iowa’s iconic State Capitol from the south, Capitol View South in Des Moines tops our list with homes averaging $138,632 in 2025. This east side neighborhood has undergone dramatic transformation, with values nearly tripling (188.71% increase) from $48,018 in 2010. You’ll note moderate growth to $56,357 by 2015, followed by explosive appreciation to $119,891 by 2020—the bulk of its growth occurring in this five-year window. The more modest 15.63% increase since 2020 suggests this neighborhood may be stabilizing after its period of rapid appreciation, while still maintaining relative affordability in Iowa’s growing capital city.
2. King Irving (Des Moines)
- 2025 Value: $137,730.37
- 2010 Value: $40,561.72
- 2015 Value: $42,200.36
- 2020 Value: $82,088.26
- Change from 2010-2025: 239.56%
- Change from 2015-2025: 226.37%
- Change from 2020-2025: 67.78%
Just northwest of downtown Des Moines, King Irving stands as Iowa’s most dramatic growth story, with homes averaging $137,730 in 2025. This neighborhood has undergone a remarkable transformation, with values skyrocketing 239.56% from just $40,562 in 2010. After minimal movement to $42,200 by 2015, you’ve witnessed explosive appreciation of 226.37% over the following decade. The extraordinary 67.78% increase just since 2020 reflects Des Moines’ surging popularity and this neighborhood’s rapid revitalization, while still offering relative value compared to other capital city districts.
3. West Central (Waterloo)
- 2025 Value: $135,472.01
- 2010 Value: $79,312.87
- 2015 Value: $90,999.52
- 2020 Value: $99,961.82
- Change from 2010-2025: 70.81%
- Change from 2015-2025: 48.87%
- Change from 2020-2025: 35.52%
Positioned in the heart of Waterloo, West Central provides you convenient access to the city’s amenities with homes averaging $135,472 in 2025. This centrally located neighborhood has demonstrated solid long-term growth of 70.81% since 2010, when values averaged $79,313. Unlike many areas, West Central saw strong appreciation between 2010 and 2015, reaching $91,000 before continuing its upward trajectory at a more moderate pace. The healthy 35.52% increase since 2020 indicates sustained demand for this accessible Waterloo neighborhood that balances affordability with central convenience.
4. Highland (Waterloo)
- 2025 Value: $134,869.43
- 2010 Value: $78,600.27
- 2015 Value: $82,524.05
- 2020 Value: $93,151.21
- Change from 2010-2025: 71.59%
- Change from 2015-2025: 63.43%
- Change from 2020-2025: 44.79%
On elevated terrain in northern Waterloo, the aptly named Highland neighborhood offers you homes averaging $134,869 in 2025. This community has experienced healthy appreciation of 71.59% since 2010, when values averaged $78,600. You’ll find consistent growth across all periods, with values reaching $82,524 by 2015 and continuing their upward trajectory. The impressive 44.79% increase since 2020 demonstrates accelerating momentum in this Waterloo neighborhood, making it increasingly desirable while still maintaining relative affordability in the Cedar Valley region.
5. Mound View (Cedar Rapids)
- 2025 Value: $132,492.52
- 2010 Value: $78,814.64
- 2015 Value: $77,706.28
- 2020 Value: $95,063.06
- Change from 2010-2025: 68.11%
- Change from 2015-2025: 70.50%
- Change from 2020-2025: 39.37%
Elevated above Cedar Rapids with its namesake topography, Mound View gives you panoramic city views with homes averaging $132,493 in 2025. This northeast neighborhood has shown strong appreciation of 68.11% since 2010, when values averaged $78,815. After experiencing a slight dip to $77,706 by 2015, you’ve seen accelerated growth of 70.50% over the following decade. The robust 39.37% increase just since 2020 reflects growing demand for this affordable yet well-positioned Cedar Rapids community, offering exceptional value with its unique elevated perspective of the city.
