Cascade offers a quiet but active small town in eastern Iowa
Cascade, a small city on the North Fork Maquoketa River, offers residents a walkable downtown, plenty of single-family housing options and access to outdoor attractions. Cascade was formerly an agricultural town but has since evolved into a manufacturing hub with wood and metal fabricators acting as the primary employers for this town of 2,300. But the town still offers plenty of family-friendly amenities and a small-town feel. “The people are lovely, welcoming, kind and care for each other. It is definitely a quieter community, I would say,” says Kimberly Roush, a Realtor with The Nova Group at Keller Williams Legacy Group, who has seven years of experience. “[It's] family-oriented and there are lots of things to do for a small community.”
A mix of housing styles with some HOA activity
Homes include Craftsmans, split-level, ranch-styles and New Traditionals. The median housing price is $241,000, lower than the national median but higher than Iowa’s. Homes can also vary in cost from $115,000 to $500,000, depending on size, condition and location. “You can get more for your money in Cascade,” says Roush. “They are also building like crazy out there, so some newer developments are coming up as well.”
Properties closer to downtown are typically on gridded streets with smaller lot sizes and oak trees accenting lawns. Houses with more land and farms are primarily on the outskirts of Cascade. Roush also notes that some newer developers have HOAs but have reasonably priced fees. She also says that the community has attracted a mix of families and retirees.
Western Dubuque Community School District serves Cascade
Students can attend the Western Dubuque Community School District, rated A-minus on Niche. Pupils can start at Cascade Elementary, which earns an A-minus. Cascade Junior/Senior High School has a B and offers a work program with local businesses. Private schools include Aquin Catholic School, providing kindergarten through eighth-grade programs.
Multiple parks, golfing and river fun are sources of outdoor fun
Cascade Community Park features a playground, sports courts and a baseball diamond. Cascade River View Park, has an amphitheater, playground and hosts the Rockin’ On The River concert series during the summer. Riverview Ridge Campground allows for RV parking and offers tubing and kayak rentals. The Fillmore Fairways Golf Course, east of town, has a 9-hole 3600-yard layout, campground and cross-country skiing trails.
The Cascade Hometown Days is an annual multi-day event held every August and features live music, a parade and a car show. Dubuque’s events and attractions are 26 miles northeast.
Dining and shopping in downtown
Restaurants include Moski’s BBQ, serving pulled pork, ribs and brisket. Grace’s Place has breakfast items, burgers and has daily specials. Cheryl’s Flour Garden Bakery and Coffee Bar offers baked goods, desserts and breakfast burritos.
Downtown has several boutiques. Grocery items can be found at Brothers Market. Dollar and convenience stores are also present. More grocery stores are in Monticello, 10 miles southwest.
Weather risks in Cascade
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency flood map, there is a risk of flooding near the river and for parts of downtown. Tornadoes and severe weather are also factors.
U.S. Highway 151 is the main link
Cascade does not have any transit links and is primarily car dependent. U.S. Highway 151 runs along the northern end of the locale, connecting it to the outskirts of Dubuque and Cedar Rapids. Dubuque Regional Airport is 20 miles east, while Eastern Iowa Airport is 57 miles southwest. The area has several clinics, but UnityPoint Health—Finley Hospital is 20 miles east.
