Charles City is an active, colorful place after 1968 storm recovery
On May 15, 1968, one of the strongest tornadoes in Iowa history blew through Charles City. Rather than letting the storm define them, residents banded together to rebuild homes, businesses and schools. The city has taken measures to protect itself from future weather events, like putting in more green space and permeable paving. Today, Charles City is a thriving community along the Cedar River with many parks and colorful public art. “We like to say that we take a punch, then we survive and thrive,” says Mark Wicks, community development director of the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Downtown Charles City features historic buildings and a lively main street.
Residents and visitors enjoy public art that brightens Charles City’s streets.
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Whitewater activities, a vibrant art scene and agricultural history
The Cedar River winds through the area. Besides boating, kayaking and fishing, there is Charles City Whitewater, the first whitewater park in Iowa. “We draw in people from all over the Midwest because other hotspots are pretty narrow as far as the timeframe of when you can use them, and our river is open year-round,” Wick says. Several parks are throughout the community, the largest being Sportmen’s Park and Lion’s Field Park. Both have athletic fields and playgrounds, and the former has a disc golf course. At Lion’s Field Park, a pool and waterslide are open during the summer. The Charley Western Recreational Trail is a 5-mile-long, multiuse path that goes over the river and through the city. Wildwood Park and Golf Course has a nine-hole public course.
There is a rich art scene, from the Charles City Arts Center inside the Carnegie Library to the Mooney Art Collection at the Charles City Public Library, which includes pieces from artists like Picasso and Dali. Residents can learn about local history at the Floyd County Historical Museum. One of the exhibits explores the city’s role in the tractor industry in the early 20th century. In fact, the term tractor was coined in Charles City in 1901.
Bayou Bend Park is a winter destination for ice fishing and seasonal outdoor fun.
Riverside Park’s walking paths offer scenic views along the Cedar River in Charles City.
Charles City Whitewater Park features Iowa’s first year-round whitewater course.
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Charles City homes vary from National Folk-styles to Queen Annes
Shaded sidewalks and grassy lawns line most of Charles City’s residential streets. Many of these late 19th and early 20th-century properties are along brick roads and come in a variety of styles, from minimal National Folk-style homes to more ornate Queen Annes, Italianates and Craftsman houses. The rest of the area has mid-to-late-20th-century residences, like split-levels and ranch-style homes. Depending on size and condition, houses generally range from $80,000 to $320,000. Investment properties have sold for as little as $30,000.
Queen Anne homes in Charles City showcase ornate details and classic architecture.
Distinctive homes in Charles City reflect the town’s rich history and vibrant community.
Contemporary homes in Charles City offer modern design and affordable living.
Tudor-style homes add character to Charles City’s historic streets.
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Students attend Charles City public and private schools
Most students go to Charles City Community Schools. Preschoolers through first graders attend Washington Elementary, which earns a B-minus from Niche. Lincoln Elementary, which serves second through fourth graders, and Charles City Middle School get a C. At the C-plus-rated Charles City High, students can take concurrent courses through North Iowa Community College to earn college credit. Immaculate Conception Catholic School is a private institution that serves kindergarten through sixth grade and is unrated by Niche.
Charles City High School offers college credit courses and diverse extracurricular programs.
Charles City Middle School provides a welcoming space for learning and growth.
Lincoln Elementary School serves second through fourth graders in Charles City.
Washington Elementary School is a foundation for early education and community spirit.
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Locals dine at Dave's Restaurant and go to the Charles Theatre
Charles City prides itself on the local shops and restaurants in the area. “You’re not going to find a Walmart here, but you’re going to find a lot of locally owned and operated shops that will have just about everything you’re looking for,” Wicks says. The Pub On The Cedar has a deck overlooking the water, and Dave’s Restaurant is a community favorite that is open for breakfast and lunch every day. After dinner, people can watch a movie or play at the art deco-style Charles Theatre. Residents get groceries from Fareway. The Charles City Downtown Farmers Market is on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings from May through October. Walmart is about 30 miles away.
The art deco-style Charles Theatre hosts movies and events in downtown Charles City.
The Pub On The Cedar offers riverside dining and a welcoming atmosphere in Charles City.
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Events include the Fourth of July celebration and SPOOKWALK
Every year, locals look forward to the Fourth of July because of the multiday celebration the chamber puts on. Day-of programming includes a parade and a fireworks show on the river, and there are games, live music and competitions every day. “Charles City likes to do the Fourth of July up good,” Wicks says. Other events include Party in the Park, a free concert series one Friday a month from May to August, and SPOOKWALK, a trick-or-treating event with decorated booths along the river.