6. Oakhill Jackson (Cedar Rapids)
- 2025 Value: $131,081.54
- 2010 Value: $70,537.43
- 2015 Value: $84,677.82
- 2020 Value: $101,014.97
- Change from 2010-2025: 85.83%
- Change from 2015-2025: 54.80%
- Change from 2020-2025: 29.76%
In southeast Cedar Rapids, the Oakhill Jackson neighborhood presents you with homes averaging $131,082 in 2025. This historically significant area has shown robust long-term growth of 85.83% since 2010, when values averaged $70,537. You’ll notice strong appreciation through each period, with values climbing to $84,678 by 2015 and continuing upward. The healthy 29.76% increase since 2020 indicates sustained momentum in this affordable Cedar Rapids community while maintaining its connection to the city’s rich history.
7. Mondamin Presidential (Des Moines)
- 2025 Value: $130,921.54
- 2010 Value: $47,274.38
- 2015 Value: $46,622.53
- 2020 Value: $79,861.77
- Change from 2010-2025: 176.94%
- Change from 2015-2025: 180.81%
- Change from 2020-2025: 63.94%
Located on Des Moines’ northwest side, Mondamin Presidential offers you homes at an average of $130,922 in 2025. This neighborhood showcases one of the most dramatic growth stories in Iowa, nearly tripling in value with a 176.94% increase since 2010, when homes averaged just $47,274. After a slight dip to $46,623 by 2015, you’ve seen extraordinary appreciation of 180.81% over the following decade. The remarkable 63.94% growth just since 2020 demonstrates this neighborhood’s surging popularity while still maintaining relative affordability in Iowa’s capital city.
8. North End (Dubuque)
- 2025 Value: $127,300.79
- 2010 Value: $68,744.34
- 2015 Value: $66,718.14
- 2020 Value: $82,928.52
- Change from 2010-2025: 85.18%
- Change from 2015-2025: 90.80%
- Change from 2020-2025: 53.51%
Overlooking the majestic Mississippi River in historic Dubuque, North End provides you with stunning natural beauty and 19th-century architecture at an average of $127,301 in 2025. This riverside neighborhood has seen remarkable appreciation of 85.18% since 2010, when homes averaged $68,744. After experiencing a slight decline to $66,718 by 2015, you’ve witnessed explosive growth of 90.80% over the following decade. The impressive 53.51% increase just since 2020 reflects rapidly growing interest in this affordable neighborhood within one of Iowa’s most scenic and historically significant cities.
9. Taylor (Cedar Rapids)
- 2025 Value: $126,647.56
- 2010 Value: $67,360.83
- 2015 Value: $76,399.28
- 2020 Value: $93,229.04
- Change from 2010-2025: 88.01%
- Change from 2015-2025: 65.77%
- Change from 2020-2025: 35.85%
Situated in northwest Cedar Rapids, the Taylor neighborhood gives you access to the city’s growing tech sector with homes averaging $126,648 in 2025. This community has nearly doubled in value since 2010, showing a healthy 88.01% increase from its former average of $67,361. You’ll find consistent growth across all periods, with values reaching $76,399 by 2015 and continuing their upward trajectory. The solid 35.85% appreciation since 2020 demonstrates sustained momentum in this affordable Cedar Rapids community, making it increasingly attractive to budget-conscious buyers looking to enter Iowa’s technology corridor.
10. Capitol East (Des Moines)
- 2025 Value: $123,665.18
- 2010 Value: $46,140.60
- 2015 Value: $47,403.85
- 2020 Value: $79,191.91
- Change from 2010-2025: 168.02%
- Change from 2015-2025: 160.88%
- Change from 2020-2025: 56.16%
Adjacent to Iowa’s gold-domed State Capitol in Des Moines, Capitol East provides you with iconic views and government district proximity at an average of $123,665 in 2025. This neighborhood exemplifies urban transformation, with home values more than doubling (168.02% growth) from $46,141 in 2010. The area saw minimal change through 2015 before experiencing explosive growth, with values increasing 160.88% over the next decade. The impressive 56.16% appreciation just since 2020 reflects Des Moines’ surging popularity while this east-side neighborhood remains relatively affordable compared to other capital city districts.
