Smalltown living and big amenities in Iowa's first city
For a city of just 60,000 people, Dubuque is known for having big-town amenities and an engaged community. Founded in 1833, the city made a name for itself through its role in the window manufacturing and woodworking industries. While the city has struggled with a changing economy in recent decades, multiple colleges and a bustling downtown have helped to revitalize it as Iowa's 11th largest city. "There are a lot of things to do here, especially for a small town,” says Jared Levy, a local Realtor with EXIT Realty Unlimited who is also a graduate of Dubuque's Loras University. “Between the Mississippi River, the busy downtown and all the colleges, there's a lot of good energy."
Dubuque's population has stayed relatively the same since 1990, as have its major employers. Manufacturing jobs like those found at Andersen Windows & Doors are still among the most common, but institutions like Clarke University and Diamond Jo Casino have also led the way for more employment and healthy growth in Dubuque.
Dubuque is a quiet city with historical architecture and is the 11th largest city in Iowa.
Located on the Mississippi River, Dubuque offers access to the outdoors and historic architecture.
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Historic Dubuque homes in a growing market
Queen Anne, Classical Revival and other historical designs are prevalent in the city's downtown, along the riverfront and the South End. Newly constructed homes have been quickly sprouting up to the west in areas like Asbury and Peosta. "People here like to say that 'Iowa started in Dubuque,' so our homes are still very much colored by that history," Levy says.
The median sales price of homes was $212,000 in 2024, representing a 3% increase from the year before. "When I first started selling homes in 2017, the median was just $170,000, so the market is growing very steadily," Levy says. In price, homes range from older properties with smaller floorplans selling for as low as $150,000 to large, newly constructed properties selling for $700,000.
City zoning preserves properties from the 1800s and early 1900s, so buyers can find homes with intricately designed exteriors that still maintain modern interiors. "You won't find new construction around here with less than 1,800 square feet; they're very spacious," Levy says.
There are many historical residential buildings in Dubuque like this Queen Anne.
Classical Revival homes are a common sight in Dubuque.
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Heading outdoors along the Mississippi River
Framed by the Mississippi River and rolling bluffs that look out towards Wisconsin, Dubuque's natural landscape has garnered the city a reputation for having beautiful and easily accessible outdoor spaces. Dubuque's Park Division cares for over 1,200 acres of parkland in the city and 300 public facilities, including the 44-mile Heritage Trail and The Mississippi Riverwalk.
In a state full of flat prairie land, the bluffs of Dubuque provide a unique vantage point. Residents can find elevated views of the Mississippi River at Eagle Point, or head over to the Fourth Street Elevator to see the steepest and shortest elevator in the world. Mines of Spain State Park is just south of the city, with more than 1,400 acres of wood and prairie land for hiking, birding and cross-country skiing. Eight miles west of Dubuque, Sundown Mountain Resort has 21 ski runs and two terrain parks that are open all winter long.
The Fourth Street Elevator in Dubuque is the steepest elevator in the world.
Mines of Spain just south of the city is a 1432-acre park offers hiking, paddling & picnicking.
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Community gatherings and Iowa's oldest farmers market
Diamond Jo Casino and Q Casino are both major entertainment destinations, with Q Casino undergoing large renovations to add family-friendly attractions like an amphitheater. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is also downtown, with various ecosystems, learning exhibits and antique boats available for the public for a fee. "People who come here often tell me that we have a lot of fun public activities, and they're not wrong," Levy says.
Dubuque Farmers Market dates to 1845 and is the oldest farmers market in Iowa. Held every Saturday from May to October around City Hall, the market has more than 60 different vendors and farmers proudly selling locally grown products. Sports fans in the city rally around the Dubuque Fighting Saints, a junior league hockey team, that plays in the 3,000-seat ImOn Arena each winter. “Hockey is a pretty big deal here," Levy says.
Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque is a major entertainment destination.
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque has learning exhibits and antique boats.
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Millwork District coming to life as a retail center
Once a center for Dubuque's window manufacturing and woodworking industries, the Millwork District has become a center for shopping and dining in Dubuque. "When I first came here, there were a lot of abandoned buildings, but it's really become a vibrant hub of entertainment, restaurants and shopping," Levy says.
Colorful murals and large glass storefronts now decorate the historic facades of the district's industrial buildings, housing a varied collection of locally owned businesses, restaurants and shops. Brazen Open Kitchen and Bar is a popular Modern American restaurant. Its owner, Kevin Scharpf, is known for competing on Top Chef. Breweries like 7 Hills Brewing Company offer a fun, social atmosphere and in-house drinks.
The Millwork District has become a center for shopping and dining in Dubuque.
Colorful murals and large glass storefronts decorate the historic facades in Dubuque.
