Classic 1.5-Story Home on a Landscaped Double Lot in Council Bluffs, Iowa — $180,000

Property Overview

Located in the Bayliss neighborhood of Council Bluffs, this 1.5-story single-family home sits on an approximately 0.40-acre lot with mature trees and established landscaping. Lovingly maintained by the same family for 48 years, the three-bedroom home combines a traditional layout with a generous outdoor setting and room to make improvements over time.

The main floor features a bedroom, a full bathroom, and an open living room that connects to a large eat-in kitchen. A wood-burning stove provides an additional source of heat and a focal point for the living area. Two more bedrooms are located upstairs, while the full unfinished basement provides storage space and potential for future projects.

Outside, the large rear deck overlooks the landscaped yard, creating a pleasant place to spend time outdoors. The double-size lot provides considerably more outdoor space than a typical in-town parcel, with potential for an additional outbuilding subject to applicable zoning and permitting requirements.

Interior Features

Living Room

The open living room connects directly with the kitchen, giving the main living area a practical, connected layout. A wood-burning stove adds character and provides an alternative heating feature. Ceiling fans are also included.

Kitchen and Dining

The large eat-in kitchen provides room for everyday meals without requiring a separate formal dining room. Its connection to the living room makes the main floor easy to use for daily activities and casual gatherings.

Bedrooms and Bathroom

A bedroom and full bathroom are located on the main floor. Two additional bedrooms occupy the upper level, providing three bedrooms across the home’s one-and-a-half-story layout.

Basement and Laundry

The full basement is unfinished, with no finished below-ground living area. Washer and dryer hookups are located in the basement. The space offers additional storage and flexibility for future use.

Land and Outdoor Features

The approximately 133-by-130-foot parcel contains around 0.40 acres, giving the property a notably generous yard for its Council Bluffs location. Mature trees and established landscaping contribute to the park-like setting described by the longtime owners.

A large rear deck provides outdoor space overlooking the yard, while the property also includes a porch and fencing. The size of the lot may allow room to consider an additional outbuilding, although buyers should confirm zoning, setbacks, and permit requirements before planning construction.

Structure and Construction

Built in 1900, the home has a traditional frame construction with a composition roof. Its one-and-a-half-story design places the primary living areas on the main floor, with two additional bedrooms upstairs.

The home has approximately 1,209 square feet of finished above-ground living area. The unfinished basement is additional space and is not included in that finished living-area figure.

Heating, Cooling and Utilities

• Heating: Natural gas
• Cooling: Central air conditioning
• Additional heat feature: Wood-burning stove
• Sewer: Public sewer
• Utilities: Electricity and natural gas available
• Laundry: Washer and dryer hookups in the basement

Water service and property-specific utility connections should be confirmed during the buyer’s inspection and due diligence. Internet provider availability and service speeds should also be checked for the exact address.

Access and Parking

The property includes a garage with a garage door opener. The road serving the property has a concrete surface. Buyers should verify garage dimensions and parking capacity during a property visit.

Property Taxes and Zoning

The property is located in the Bayliss subdivision and is identified as residentially zoned. The reported assessed value is $165,800, with annual property taxes of $2,396. Buyers should confirm current tax amounts, assessment details, and any applicable exemptions with Pottawattamie County before closing.

Living in Council Bluffs, Iowa

Council Bluffs is located in Pottawattamie County in western Iowa, directly across the Missouri River from Omaha, Nebraska. The city is part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area, giving residents access to services, employment, education, and shopping on both sides of the state line.

The city’s population was estimated at 62,680 in July 2025, compared with 62,799 at the 2020 Census. Council Bluffs has a mix of established residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, industrial employment areas, and recreational spaces.

Schools and Education

Public education in the area is provided by Council Bluffs Community School District. Schools identified in the listing’s local school information include:

• Roosevelt Elementary School – Elementary education.
• Woodrow Wilson Middle School – Middle school education.
• Thomas Jefferson High School – High school education.

These are nearby schools identified for the listing, but buyers should confirm current attendance boundaries and enrollment eligibility directly with the school district. School assignments can change and should not be assumed from proximity alone.

Other educational options in Council Bluffs include Iowa Western Community College and the Iowa School for the Deaf.

Healthcare and Medical Services

Council Bluffs has local hospital and outpatient medical services, including:

• CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs – Hospital and emergency medical services.
• Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital – Hospital and emergency care.

Additional medical practices, outpatient clinics, urgent care services, and pharmacies serve the Council Bluffs area. Buyers should check current locations, opening hours, and emergency service arrangements when choosing healthcare providers.

Transportation and Regional Access

Council Bluffs is connected to the wider Omaha metropolitan area through Interstate 80, Interstate 29, and U.S. Highway 6. These routes provide regional road access across western Iowa and into Nebraska.

Omaha is immediately across the Missouri River, expanding the range of employment centers, medical facilities, shopping destinations, and regional services available to residents. Eppley Airfield in Omaha provides commercial air travel for the wider metropolitan area.

Public transportation is available through the regional transit network, including services connecting Council Bluffs and Omaha. Routes and schedules should be checked for the specific destination and travel time.

Shopping and Everyday Services

Council Bluffs has a range of everyday shopping and service options, including grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, gas stations, restaurants, hardware retailers, and larger shopping destinations. The city’s commercial corridors provide access to routine household services, while additional retail choices are available throughout the neighboring Omaha area.

Buyers can also find local government offices, postal services, vehicle services, and other everyday businesses within Council Bluffs. Exact travel distances from the property depend on the selected business and route.

Parks and Recreation

Outdoor recreation is part of the Council Bluffs area, with public parks, walking opportunities, sports facilities, and access to the Missouri River corridor.

Notable recreational destinations include Lake Manawa State Park, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities, and Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, which offers riverfront green space and walking areas. The broader region also has trails and recreational facilities for outdoor activities throughout the year.

Safety and Community Information

Council Bluffs is served by municipal police and fire services. Crime statistics should be considered by category, reporting year, and geographic area rather than treated as a description of an individual street or property. No verified address-level crime assessment is included here. Buyers who want to review local conditions should consult the latest city and law-enforcement reporting for the relevant neighborhood and compare multiple years of data.

Local Housing Market

Council Bluffs has a varied housing stock, including older homes, established residential neighborhoods, and newer construction. A city planning market assessment reported that the average initial listing price in ZIP code 51501 rose from approximately $111,000 in 2021 to $187,000 in 2024. These are average listing prices, not completed sale prices or individual property valuations.

Figures represent ZIP code 51501 and describe average listing prices rather than median closed-sale prices or appraised values. They provide historical context only and do not predict future property values.

Utilities, Internet and Development

Public sewer service and the availability of electricity and natural gas are identified in the property details. Exact water-service arrangements, utility connections, internet providers, broadband speeds, and cellular coverage should be confirmed for the address rather than assumed from general area availability.

Council Bluffs continues to maintain and plan public infrastructure and community development projects. Buyers interested in nearby construction, zoning, or future land use should review current municipal planning information and confirm whether any proposals affect this particular property or surrounding blocks.

Property Summary