11. Downtown (Council Bluffs)
- 2025 Value: $122,153.47
- 2010 Value: $50,262.76
- 2015 Value: $56,414.53
- 2020 Value: $78,627.21
- Change from 2010-2025: 143.03%
- Change from 2015-2025: 116.53%
- Change from 2020-2025: 55.36%
Just across the Missouri River from Omaha, Downtown Council Bluffs offers you urban living at $122,153 in 2025—a fraction of neighboring Nebraska’s urban home prices. This revitalizing district has seen phenomenal growth, with values nearly tripling (143.03% increase) from $50,263 in 2010. You’ll notice steady appreciation through each period, with particularly accelerated growth recently—a remarkable 55.36% increase since 2020 alone. The neighborhood’s proximity to Omaha’s job market combined with Iowa’s lower cost of living makes this an increasingly attractive option that still offers significant value.
12. Wellington Heights (Cedar Rapids)
- 2025 Value: $112,152.46
- 2010 Value: $58,057.26
- 2015 Value: $60,720.99
- 2020 Value: $78,463.32
- Change from 2010-2025: 93.18%
- Change from 2015-2025: 84.70%
- Change from 2020-2025: 42.94%
In the historic southeast quadrant of Cedar Rapids, Wellington Heights gives you access to Iowa’s second-largest city with homes averaging $112,152 in 2025. You’re looking at impressive long-term appreciation, with values nearly doubling (93.18% increase) since 2010, when the average was just $58,057. The neighborhood saw modest growth through 2015, followed by accelerating appreciation over the following decade. With a robust 42.94% increase just since 2020, Wellington Heights demonstrates strong recent momentum while remaining one of Cedar Rapids’ most affordable neighborhoods.
13. Doe’s (Waterloo)
- 2025 Value: $97,390.04
- 2010 Value: $56,474.08
- 2015 Value: $56,499.71
- 2020 Value: $68,348.98
- Change from 2010-2025: 72.45%
- Change from 2015-2025: 72.37%
- Change from 2020-2025: 42.49%
Tucked in the northwest quadrant of Waterloo, Doe’s neighborhood offers you homes averaging $97,390 in 2025. This area has experienced healthy long-term growth of 72.45% since 2010, when values averaged $56,474. What’s particularly interesting is how the neighborhood remained virtually unchanged between 2010 and 2015, before beginning a period of accelerated growth. You’ll find the recent momentum especially notable, with a substantial 42.49% increase since 2020, suggesting rapidly increasing demand for this still-affordable Waterloo community.
14. East Fourteenth Street (Davenport)
- 2025 Value: $94,263.76
- 2010 Value: $61,867.47
- 2015 Value: $60,188.97
- 2020 Value: $76,058.11
- Change from 2010-2025: 52.36%
- Change from 2015-2025: 56.61%
- Change from 2020-2025: 23.94%
The East Fourteenth Street corridor in central Davenport presents you with housing averaging $94,264 in 2025, offering excellent value in this Mississippi River city. This established neighborhood has shown resilient growth of 52.36% since 2010, when values averaged $61,867. After a slight dip to $60,189 by 2015, you’ve seen accelerating appreciation over the following decade, with a solid 23.94% increase just since 2020. The neighborhood’s central location combined with its continued affordability makes it an increasingly attractive option for budget-conscious buyers in the Quad Cities region.
15. Cityview (Waterloo)
- 2025 Value: $88,373.46
- 2010 Value: $38,636.82
- 2015 Value: $46,280.25
- 2020 Value: $53,940.72
- Change from 2010-2025: 128.73%
- Change from 2015-2025: 90.95%
- Change from 2020-2025: 63.83%
True to its name, Cityview in Waterloo offers you panoramic urban vistas while remaining affordable at $88,373 in 2025. This neighborhood showcases one of the most impressive growth stories on our list, more than doubling in value with a 128.73% increase since 2010, when homes averaged just $38,637. You’ll notice steady appreciation through each period, with particularly accelerated growth recently—a remarkable 63.83% increase since 2020 alone. This dramatic upward trajectory while still maintaining relative affordability makes Cityview one of Waterloo’s most compelling up-and-coming neighborhoods.
