Eldridge Housing Boom: Ivy Acres Meets Demand for Modern Living

ELDRIDGE, IA – December 29, 2025 – As construction progresses at the 44-acre Ivy Acres development, builder Aspen Homes LLC is tapping into a powerful current in the Quad Cities housing market: a surging demand for modern, low-maintenance living. Located just off Highway 61, the new community of ranch-style villas and townhomes in Eldridge is strategically positioned to address a housing inventory shortage that has defined the regional market, particularly in the growing communities of northern Scott County.

The development enters a market characterized by strong buyer interest and insufficient supply. While the Quad Cities region saw a roughly 30% increase in housing inventory in early 2025 compared to the previous year, the market still firmly favors sellers. With approximately three months of available inventory—well below the four to six months considered balanced—the pressure on buyers remains high. This dynamic is reflected in Scott County's real estate metrics, where the median home sale price climbed to $245,000 by late 2025, a 6.5% year-over-year increase.

Eldridge itself presents a complex but telling picture. While the median sale price saw a statistical drop, the median price per square foot soared by 31%, indicating a market shift toward newer, higher-quality construction like that offered at Ivy Acres. This trend underscores the central claim behind the new development: that in smaller, desirable communities, the demand for new builds often outpaces what developers can supply.

The Rise of Low-Maintenance Lifestyles

Ivy Acres is more than just new housing stock; it represents a direct response to a significant shift in homebuyer preferences. The development's offerings—2-bedroom, 1,350-square-foot ranch villas and 3-to-4-bedroom, 1,850-square-foot townhomes—are designed for a demographic that values convenience as much as quality. With a homeowner association (HOA) managing exterior upkeep, lawn care, and snow removal, the community is tailored for what many call 'lock-and-leave' flexibility.

This model holds strong appeal for two key demographics prevalent in Scott County. The first is empty-nesters and retirees, a group that includes the 17.2% of the county's population aged 65 and older. For these buyers, downsizing from larger family homes often means seeking a lifestyle free from the burdens of yard work and exterior maintenance. The second group includes busy professionals and smaller households. With non-family households making up over 38% of the county's total, there is a substantial market of buyers who prioritize time and convenience.

National trends confirm this shift. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported in 2024 that the median size of new homes has fallen to its lowest point in 15 years. Townhomes now comprise a record 17% of the single-family market, as buyers, particularly Gen X and Baby Boomers, show increasing willingness to trade sheer square footage for higher-quality finishes and amenities. Ivy Acres leans into this with contemporary open floor plans, quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and attached garages, combining modern aesthetics with practical, energy-efficient construction.

Navigating a Competitive Landscape

Aspen Homes is not alone in recognizing Eldridge's potential. The city is a hub of new construction, with several developers vying for buyers. Ivy Acres finds itself in a competitive field that includes developments like Grunwald Grove, which offers single-family homes, and Townsend Farms, which provides a mix of housing types.

Perhaps its most direct competitor is Redbud Circle Villas, another Encore Homes project featuring attached ranch-style homes with similar low-maintenance HOA services. With nearly 50 new construction homes listed for sale across Eldridge by various builders, including Dan Dolan Homes and O'Neal Builders, Inc., buyers have a range of options.

Where Ivy Acres aims to distinguish itself is through the reputation of its builder and a design that hits the sweet spot of modern appeal and manageable living. The project's sales representative, The Geri Doyle Group, has noted strong initial interest, confirming that the combination of new construction and reduced upkeep is a powerful draw in the current market.

A Strategy of Quality and Diversity

For Aspen Homes LLC, Ivy Acres is a key part of a broader, multi-tiered market strategy. The Bettendorf-based company has built a formidable reputation in the Quad Cities over several decades, operating both Aspen Homes for semi-custom projects in the $300,000 to $1.5 million range and its Windmiller Design Build division for fully custom luxury homes exceeding $5 million. This dual approach allows the company to cater to a wide spectrum of the market, from first-time custom homebuyers to the highest echelons of luxury clients.

This track record, backed by 16 Parade of Homes awards since 2007 and consistent praise in customer testimonials for their collaborative process and quality craftsmanship, lends significant credibility to the Ivy Acres project. By developing attached villas and townhomes, the company is effectively bridging the gap in its portfolio, providing a more accessible entry point into new construction without compromising on the quality and design principles for which it is known. This allows them to capture a segment of the market that may not be ready for a fully custom home but is looking to move beyond standard tract housing.

The Blueprint for Community Growth

The impact of Ivy Acres extends beyond its property lines, playing a role in the managed growth of Eldridge and northern Scott County. Residential development on this scale requires close collaboration with municipal bodies, a process evidenced by recent city planning activities. In June 2025, the Eldridge Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed and recommended a 'replat' for a portion of Ivy Acres, a move allowing the developer to build more of the in-demand villa-style dwellings in place of previously planned townhomes. This demonstrates a responsive partnership between the developer and the city, adapting the project to meet real-time market feedback.

Such growth inevitably raises questions about infrastructure, from road capacity to school enrollment. The North Scott Community School District, like many districts in growing areas, actively engages in strategic planning to anticipate population shifts resulting from new housing. While specific impacts from Ivy Acres are part of a larger trend, the development contributes to the tax base and economic vitality that support these essential community services. By turning undeveloped land into a vibrant residential community, projects like Ivy Acres are integral to the blueprint shaping the future of Eldridge, balancing the immediate need for housing with the long-term vision for a thriving and sustainable community.