Red Oak is one of the most historic cities in the nation. In fact, it has nine properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The city of Red Oak is the county seat of the Montgomery County. It is located in the southwestern part of the State of Iowa. It has a total area of 4.01 square miles, of which 3.95 square miles is land area and 0.06 square miles is water area. There are more than 5,700 residents living in the city, giving it a slightly higher than average population density of over 1,400 people per square mile. One of the things that make Red Oak interesting is that not only is it filled with history, it boasts a rich military heritage as well. During the World War II, it lost a disproportionate number of soldiers. More men were missing and killed in action in this city compared to any other community in the entire nation. Why, this city was so great that a victory ship was even built and named "Red Oak Victory." This ammunition and cargo ship played an important role during this conflict while suffering zero casualties. This ship still floats today and has become a floating museum in Richmond, California. This rich history is one of the many things that make this city so interesting. Other than the beautiful homes, parks and scenery, it has a strong and united community. Who wouldn't want to live in this kind of place?
Moving to Red Oak
What's in the Housing Market
Planning to live here? Buckle up for the apartment hunt! Though there is really no need to take things so seriously because searching for a place to live in this city will be easy peasy! Approximately 68 percent of the homes in Red Oak are owner occupied and over 30 percent are occupied rental homes. For all those picky hunters out there, there's no need to worry because it has a high vacancy rate and offers a lot of choices too.
You will find that majority of the properties here are detached single family homes. Small apartment buildings, complexes and high-rise apartments also make out some of the percentage. Love living it big? You're in luck because most homes here are medium to large sized and have an average total number of five to six rooms. Wanna-be renters usually encounter 3 bedroom apartments in Red Oak.
Old Yet Pristine Homes
One important thing to remember is that Red Oak is one of the oldest cities not only in the state, but in the entire nation as well. That means that you have to take a closer look at the apartment you are about to rent. Not only does it have historic buildings, it has old homes as well. Almost half of the real estate properties in this place were built before the year 1940. Around 25 percent were built between 1940 to 1969 and almost 25 percent were built between 1970 to 1999. Only a very small percentage of the homes were recently built.
No need to hold your horses because, that being said, beautiful and pristine homes still stand in the city today. Despite being old, these properties are well preserved and taken care of. They have different styles, such as Victorian, Georgian, Prairie, English Tudor, Queen Anne and Italianate. However, it is still best to inspect homes thoroughly when looking for apartments for rent. You must make sure that the home's foundation is sturdy and intact. Don't hesitate to ask the landlord about the condition of the home and existing problems, if there are any. Better find out about them right away, then wake up to a kitchen full of water later! If you are searching for homes over the internet, it is best to visit them in person to get a closer look. If it's not possible to get professional home inspection services, be sure to do a thorough investigation of the place yourself.
Moving Requirements
Remember that to rent an apartment, you need to turn in several documents along with your application. Other than your identification, you need to submit a proof of employment and your employer's contact information. This is required so the landlord can discern if you are able to pay the monthly rent and other bills. Bring along a copy of your bank statement, as some landlords also require this. It is also routine for landlords to perform a credit check, which usually requires a small fee during the application. Why not try to make a good first impression too? It isn't a bad idea to submit a character reference or letter of recommendation from your employer and previous landlord as well. You can call that sucking up to your future landlord! After everything has been settled, be prepared to pay some fees. These usually include an advanced deposit for the rent, security fees, utility bills and others.
When to Move
The weather can be extreme in this city. No kidding because temperatures can become too hot during summer! If you are moving during this season, make sure to keep yourself properly hydrated to avoid heat stroke. On the other hand, temperatures can go below zero degrees during winter. Talk about extremes! Snow can reach several inches and even go beyond 1 foot. Then, when do you move? The best season to search and relocate is during late spring, when the temperatures are milder compared to the rest of the year.
Storm Warnings
As most cities in Montgomery County, Red Oak has an extreme tornado and hail storm risk. When searching for a place, make sure that the apartment has a shelter, where you can take cover during emergency cases. If the house doesn't have its own shelter, take note if there are nearby emergency or evacuation centers. Remember to always tune in to TV or radio weather forecasting stations and watch out for storm warnings.
Neighborhoods in Red Oak
When moving to a new place, it is essential that you get to know the neighborhoods first. It can give you a general idea about where to move and what you'll find there. In Red Oak, there are three constituent neighborhoods you need to take note of.
Elliot/ Grant: This area is the most expensive neighborhood in the city. Most homes here are medium to large sized single family units. The average number of bedrooms is three to five. Residents have the longest commute time in this area. They usually spend 15-30 minutes for one-way commutes when going to work.
N 8th St/ E Summit St: This area has the middle value in rent and has the lowest vacancy rate in the city. Most of the properties here are small to medium sized single family homes. Studio apartments and high-rise complexes can also be seen here. This area has the shortest commute time of 10-15 minutes for one-way trips.
City Center: This neighborhood is the least expensive and also has the highest vacancy rate. Most properties here are small to medium sized single family homes. Some small apartment buildings can also be seen here. Residents in this area spend less than 15 minutes when commuting to work.
Living in Red Oak
Besides the historic places in Red Oak, there are lots of things to do and places to visit in this city as well. It has a total of 11 parks, where you can engage in outdoor activities. One of the parks, Chautauqua Park, is actually one of the properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Fountain Square Park is also famous and very significant to its residents because it contains memorials for the city's war veterans.
Another tourist attraction is the Red Oak Country Club. It features an 18-hole golf course in beautiful scenery. For more outdoor activities, you can take a tour at the Viking Lake State Park's 1000-acre property to go fishing, boating, swimming, camping, hiking and more. For fitness activities, visit Montgomery County Family YMCA for state-of-the-art facilities and fun programs. Even foodies have a place in this city. Dine in some of the famous local restaurants such as Casa de Oro, Firehouse Restaurant, Fountain Perk and many more.
Red Oak is a place that gives its residents a taste of the old times while also progressing toward a bright future. What more can you look for in a city? Better start packing your bags, because your dream home may be right here!
