$221,996Average Value$131Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Anamosa blends rural living with 19th-century charm
Situated along the scenic Wapsipinicon River, Anamosa is a rural community known for its small-town lore, historic landmarks and an annual pumpkin festival. Founded in 1838, its name is said to honor a Native American girl named Anamosa, which translates to “white fawn” or “you walk with me.” Main Street is a testament to its deep roots, featuring 19th-century brick buildings with eclectic shops, cozy cafés and family owned businesses. “It’s a growing community,” says Realtor Ryan Barner of Barner Realty & Auction, whose office is downtown. “There’s been a concerted effort to revamp the Main Street storefronts. There’s a new ice cream shop, a new restaurant and a whole lot of new homes planned for construction.” The town’s most iconic landmark is the Anamosa State Penitentiary, an ornate, castle-like structure built in the late 1800s. This facility remains active today and, together with its museum, provides a fascinating window into Iowa’s history.
Anamosa is a growing community northeast of Cedar Rapids.
Anamosa State Penitentiary was built in the late 1800s and remains active today.
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Boutiques, galleries and markets line historic Main Street
Downtown Anamosa features a mix of locally owned boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and specialty stores. When it comes to dining, options range from classic American diners to lively cafés and family pizzerias. Favorite dining spots include Las Brasas for down-home Mexican fare, and Tyler & Downing’s Eatery for American fare and live music. Local markets and bakeries offer homemade goods, while a seasonal farmers market brings Iowa produce to the streets. With its compact, pedestrian-friendly layout, downtown Anamosa encourages walking, window shopping and admiring the historic brick facades that line the streets. Grocery options include Fareway Meat and Grocery and Walmart.
Historic brick buildings line the streets of downtown Anamosa.
Anamosa's revitalization efforts have brought many new restaurants to downtown.
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Main Street transforms each October for pumpkin-themed fun
Community events are a big deal in Anamosa, including the well-known Anamosa Pumpkinfest. Every October, Main Street comes alive with pumpkin-themed contests, crafts, music and a pumpkin weigh-off that draws crowds from across the Midwest. The event’s record for the largest pumpkin is 2,424 pounds, set in 2022. The festival is so popular that the Iowa State Legislature declared Anamosa the Pumpkin Capital of Iowa in 1993.
A mix of historic homes and new construction near the countryside
Anamosa offers diverse housing options, from Colonial Revival and Victorian homes to modest cottages and ranch-style homes. Newer single-family residences are also found here, typically in subdivisions on the outskirts of town. “You’ve got a lot of older homes, but there are always a few new builds on the market as well,” Barner says. Generous lot sizes are common, with spacious yards providing room for gardens and glimpses of the nearby river or rolling countryside. Prices typically range from around $100,000 to $375,000, depending on size and age. “It’s a little cheaper than Cedar Rapids and Marion, but it’s still within commuting distance. I think that’s why we’re seeing so much new construction here,” Barner adds.
Anamosa features Victorian and other historic home styles.
New construction homes can be found in subdivisions on the outskirts of Anamosa.
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Wapsipinicon State Park draws campers and nature lovers
Anamosa may be a small town, but it has plenty of outdoor recreation. The town has nearly a dozen community parks tucked away on small-town streets. Residents relax amid the gardens at Stallion Creek Park, play pickup baseball at Anamosa Ball Park or stroll along flowery walkways at Fountain Park. The picturesque Wapsipinicon State Park, just south of downtown, has hiking trails that wind through woodland and bluffs, fishing and canoeing on the river, camping and even a scenic nine-hole golf course. “It’s packed during camping season,” Barner says.
Anamosa residents love hiking the winding trails of Wapsipinicon State Park.
Fountain Park is just one of nearly a dozen community parks in Anamosa.
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Local schools offer basics, with college nearby for next steps
Students start their education close to home at Strawberry Hill Elementary School, followed by Anamosa Middle School, both of which earn C ratings from Niche. The last step is Anamosa High School, well known for its extracurricular programs like band, drama, football and cross-country running. It gets a C-plus rating. “They really like their sports at the high school. They just got a brand-new gym,” Barner says. For continuing education, Kirkwood Community College has a satellite campus nearby.
Anamosa students begin their education at Strawberry Hill Elementary School.
Anamosa Middle School serves students in grades 6 - 8.
Anamosa High School is well known for its extracurricular programs.
