Burlington, the first capital of Iowa, was founded in 1833 on the western shores of the Mississippi River in Southeast Iowa. The city has kept much of its 19th-century charm through its homes and the elaborate buildings across the hilly downtown. Snake Alley, known as the crookedest street in the world, serves as another reminder of the city’s early years. With five quick sharp turns, sharper than San Francisco landmark Lombard Street, and a climb of 60 feet, the brick path was originally meant to help horses in the 1800s. Now, it’s a one-way street down for vehicles. The city’s manufacturing plants are some of the biggest employers, including CNH Industrial and Silgan Containers Corporation. CNH, however, plans to close the plant in 2026. That has been a common occurrence in Burlington over the past few decades. However, there does appear to be a positive shift as downtown has added dozens of businesses in the last two years. There’s also a strong sense of pride and community among locals who gather frequently by the river for annual events.
Burlington, Iowa is home to around 24,000 people.
Downtown Burlington is thriving with historic buildings and new businesses.
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Historic Victorians, modern houses and downtown condos
The median home price in Burlington is $123,500, nearly three-quarters less than the national median. The city is full of Victorian homes that date back to the late 1800s. “They’re some of the most beautiful historic homes you’ll ever see,” says Anna Mack, a broker at Pearl City Iowa Realty, who sells homes in Burlington. “It’s like a bunch of big beautiful castles.” Many of these homes have deteriorated with age, but people are working to bring them back to life. "There are quite a few investors,” says Mack, “And it’s nice to see what went down is coming right back up.” Homebuyers can also find more modern homes on the city’s outskirts and condominiums downtown.
Many beautiful historic homes can be found in the center of Burlington.
Newer homes are scattered around the outskirts of Burlington.
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Fun by the Mississippi at Riverside Park
More than 200 acres are designated as parks maintained by the city. One option is Mosquito Park, which sits atop a bluff overlooking Riverside Park and the Mississippi River. There are dozens of more green spaces with mature trees, playgrounds and athletics fields for local leagues. For all-around entertainment, FunCity Resort attracts crowds to its indoor and outdoor waterparks, arcade, go-cart track and bowling alley.
Dankwardt Park is a large city park with amenities for everyone to enjoy.
The view of the Mississippi River from Dankwardt Park is unmatched in Burlington.
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Heritage Days and other waterfront events
Several events are held throughout the year, and the city takes advantage of the riverfront to celebrate. Heritage Days events honor the city’s history. Burlington also celebrates its self-proclamation as the “Catfish Capital of the World” during the annual Catfish Festival. The city hosts several races, such as the Great River Bridge Race and the Snake Alley Criterium. Many holidays are also observed with parades, including the Fourth of July and the Christmas season.
In-person and virtual learning through the Burlington Community School District
Burlington Community School District earns a C grade from Niche. Students are split between four elementary schools before all merging at the intermediate school, middle school and high school. Students in all grade levels also have the opportunity to learn through the school district’s VIBE virtual learning program, where they may still participate in activities such as music, art and physical education. Post-secondary students have the option of attending Southeastern Community College in the city.
Burlington High School serves around 1,100 students in grades 9-12.
Southeastern Community College attracts Burlington residents and those from miles around for secondary education.
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Downtown storefronts in historic buildings
The steeples of four churches of different Christian denominations tower next to each other over Burlington’s downtown shops and restaurants. Many businesses have set up shop in century-old buildings along downtown’s hilly streets that lead down to the Mississippi River. Meanwhile, West Burlington has a more commercial scene with big-box retailers all over the connecting city.
Residents of Burlington take pride in their city and their smaller communities.
West Burlington is the commercial hub of the Burlington area, with many big box stores.
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Burlington Urban Service and other means of transportation
U.S. Highways 34 and 61 intersect in Burlington, with 34 running east-west and 61 extending north-south. Locals can get around the city by taking a BUS (Burlington Urban Service). For long-distance travel, people can take a Greyhound bus. There’s an Amtrak station where the California Zephyr train operates from Chicago to San Francisco. And Southeast Iowa Regional Airport offers non-stop flights to Chicago and St. Louis via Southern Airways Express' propeller driven single-engine airplanes. The larger airport of Cedar Rapids is about 100 miles away with a broader selection of destinations and airlines.
Community Engagement Unit established to help reduce crime and build connections
Violent and property crime rates are higher in Burlington than in Iowa and the United States, according to local data compiled by the FBI. The police department helps initiate neighborhood watch programs around the city. It also created the Community Engagement Unit (CEU) to help build strong relationships between residents and police. The CEU reinforces that goal by hosting National Night Out, a nationwide event where neighbors and first responders come together to strengthen their bond. In Burlington, the event is held at Riverside Park. Upriver effects of rain or spring snow melt can bring flooding concerns to Burlington. A pair of levees serve to protect portions of the city's downtown.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Kyo Nguyen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Anna Mack,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Burlington, IA sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Burlington, IA over the last 12 months is $126,500, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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