16. Cork Hill (Davenport)
- 2025 Value: $86,906.80
- 2010 Value: $60,619.09
- 2015 Value: $44,906.23
- 2020 Value: $65,159.69
- Change from 2010-2025: 43.37%
- Change from 2015-2025: 93.53%
- Change from 2020-2025: 33.38%
Perched on the bluffs of eastern Davenport, Cork Hill gives you Mississippi River views with homes averaging just $86,907 in 2025. This neighborhood demonstrates a fascinating market cycle, starting at $60,619 in 2010 before experiencing a significant drop to $44,906 by 2015, then rebounding dramatically with a 93.53% increase over the following decade. You’ll appreciate the strong recent momentum, with values climbing 33.38% since 2020, making this river city neighborhood an increasingly attractive option that still offers exceptional affordability in the Quad Cities region.
17. Chautauqua Park (Waterloo)
- 2025 Value: $86,069.09
- 2010 Value: $64,614.67
- 2015 Value: $58,461.50
- 2020 Value: $60,617.13
- Change from 2010-2025: 33.20%
- Change from 2015-2025: 47.22%
- Change from 2020-2025: 41.99%
Built around its historic namesake park in northwest Waterloo, Chautauqua Park neighborhood offers you homes averaging $86,069 in 2025. This community has followed an unusual trajectory, starting at $64,615 in 2010 before dipping to $58,462 by 2015, then experiencing only modest recovery to $60,617 by 2020. What makes this area particularly interesting is its recent surge, with a remarkable 41.99% growth in just the last five years, suggesting renewed interest in this park-adjacent, historically significant neighborhood while still maintaining affordability.
18. Riverfront (Waterloo)
- 2025 Value: $82,557.14
- 2010 Value: $51,194.91
- 2015 Value: $55,739.02
- 2020 Value: $64,130.30
- Change from 2010-2025: 61.26%
- Change from 2015-2025: 48.11%
- Change from 2020-2025: 28.73%
The Riverfront district along the Cedar River in downtown Waterloo gives you urban waterfront living at the surprisingly affordable average of $82,557 in 2025. You’re looking at solid long-term appreciation of 61.26% since 2010, when homes averaged $51,195. The neighborhood saw modest growth through 2015, reaching $55,739, before accelerating over the next decade. With a healthy 28.73% increase since 2020, this waterfront area continues to offer value while benefiting from Waterloo’s ongoing downtown revitalization efforts.
19. Unity (Waterloo)
- 2025 Value: $81,203.00
- 2010 Value: $57,485.85
- 2015 Value: $50,087.62
- 2020 Value: $59,963.21
- Change from 2010-2025: 41.26%
- Change from 2015-2025: 62.12%
- Change from 2020-2025: 35.42%
In central Waterloo, the Unity neighborhood offers you homes averaging $81,203 in 2025, still well below the state average. This community presents an interesting growth pattern, starting at $57,486 in 2010 before experiencing a dip to $50,088 by 2015. Since then, you’ve seen remarkable recovery and growth, with a 62.12% increase over the following decade. The neighborhood’s recent momentum is particularly notable, with a 35.42% jump since 2020, indicating strengthening demand for this centrally located yet affordable area.
20. Gates Park (Waterloo)
- 2025 Value: $78,306.72
- 2010 Value: $36,292.67
- 2015 Value: $42,639.64
- 2020 Value: $48,914.52
- Change from 2010-2025: 115.76%
- Change from 2015-2025: 83.65%
- Change from 2020-2025: 60.09%
Adjacent to its namesake public park in northeast Waterloo, Gates Park neighborhood presents you with one of Iowa’s most dramatic growth stories while remaining affordable at $78,307 in 2025. This area has more than doubled in value since 2010, with an impressive 115.76% increase from its former average of just $36,293. You’ll notice steady growth through 2015, followed by accelerating appreciation over the next decade. Most remarkable is the neighborhood’s recent surge, with a 60.09% increase since 2020 alone—among the highest five-year growth rates on this list—suggesting rapidly increasing demand for this park-adjacent community.
