$222,669Average Value$130Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes 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
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On average, homes in Anamosa, IA sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Anamosa, IA over the last 12 months is $215,000, up 25% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover the possibilities at 203 N McNamara Dr., a one-owner home built in 1967 and set on a ¼-acre corner lot near Anamosa High School. This spacious property offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,320 square feet on the main level, and 992 finished square feet below—an impressive 2,312 square feet of finished living space. The 2-stall, attached garage adds everyday convenience, while a bright sunroom
Motivated Seller! Major updates already completed! This beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath historic home offers 2,313 sq ft of living space on a quiet cul-de-sac with peaceful western views and beautiful sunsets. Renovated over the past three years, this home combines original character with the comfort and peace of mind of significant modern improvements. Major updates include a new steel
This may be the needle in a haystack you've been looking for!!! Beautiful ranch home with a large open floor plan with lots of windows and view views views!! Simply amazing!! Home has 5 large bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, huge open kitchen and large primary bedroom and bath with heated floors!! Large finished walk-out basement with a large family room, work out area, 2 bedrooms and a full bath!! Large
Set amongst the rolling hills of Jones County just outside of Anamosa is this renovated home that sits on 2.57 acres and features an open floor plan, walkout lower level, fenced-in back yard, heated 3-car attached garage, and a 44’ by 30’ steel outbuilding with extensive lighting and a concrete floor. The privacy so many want in an acreage is offered here. Inside, you’ll find proof of more than
Ranch home situated on more than 2 acres with convenient access to Highway 151. The property includes an attached 3-stall garage which was recently refinished & two large outbuildings, offering endless possibilities for storage, hobbies, equipment, or workshop. The main floor features new luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, a primary bathroom with a newly tiled shower, a large laundry room,
Bring your Horses, livestock, Hobby Farm, or Business to this wonderful Country Home on hard Surface Road. 4.78 Acres with gorgeous Sunset views, Two Livestock buildings and one large equipment building, Fenced Pastures, Riding Arena, Stock Watering Tanks, 3 raised garden beds, Newer Well Pump, Geothermal Heating, Spacious Master Suite with large walk-in Closet and Private Bath, Updated Kitchen
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 &
Discover the space, character, and possibilities in this large home nestled in a quiet small burg of Amber, Iowa, offering comfort, flexibility, and an impressive list of pluses. With the potential for up to five bedrooms, the main-floor bedroom can easily serve as a home office, guest room, or additional family space depending on your needs. The main level features a massive kitchen complete
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
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
Set amongst the rolling hills of Jones County just outside of Anamosa is this renovated home that sits on 2.57 acres and features an open floor plan, walkout lower level, fenced-in back yard, heated 3-car attached garage, and a 44’ by 30’ steel outbuilding with extensive lighting and a concrete floor. Thanks to this property’s position in the development and the established trees that surround
This impressive ranch offers over 2,500 sq. ft. of finished living space with 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths—plenty of room for the whole family! Enjoy the warmth of the gas fireplace, relax on the deck, and take advantage of the large 2-stall insulated garage. Outside, you’ll love the huge fenced-in backyard, all situated on a quiet cul-de-sac.A beautiful home in a great setting—and at
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
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