Massive body of water gives Clear Lake residents a waterside lifestyle
In Clear Lake, an afternoon on the boat or a leisurely swim can be as close as a step out the back door or a drive down the street. An almost 3,700-acre lake of the same name anchors this northern Iowa community, one of the largest natural lakes in the state. The water is a magnet for water sports, so much so that Clear Lake’s population balloons from 8,000 to 12,000 in the summer due to the abundance of seasonal residents. “It’s always got a good atmosphere over there,” says local Realtor Justin Rose of Realty ONE Group Welcome Home - Mason City, who has about five years of industry experience. “But in the summer it’s booming.”
Clear Lake's waterfront is extremely valuable property.
Single-family homes on the lake sell for $950,000 to $2 million.
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State parks and city amenities surround the lakefront
Clear Lake is public, and places to access it aren’t hard to find. “There are public access docks basically on every block,” Rose says. Boating, windsurfing and jet skiing are popular pastimes here. The docks are also open to fishing. “There’s all sorts of different species of fish in there,” Rose says. “A lot of walleye and muskie and some bass and stripers.” Clear Lake State Park offers a swimming beach and hiking trails. McIntosh Woods State Park has more trails, on the opposite side of the lake. Another beach and two playground sets are available at City Park. Veterans Memorial Golf Club features an 18-hole course just off the water that's open to the public. Clear Lake also has a dog park and a complex with tennis courts, pickleball courts and a basketball court.
Another beach and two playground sets are available at Clear Lake City Park.
The waterfront views are breathtaking in Clear Lake.
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From century-old bungalows to New Traditional lakefront homes
The interest in Clear Lake contributes to the community’s eclectic housing stock. Options vary from early 1900s bungalows to recently built New Traditional homes. Lakefront properties are some of the most coveted, regardless of age. Many feature docks out back. “It’s very expensive on the water,” Rose says. “A lot of them are owned by out-of-towners or handed down within families sometimes.” Single-family homes on the lake sell for $950,000 to $2 million, while waterfront condos go for $380,000 to $640,000. Properties off the water may start at $130,000 and reach up to $800,000, based on age and square footage.
The interest in Clear Lake contributes to the community’s eclectic housing stock.
Options vary from early 1900s bungalows to recently built New Traditional homes.
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Seasonal festivals include fireworks, parades and holiday markets
This area’s outdoor spirit fosters its wide assortment of activities for residents. “They have a lot of community involvement,” Rose says. The annual Fourth of July celebration is one of the staples, the longest-running Independence Day event in the state. Clear Lake attracts tens of thousands for its Fourth of July festival, and it features a carnival, a parade and fireworks over the water. “They have a great fireworks show,” Rose says. December brings Christmas by the Lake, a four-day affair with a 5K run, a tree lighting, a holiday market and a lighted parade. Weekly activities include Thursdays on Main, which happens on Thursday evenings from early June through mid-August. “It’s a very popular event, with a bunch of vendors and a car show,” Rose says.
Waterside strip is a hub of activity
Clear Lake’s Main Avenue is a packed thoroughfare with several restaurants and other businesses, plus a lake view. Sevens Restaurant & Steakhouse is known for its ribeyes but also for its breakfast menu, offering omelets, pancakes, French toast, chicken-fried steak and more. Starboard Market is a draw for its sandwiches, salads and desserts. Livonia’s Coffee Bar is an option for a caffeine boost, while Lake Time Brewery has 10 brews on tap. A night in can come with a home-cooked meal with groceries from regional chain Randy’s Neighborhood Market. Homebuyers can shop for furnishings at Main Avenue’s family-owned Wilcox Furniture, and browse the housewares at Larson’s Mercantile. A night out in Clear Lake can mean seeing a concert at the legendary Surf Ballroom, open since 1948. The venue also has a spot in history, as it was the last place rock pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson performed before they died in a 1959 plane crash just outside the community.
Larson’s Mercantile is Clear Lake’s premier variety and gift store.
Surf Ballroom's been open since 1948 and was the last place Buddy Holly performed.
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School activities nurture arts and sciences
The Clear Lake Community School District maintains a B-plus grade from Niche. Students at Clear Lake Elementary can participate in a monthly 4-H meeting, offering STEM activities and crafts. Clear Lake Middle has a robotics club and a choir group. Activities at Clear Lake High include Model UN and a drama club. All three schools have B-plus ratings.
Students at Clear Lake Elementary can participate in a monthly 4-H meeting, offering STEM activities and crafts.
Clear Lake Middle has a robotics club and a choir group.