21. Cedar River (Waterloo)
- 2025 Value: $74,463.84
- 2010 Value: $42,412.95
- 2015 Value: $46,974.25
- 2020 Value: $56,942.45
- Change from 2010-2025: 75.57%
- Change from 2015-2025: 58.52%
- Change from 2020-2025: 30.77%
The aptly named Cedar River neighborhood gives you proximity to Waterloo’s defining waterway while maintaining affordability at $74,464 in 2025. You’ll find this area has experienced robust growth of 75.57% since 2010, when values averaged just $42,413. The neighborhood saw steady appreciation through 2015, reaching $46,974, before accelerating its growth over the next decade. With a strong 30.77% increase just since 2020, you’re looking at an area with solid recent momentum while still remaining among Iowa’s most accessible housing markets.
22. Riverview (Waterloo)
- 2025 Value: $70,747.96
- 2010 Value: $50,814.26
- 2015 Value: $57,303.88
- 2020 Value: $60,633.46
- Change from 2010-2025: 39.23%
- Change from 2015-2025: 23.46%
- Change from 2020-2025: 16.68%
Along the scenic Cedar River in Waterloo, Riverview offers you affordable housing with average values of $70,748 in 2025. This waterfront-adjacent neighborhood has shown steady appreciation of 39.23% since 2010, when homes averaged $50,814. Unlike some other Waterloo neighborhoods, Riverview actually saw growth during the 2010-2015 period, reaching $57,304 before continuing its upward trajectory. While its recent growth of 16.68% since 2020 is more modest than some areas on this list, the riverside location and consistent appreciation make this a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking natural amenities.
23. Roosevelt (Waterloo)
- 2025 Value: $66,453.36
- 2010 Value: $36,832.60
- 2015 Value: $37,747.91
- 2020 Value: $48,382.34
- Change from 2010-2025: 80.42%
- Change from 2015-2025: 76.05%
- Change from 2020-2025: 37.35%
The Roosevelt neighborhood in southern Waterloo presents you with remarkable investment potential, with homes averaging $66,453 in 2025. You’d be impressed by its substantial 80.42% growth since 2010, when values were just $36,832. The neighborhood showed minimal growth between 2010 and 2015, but has since gained significant momentum with a 76.05% increase from 2015 to 2025. Most notably, you’ve seen a robust 37.35% appreciation just since 2020, indicating strong recent demand for this increasingly desirable yet still affordable community.
24. Franklin Gateway (Waterloo)
- 2025 Value: $66,028.07
- 2010 Value: $45,606.56
- 2015 Value: $37,937.62
- 2020 Value: $49,739.70
- Change from 2010-2025: 44.78%
- Change from 2015-2025: 74.04%
- Change from 2020-2025: 32.75%
Franklin Gateway, situated in eastern Waterloo, gives you access to one of Iowa’s most affordable housing markets with average values of $66,028 in 2025. You’ll appreciate knowing this neighborhood has shown resilient growth, climbing 44.78% from its 2010 value of $45,606. After hitting a low point in 2015 at just $37,937, the area has rebounded impressively with a 74.04% increase over the following decade. The 32.75% growth since 2020 demonstrates accelerating appreciation in recent years, making this an increasingly attractive area for budget-conscious buyers.
25. Church Row Historic (Waterloo)
- 2025 Value: $64,999.91
- 2010 Value: $50,306.94
- 2015 Value: $39,161.74
- 2020 Value: $50,471.36
- Change from 2010-2025: 29.21%
- Change from 2015-2025: 65.98%
- Change from 2020-2025: 28.79%
Nestled in the heart of Waterloo, Church Row Historic offers you incredible value with homes averaging just under $65,000 in 2025. This neighborhood has experienced a steady climb from its 2010 value of $50,306, representing a 29.21% increase over 15 years. Interestingly, values actually dipped to $39,161 in 2015 before rebounding strongly with a 65.98% growth over the next decade. Since 2020, you’ve seen a solid 28.79% appreciation, indicating consistent recent demand for this historically significant area.
