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
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On average, homes in Dubuque, IA sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Dubuque, IA over the last 12 months is $370,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Well cared for all brick ranch located on a corner lot with great curb appeal and a fenced backyard. This 3 bedroom home offers comfortable main level living with a spacious, light filled living room. The kitchen includes updated flooring, painted cabinetry, and backsplash, creating a clean and inviting space. The current dining area was originally designed as the third bedroom, offering
5 bed, 5 bath, 6 car garage, 2 acres, beautiful view of IA,IL & WI. Geo Thermo, solar, lots of storage. Move in ready with lots of upgrades. New Roof. Master suite, main floor laundry. THIS IS A CAR Person's dream home. Lower level 3 car garage with separate driveway, oil changing lighted pit and large storage area for all of the toys! Quality custom built home that you will fall in love with.
Welcome to 2301 Helle Dr — a spacious and well-designed 4-bedroom, 3-bath townhome offering comfort, functionality, and room to spread out. The main level features a bright and inviting layout with convenient main-floor laundry and a primary suite complete with a large walk-in closet, creating an easy everyday living experience. Step outside to enjoy the deck with pergola, a perfect spot for
Well cared for all brick ranch located on a corner lot with great curb appeal and a fenced backyard. This 3 bedroom home offers comfortable main level living with a spacious, light filled living room. The kitchen includes updated flooring, painted cabinetry, and backsplash, creating a clean and inviting space. The current dining area was originally designed as the third bedroom, offering
5 bed, 5 bath, 6 car garage, 2 acres, beautiful view of IA,IL & WI. Geo Thermo, solar, lots of storage. Move in ready with lots of upgrades. New Roof. Master suite, main floor laundry. THIS IS A CAR Person's dream home. Lower level 3 car garage with separate driveway, oil changing lighted pit and large storage area for all of the toys! Quality custom built home that you will fall in love with.
4 bed, 3 bath, 2 car heated garage, multi-level deck with pool & patio. Move in ready. Lots of storage, corner lot. Lots of extra's on this beautiful home. 2002 Eagle Valley Drive.
Welcome to this charming home located on the south end of town, just steps from the Dubuque Golf & Country Club. This spacious 4-bedroom, 31⁄2-bath home offers generous living areas while preserving its original character and charm. The main floor features a bedroom, 11⁄2 baths, and a laundry room, along a sit in breakfast nook, formal dining room and cozy den. The home’s three fireplaces—two
At 71 Lois you will find a beautifully loved home on a quiet street near both hospitals and just a few minutes drive to downtown restaurants, activities, and Dubuque's amazing Farmer's Market. Move into this beautiful home and rest easy with a brand new roof, siding, gutters and furnace. A brand new limestone retaining wall supports two extra large parking spaces for off street parking
Stop and see this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home. This well-maintained property offers comfortable living with a spacious layout, a bright and inviting living area, and a functional kitchen ready for your personal touch. Enjoy the convenience of a 2-car detached garage, perfect for parking and extra storage. This home is close to schools, parks, shopping, and all that Dubuque has to offer. A
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
NEW 3 CAR GARAGE OPTION!! The I'm Old But Still Cooler Than You floor plan can be built on any available lot in Phase 1 (lots 1-18) - and includes a FULL basement! This 2 bedroom, 2 bath home offers generous living/dining/kitchen open living space with a large island with snack bar seating. The master bedroom is spacious and the adjacent suite is welcoming with it's double vanity finished with
JUST STARTED NOV 2025! SPEC HOME READY FOR YOU TO BUY AND CUSTOMIZE! The I'm Old But Still Cooler Than You floor plan has 2 bedroom, 2 baths and offers generous living/dining/kitchen open living space with a large island with snack bar seating. The master bedroom is spacious and the adjacent suite is welcoming with it's double vanity finished with quartz counters. Plenty of closet space with this
This home is nearing completion and will be ready to move into mid February! The I'm Old But Still Cooler Than You floor plan has 2 bedroom, 2 baths and offers an open living/dining/kitchen area with a large island with snack bar seating. The master bedroom is spacious and the adjacent suite is welcoming with quartz counters and a linen cabinet. Plenty of closet space with this floor plan
NEW SPEC HOME JUST FINISHED WITH A 3 CAR GARAGE! The Spiked Lemonade floor plan features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and offers generous living/dining/kitchen open living space with a large island. The master bedroom is spacious and the adjacent suite is welcoming with it's double vanity, quartz counters and a custom tile shower! Plenty of closet space with this floor plan including a pantry off the
This is small home living at its absolute best, almost new and so easy to maintain. The main level features an open kitchen and dining area layout, hard surface flooring, full bath, bedroom, and office or activity room. Oversized 1-car garage with plenty of storage. The lower level walkout basement offers a 2nd bedroom, full bath, living room area and laundry. Located at the end of a quiet cul de
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 General 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 $85,378 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 General 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 $79,909 per year (plus annual COL adjustment, max 25-year lease). The seller is willing to sell this parcel. Please look over other land for-sale listings from this seller for an idea of the price
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 $380,771 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
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