Muscatine Real Estate

The name of the city, Muscatine, came from the Mascoutin Indians, a war-like tribe, who had been driven westward across the Mississippi and settled on a large sandy bottomland encircled by a slough just south of the present site of the Muscatine. That name replaced the town's original name of Bloomington because there were just too many towns and cities with that name to make postal delivery reliable.

Muscatine has long been known as the “Pearl City” and was the largest fresh water pearl button manufacturing center in the world. The pearl buttons were made from mussel shells obtained from the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

In 1892, large industry began to move into the area. After a nation-wide search, HJ Heinz L.P. decided to locate one of their principal canning plants in Muscatine.

Today, Muscatine, with a population of almost 23,000, is the home to five corporate headquarters, two of which are Fortune 1000 Companies, Bandag, Inc., and HNI Corporation. Muscatine is also the location of two Fortune 500 companies, Monsanto and HJ Heinz L. P. The result is a solid employment base.

Considered a business friendly community, the area is also an ideal place for families, providing good schools and outstanding recreational activities which focus on the Mississippi River.

Muscatine is home to Charles Young, who gets much of the credit for establishing the Great River Road, a 5,600-mile byway stretching from Kenora, Ontario, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana.

Muscatine is also known for its farming heritage. From the Melon Markets on “the Island ” to llama and buffalo breeding farms, agricultural tours offer unique and informative opportunities for visitors and residents alike. Each facility offers tours and gift shops to enhance your experience.

The area is known for both hunting and fishing. There are ten public wildlife areas with deer, turkey, pheasant, and waterfowl.

Schools are excellent and Muscatine is known for its sense of community. Residents enjoy a delightful combination of a small city with a rural, get-away-from-it-all atmosphere.

Real estate in Muscatine includes large parcels of land, and farm land, some ripe for development, as well as commercial and industrial properties. Investment opportunities also include residential units, some in charming older homes tastefully divided into units.

For those looking for homes, there are reasonably priced mobile homes both on individual parcels and within mobile home communities. Condominiums range from family sized 4 bedrooms to smaller one and two bedroom condos ideal for both the retired and for singles.

Single family homes range from magnificent custom homes on large parcels, some with views of the river to charming updated cottages close to town. There are also new homes in well planned communities.

Whether you're looking for a real estate investment or a home, Muscatine offers something that will fulfill your dreams. If you're ready to sell, property values have held well and appreciated. Whatever you need or want, Ruhl and Ruhl, are the experts in the area since the 1800s and will work with you to achieve your dreams.