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The commute to Cedar Rapids is easy via Highway 151
Public transportation options are limited in Anamosa, so most residents rely on personal vehicles to get around town. It’s about 25 miles northeast of Cedar Rapids, making for a relatively easy commute via U.S. Highway 151. Eastern Iowa Airport, in Cedar Rapids, is roughly 34 miles away. Jones Regional Medical Center is located just outside town.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Pesa
Video By
Taylor Noll
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Anamosa, IA sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Anamosa, IA over the last 12 months is $215,000, up 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Rolling Hills Retreat – where modern comfort meets rural tranquility. Set on 3.83 acres in the desirable Rolling Hills Estates near Anamosa, this 2019 custom build offers over 4,400 sq ft of refined living surrounded by peaceful countryside. Positioned approximately 40 feet above the stocked HOA pond, this home combines breathtaking views with lasting peace of mind. Spend quiet evenings on the
55+ community. Top floor unit. Elevators in building. Open floor plan with 2 spacious bedrooms each with adjoining baths. French doors to cozy den/sitting room. HOA includes club room with kitchen reservable for family gatherings, balcony overlooking golf course, underground heated parking with one reserved space as well as a car wash area and a fully equipped workshop for residents' use. Extra
"Country Living" on a hard surface road. 4.78 Acres that includes Fenced Pastures, Stock water Tanks, 3 Barns that support Hobby Farming, Storage or Business! A Master Suite with space and comfort, including large closet, Tiled Master Shower, Jet Tub and double Sinks. Updated Kitchen with Pantry, Formal Dining area off Kitchen, Island and Breakfast Bar, Rec Room with wet bar, Refrigerator, gas
Welcome to WAPSI RIDGE! Bordering on the Wapsipinicon State Park, this picturesque development is unlike any other, nestled among the rolling hills of Grant Wood country and enjoys the charm of small-town USA. Anamosa is fortunate to have wonderful amenities - hospital, shopping/dining, museums, parks, great schools and much, much more! Central proximity to Marion/Cedar Rapids, Iowa City &
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Anamosa! The completely remodeled main level features a stunning new kitchen, an entirely updated bathroom complete with a custom tiled walk-in shower, new flooring, fresh paint, and updated trim throughout. Creating a bright and inviting space that's truly move-in ready! The 3rd bedroom is on the 2nd level and could also be a
Investor Alert! Priced way under assessed value! Great opportunity here! Square Footage Galore! You won't believe the room inside this sprawling 4 bedroom 2 bath home, each of your children can enjoy an airy, bright bedroom with ample closets and plenty of space. You'll enjoy the living room with walls of windows and charm, see the potential in this established neighborhood, a traditional home
Immediate possession and move in ready with new carpet and appliances included. Located at a quiet dead end road with mature trees, this two story zero lot line has 1,656 finished square feet, vinyl windows and siding, aluminum soffit, fascia, and garage door. Bedroom 1: 13'5" x 15'2", Bedroom 2: 13'2" x 15'5", Bedroom 3: 11'10" x 12'10". Average monthly gas: $36, Average Electric: $92, 1 year
Come see this 3 bed 3 bath located just outside of Anamosa in the quite town of Amber. Its been completely refinished inside and out. This home is move in ready and waiting for its new owner. The scenic view out the back patio will have you relaxing with friends and forgetting about the day.
Jake BlumerCedar Valley Property Solutions-Charles City
Beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bath single-family home offering over 3,000 finished square feet on a quiet cul-de-sac neighborhood in the Anamosa Community School District. Extensively renovated, this move-in ready home combines modern finishes with quality mechanical updates for peace of mind.The remodeled kitchen features an open concept, perfect for entertaining- Quartz countertops,
This three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath home sits on a corner lot in Anamosa, offering solid bones and genuine potential for buyers ready to invest time and vision into creating their own space. Inside, hardwood floors run through the home, providing character and a foundation to build on. The functional layout accommodates daily living while leaving room for your improvements and personal
Enjoy top-floor living with beautiful views at Fawn Creek Condominiums! This well-maintained and tastefully decorated condo offers 1,432 square feet of comfortable living space, featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a cozy fireplace perfect for relaxing year-round.Residents enjoy a wealth of amenities, including handicap-accessible accommodations throughout, elevator access, an indoor
Welcome to 300 S Oak St, a charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom ranch home that has been loved and very well cared for over the past 14 years! The main level offers a large, front living room area with a big window overlooking the yard. There are hardwood floors throughout the entire main level, including both bedrooms. There's a fresh coat of paint on nearly every wall! The bathroom was fully
This spacious 2-bedroom 1-bathroom duplex located in the heart of charming Anamosa, you'll be just minutes from local shops, restaurants, and all the conveniences of town.RENT: $1,100Deposit *DEPENDING ON CREDIT AND BACKGROUND**Tenants are responsible for utilities and Renters Insurance*All rental pricing assumes a standard 12-month lease term and tenant-paid
This spacious 3-bedroom 2-bathroom duplex located in the heart of charming Anamosa, you'll be just minutes from local shops, restaurants, and all the conveniences of town.RENT: $1,500Deposit *DEPENDING ON CREDIT AND BACKGROUND**Tenants are responsible for utilities and Renters Insurance*All rental pricing assumes a standard 12-month lease term and tenant-paid
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