Des Moines and other major cities are within a 150-mile drive
Charles City is about 100 miles from Cedar Rapids, and about 150 miles from Des Moines and Minneapolis. “It’s very easy for us to get almost anywhere within two and a half hours,” Wicks says. This is partially because of the two highways that go through the area, U.S. Routes 18 and 218. Charles City Public Transit has several buses that run on weekdays. The central location also means that residents have their choice of airplane travel, with all three cities having international airports. Mason City Municipal Airport is only 40 miles away and offers daily flights to Chicago. Floyd County Memorial Hospital is in Charles City.
Downtown Cedar Rapids is roughly 100 miles from Charles City for more travel and recreation.
Des Moines International Airport is about a two and a half hour drive from Charles City.
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Written By
Zia Sampson
Photography Contributed By
EB Fox
Video By
Kellan Beaver
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Veronica Litterer,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Charles City, IA sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Charles City, IA over the last 12 months is $133,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Taking Backups - Contact Agent. Full of character and hand-crafted details! Situated on a corner lot, this stately 4-bedroom home offers 2,873 sq ft of living space. A classic covered front porch leads into the home’s impressive front foyer with a beautiful oak staircase, built-ins, and sliding doors. The main level offers multiple living areas. The front room is well-suited to an office,
Proven investment opportunity! This well-maintained property close to downtown offers 5 units with a variety of apartment sizes. The main level features a 2-bedroom and an efficiency apartment. The second level has two 1-bedroom units, and the walk-up attic is finished into a spacious 1-bedroom apartment. A clean, dry basement provides easy access to the mechanicals and utilities. Gravel
Investment opportunity! Bring your vision to this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home full of potential. The living area has a functional layout with a spacious living room and an open kitchen and dining area. Down the hall is a full bath and 3 bedrooms, including a primary bedroom with a private 3⁄4 bath. Downstairs, the full basement provides a rec room, utility room with laundry, and workroom or office
Large Commercial lot immediately available for development. Public utilities for sewer and water provided by the City of Charles City and MidAmerican Energy. Lot accessible on paved city street from US Highway 18. Additional lots for expansion available. Level lot for ease of construction. Located 2 miles from US 27-Avenue of the Saints and 15 miles from US-63 on US Highway 18.
Here is an acreage with EVERYTHING!! Over 12 acres of wooded property, hard surfaced road access, new shop building, beautiful home, and a large amount of Cedar River frontage. Located just South of Charles City, Iowa just off of the Ave. of the Saints on hard surfaced 240th St. is this very private wooded setting. You'll enjoy abundant wildlife such as deer, turkey, and all kinds of birds. The
This ranch style 3 bedroom home has 1 bathroom and a utility shed. It rents for $869 per month on a month to month HUD lease. The tenant pays the utilities, lawn mowing and snow removal.
Discover a versatile 40-acre recreational property for sale in Chickasaw County, Iowa, ideally located just northeast of Charles City. This Northeast Iowa tract offers a rare combination of income-producing acres, river frontage, and exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities. The farm includes 12.25 FSA-certified tillable acres with a strong CSR2 rating of 68.8. These acres are currently
Outstanding building lots in a picturesque residential setting. Spacious parcel sizes ranging from 1.03 acres to 1.4 acres in size. Quiet country living conveniently located East of Charles City, just North of the Cedar Ridge Golf Course and minutes from downtown, US Hwy 18 and the Avenue of The Saints. Concrete streets throughout the development plus established, mature trees and privacy
Outstanding building lots in a picturesque residential setting. Spacious parcel sizes ranging from 1.03 acres to 1.4 acres in size. Quiet country living conveniently located East of Charles City, just North of the Cedar Ridge Golf Course and minutes from downtown, US Hwy 18 and the Avenue of The Saints. Concrete streets throughout the development plus established, mature trees and privacy
Outstanding building lots in a picturesque residential setting. Spacious parcel sizes ranging from 1.03 acres to 1.4 acres in size. Quiet country living conveniently located East of Charles City, just North of the Cedar Ridge Golf Course and minutes from downtown, US Hwy 18 and the Avenue of The Saints. Concrete streets throughout the development plus established, mature trees and privacy
If beautiful, classic, 2 story homes are your style- this one is for you! Hardwood floors, custom windows, and detailed wood work throughout makes this home stand out. The main level welcomes you into a spacious living room with abundant natural light. Follow the hardwood staircase to the second level or make your way to the dining room and kitchen. The kitchen features wood cabinetry and
Large Commercial lot immediately available for development. Public utilities for sewer and water provided by the City of Charles City and MidAmerican Energy. Lot accessible on paved city street from US Highway 18. Additional lots for expansion available. Level lot for ease of construction. Located 2 miles from US 27-Avenue of the Saints and 15 miles from US-63 on US Highway 18.
When you call Union House Apartments home, youll find yourself in a quiet setting enhanced with a variety of unique Amenities. Our community offers one, two and three bedroom floor plans spaciously designed with comfort in mind. The professional, on-site management staff will assist you in meeting all of your needs.
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