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Dubuque Community School District and nearby colleges
Dubuque Community School District serves 10,500 students across 12 different schools, and gets a B-plus rating from Niche. Dubuque Online School is a virtual options for students in middle and high school.
Despite being a small town, the city is home to numerous colleges. Emmaus Bible College, Northeast Iowa Community College and Loras College, Clarke University and the University of Dubuque, are all part of the city. "Most people don't think of Dubuque as a college town, but it kind of is with all the schools,” Levy says. You can pretty much walk between all of them in midtown, so it adds a lot to the city."
University of Dubuque is a highly ranked college located in Dubuque.
Emmaus Bible College is a small university in Dubuque with only about 200 students.
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Commuter times and driving on Route 20
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average commute time in Dubuque is about 19 minutes, which is under the national average. Route 20 is the city's main thoroughfare, passing through downtown and connecting to East Dubuque in Illinois. The city operates the JULE bus system which has routes throughout downtown.
Dubuque has two large hospitals, Mercy Medical Center and Finley Hospital, both located within minutes of each other. Mercy is the larger of the two, equipped with a medivac helicopter and landing pad. Dubuque Regional Airport is 10 miles south of the city, and Denver Air provides connecting flights to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.
Important to know
According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, Dubuque's violent crime rates are just over the national average and property crime rates are slightly lower. While violent crimes have risen since 2015, training led by the Dubuque Police Department for neighborhood associations and rental property management has led to a 52% decrease in the rate of property crime.
Dubuque experiences all four seasons, but winters can be harsh, averaging 37 inches of snow annually. As part of Tornado Alley, the risk of tornado damage here is more likely than the national average but less than Iowa's average. Dubuque's Drainage Basin Master Plan helps to guard against flooding from the Mississippi River.
Written By
Bayley Malo
Photography Contributed By
Chris Jeong
Video By
Jacob McAllister
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Megan Burgmeier Pierce,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Dubuque, IA sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Dubuque, IA over the last 12 months is $370,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Turnkey and updated, this move-in-ready gem is waiting for you! This home features two comfortable bedrooms plus a versatile non-conforming third bedroom—a perfect pass-through space for a nursery or home office. The interior is refreshed with modern finishes and the peace of mind of a newer furnace and central air. Outdoor living is a breeze with both a patio and a deck overlooking a manageable,
Welcome home to this West End gem in Dubuque, where space, charm, and location come together effortlessly. This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home surprises at every turn—starting with the beautiful four-seasons room, perfect for morning coffee or evening unwinding year-round. Outside, summer fun awaits with an above-ground pool, while the 1-car garage keeps things practical. Head downstairs and you’ll find
1.12 Acre walk-out lot in beautiful Waterford Estates. Enjoy the privacy of this secluded lot in a beautiful, wooded subdivision. Mature trees, community water and a great location only minutes from the west-end.
Welcome to this charming, move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home with a 1-car attached garage, located in a convenient Dubuque neighborhood. The main level features three comfortable bedrooms, a full bathroom plus a convenient half bath, a spacious living room, and a bright kitchen equipped with newer stainless steel appliances. The finished lower level offers additional living and entertaining
Welcome to this beautifully maintained first-level condo featuring 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and an attached oversized 2-stall garage. This move-in ready home offers a functional, open-concept layout that provides plenty of room for comfortable living and effortless entertaining. The main living area is filled with natural light and flows seamlessly from the living room to the dining
New build by Nako Construction! A stunning walkout ranch home on a 1.0-acre lot in Ridge View Acres, featuring 3,300 sq ft of living space. The main level features 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 baths, including a master suite with a tiled shower. The gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, an island, and a walk-in pantry. The main living area features beautiful hardwood
Proposed Construction! Stunning walkout ranch on a 10.61-acre wooded cul-de-sac lot in Barrington Lakes. Featuring 3,840 sq ft of living space with 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. The main level offers 3 bedrooms, including a master suite with tiled shower, gourmet kitchen with KitchenAid appliances, quartz countertops, island, and hidden pantry. Enjoy hardwood floors, a fireplace, floor-to-ceiling
All brick duplex with good rental history! This 3 story building has a 2 bedroom unit on the first floor and a 4 bedroom unit on the second and third floors. Has forced air heat and central air. All utilities are separate and paid by tenants. Building has newer interior & exterior paint, newer flooring, a newer hot water heater, and many newer windows, newer exterior and interior doors, and a
Luxury home by CK Construction just about to get started! Top of the line finishes with all the bells and whistles! Check out the awesome 14' & 12' ceiling in the basement with sunken theater room. Take a trip down memory lane with your own speak easy to enjoy the quiet at the end of a long day. Maybe on a nice summers night you can take in a relaxing night on the screened in porch with
Brand New Silver Oaks Estates Phase 3 now available! Beautiful area in a great location! Be one of the first to come pick the very best lot to build your new home!