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Residents can get around by car or cart
Sidewalks increase the walkability of many of Clear Lake’s blocks, but locals can scoot around even faster on a golf cart. The community allows carts and off-road utility vehicles on the streets if they have a permit sticker. Part of Interstate 35 runs through Clear Lake, helping drivers access the rest of the region. The Waterloo Regional Airport is about 90 miles away using I-35 and U.S. routes 18 and 218. Waterloo Regional offers daily flights to Chicago.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
Photography Contributed By
Cory Cornelius
Video By
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Clear Lake, IA sell after 89 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Clear Lake, IA over the last 12 months is $366,750, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Welcome to this beautifully remodeled home in Clear Lake, where thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and modern comfort come together seamlessly. Originally purchased in 1996 as a charming story-and-a-half home, the property has been extensively expanded and updated over the years into a spacious, one-of-a-kind residence full of warmth and character. Major renovations include a second-story
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled home in Clear Lake, where quality craftsmanship and thoughtful updates create a warm, one-of-a-kind living experience. Originally purchased in 1996, the home has been extensively expanded and redesigned over the years, including a second-story addition, enlarged kitchen and dining areas, updated living spaces, and a spacious primary suite with ensuite bath.
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Step into the final 3,100 sq ft unit at StoneBrook Condominiums—framing is complete and it’s ready for your custom finishes! This one-of-a-kind 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo is part of a desirable two-unit standalone building, with the adjacent unit already sold. Don’t miss your chance to secure the last available unit and choose your personal finishes to make it truly your own. The open-concept main
North Shore living at it's finest! Perfectly situated near All Vets Golf Course, the Surf District, and downtown, this stunning 3 Bedroom/3.5 Bath home has been meticulously maintained and features some fabulous updates. The deck was recently replaced with maintenance-free decking and features a stainless steel/steel cable railing with LED lighting to set the mood, the main bathroom on the 2nd
YOUR PRIVATE WILDERNESS SANCTUARY AWAITS, WHERE LUXURY AND NATURE EXIST IN PERFECT HARMONY. Set on 13.50 picturesque acres overlooking Beaver Creek and a tranquil pond, this extraordinary retreat is just one-half mile from beautiful Clear Lake. Every window frames breathtaking views, while the low maintenance deck invites peaceful mornings and unforgettable sunsets. The impressive barn offers a
Discover a place where life feels a little lighter and a lot more peaceful. This lovingly maintained, one owner condo in Clear Lake’s cherished Garden Park Village welcomes you with the kind of warmth and comfort that makes you exhale the moment you step inside. Thoughtfully designed for easy living, this one bedroom, one bath home offers a cozy, low-maintenance space that feels just right. The
MOTIVATED SELLER!! Discover easy living in this beautifully maintained, one-owner, one-bedroom, one-bath condo located in the peaceful Garden Park Village Association in Clear Lake, Iowa. Nestled among beautifully landscaped grounds, this home offers a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and a relaxed lifestyle. Inside, you’ll find a cozy, low-maintenance living space with a thoughtful floor
Nestled just moments from vibrant PM Park and the lively Tiki Bar, this delightful 3-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Enjoy easy access to public docks for all your waterfront adventures! The home features a spacious primary suite for peaceful relaxation, plus two additional bedrooms perfect for guests, a home office, or hobbies. But the true gem is
MOTIVATED SELLER! Discover easy living in this well-maintained, one-owner, one-bedroom, one-bath condo in the peaceful Garden Park Village Association in Clear Lake, Iowa. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds, this home offers comfort, convenience, and a relaxed lifestyle. Enjoy a cozy, low-maintenance interior with a thoughtful layout designed for everyday living. Sliding doors open to a
Enjoy peaceful pond views on a quiet cul-de-sac just minutes from downtown, shopping, dining, recreation and Surf District-the perfect blend of lake-town convenience and country serenity. Designed for entertaining with 4600 sq. ft. the home features multi vaulted ceilings, a spacious lower level with custom bar with Cambria countertops, large gathering area and pool table. Outside, a generous
Build Your Dream Home Near the Beach! Welcome to one of the most desirable lots in a brand-new development—nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac just off South Shore Drive and only steps from beautiful State Beach. This prime parcel offers a rare opportunity to design and build your perfect home in a serene, thoughtfully planned neighborhood. Enjoy the tranquility of a private walking path that connects
Discover the height of refined living at 1200 Jade Apartments, an upscale apartment community located in the vibrant new Emerald Edge Division in Clear Lake, Iowa. With convenient access to Interstate 35, our property places you just moments away from picturesque lake views, dining hotspots, and all the conveniences of Clear Lake.Choose from our selection of spacious studios, 1-bedroom,
Meadow Lake of Clear Lake Apartments is located at 1109 Buddy Holly Place Clear Lake, IA and is managed by Premier Real Estate Management L.L.C., a reputable property management company with verified listings on RENTCafe. Meadow Lake of Clear Lake Apartments offers 1 to 3 bedroom apartments ranging in size from 636 to 1120 sq.ft. Amenities include Basketball Court, Dishwasher, Disposal, Laundry
Looking for a comfortable place to call home? This spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo is conveniently located in Clear Lake – just feet from downtown, the lake, and local shops and restaurants.Available: September 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027Features:•Bright and open living room•Beautiful views of the lake •Two well-sized bedrooms with ample closet space•One full
FOR RENT: This 2 bedroom, 2 bath house is conveniently located within walking distance to Clear Lake's downtown, lake and other attractions. Situated on a corner lot, this offers a large yard with an open front porch. There's one bedroom on the main floor along with an over sized bathroom room with washer/dryer hook-ups. The upper level features another bedroom and bathroom. Stove & Refrigerator
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