Beautiful solid brick 2 story home located near great schools and parks! Features include 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 bath, 1 car garage and bonus attic space of 415 Sq. Ft. that can easily be heated for a third floor for bedroom or bonus room. Lots of amazing built in's throughout, wooden floors, wood burning fireplace, updated bathroom with washer and dryer hookups on upper level as well as washer and
Brand New Silver Oaks Estates Phase 3 now available! Beautiful area in a great location! Be one of the first to come pick the very best lot to build your new home! This is an extra large premium cul de sac lot.
Brand New Silver Oaks Estates Phase 3 now available! Beautiful area in a great location! Be one of the first to come pick the very best lot to build your new home!
This is a Planned Industrial zoned property, refer to the excerpt in Zoning Ordinance for allowed uses). The site is "L" Shaped at the intersection of Chavenelle Road at Seippel Road. The bidder is responsible for all surveys, testing, inspections, or investigation of the property and other due diligence in bidding. No representations are made by the City of Dubuque or the Listing Broker, and it
RECENTLY RENOVATED! Previously Applewood I, Applegate I is in the process of renovating one—and two-bedroom apartments. Age and income restrictions removed, Applegate I is located in a residential neighborhood on the west side of Dubuque and is close to many tri-state attractions and amenities.Applegate I is non-smoking and pet-friendly, but pet restrictions apply. With more than
Complete interior remodel just completed! Come check out this great location and gorgeous apartment building! Each apartment offers 2 Bedrooms & 1 Full Bathroom and approximately 775 SqFt. Everything inside is new from cabinets/countertops & appliances to doors/trim, complete bathroom remodel, all new flooring & electrical & much more! No pets, no smoking. Rent/Deposit are $1395. Tenants pay
The Landings on Cedar Cross offers a variety of styles and floor plans in our BRAND NEW apartment community. Choose from one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments to find the perfect place to call home. The apartments feature spacious, open-concept layouts with a walk-in closet. Lease terms include a one-year option, with month-to-month availability after the first year. Enjoy time in our
Beautiful two bedroom, one bath unit for lease. Centrally located by restaurants, coffee shops, public transportation, next to Voices. Whole building was a complete remodel, gutted and everything is new. This is a one year lease. Must pass background check, no housing, no pets, no smoking. These are upstairs units with outside access up steps. 2nd story units. Each unit pays all their own
NEW NAME, SAME GREAT COMMUNITY! Income Restrictions no longer apply. At Applegate II, formerly Applewood II, there are one- and two-bedroom apartment homes to choose from for those 55 or older. Applegate II is a pet-friendly, non-smoking community. Applegate II is located in a residential neighborhood on Dubuque’s west side and is close to many tri-state attractions and
Beautiful two bedroom, one bath unit for lease. Centrally located by restaurants, coffee shops, public transportation, next to Voices. Whole building was a complete remodel, gutted and everything is new. This is a one year lease. Must pass background check, no housing, no pets, no smoking. These are upstairs units with outside access up steps. 2nd story units. Each unit pays all their own
Miller Companies is proud to present 799 Main, a beautifully renovated 36-unit apartment community in the heart of downtown Dubuque. Blending historic charm with modern luxury, 799 Main offers stylish living spaces designed for today’s lifestyle.Each apartment features sleek finishes, thoughtful layouts, and an inviting atmosphere that makes coming home feel effortless. Step outside your
This is a Planned Commercial zoned property (refer to the excerpt from Zoning Ordinance for particular allowed uses), level to rolling. City of Dubuque MINIMUM terms is for a long-term lease minimum of $116,658 per year (plus annual COL adjustment, max 25-year lease). The bidder is responsible for all surveys, testing, inspections, or investigation of the property and other due diligence in
Modern Living on Dubuque’s West End – Welcome to Penn Place ApartmentsStep into comfort and convenience at Penn Place Apartments, nestled in the heart of Dubuque’s desirable West End near Pennsylvania Avenue. Choose from spacious 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom apartments designed with modern touches like updated finishes, central air, and dishwashers to make everyday living effortless.Take
This is a Planned Industrial zoned property (refer to the excerpt from Zoning Ordinance for particular uses), level to rolling, frontage on Highway 52/61/151 purchase price of $301,200, or a long-term lease minimum of $36,144 per year (plus annual COL adjustment, max 25-year lease). The bidder is responsible for all surveys, testing, inspections, or investigation of the property and other due
Planned Commercial zoned property (refer to the excerpt from Zoning Ordinance for particular allowed uses), level to rolling. City of Dubuque MINIMUM terms is for a cash sale minimum of $1,617,653 or a long-term lease minimum of $194,118 per year (plus annual COL adjustment, max 25-year lease). The bidder is responsible for all surveys, testing, inspections, or investigation of the property and
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