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 22 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 $382,500, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Don't miss this adorable split-foyer home in a convenient location offering 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and a detached 2-car garage! The main level features a nice-sized kitchen, living room with plenty of natural light and convenient main-floor laundry. The lower level offers even more living space with a generous family room, full bathroom, flex/office area with walkout access to the backyard,
Full of character and timeless charm, this spacious home offers 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a finished walk-up attic, and a detached 2-car garage. Original details shine throughout, including beautiful wood floors, pocket doors, built-in cabinetry, and classic woodwork. Situated on a desirable corner lot, the home provides plenty of space both inside and out. One of the upper-level bedrooms is
This stunning 5 bedroom, 3 bath walkout ranch delivers luxury at every turn. Beautifully built by PK Construction in 2017, This heated 3-car garage with garden garage below offers rare space and function, while zero-step entry welcomes you into a beautifully appointed split-bedroom floor plan. The gourmet kitchen showcases custom cabinetry, granite counters, and a large island, opening to a
Welcome to 3005 Oak Crest Drive, a well-cared-for 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom all-brick walk-out ranch nestled in an established neighborhood on a spacious .46-acre lot. Owned and lovingly maintained by the same owners for nearly 50 years, this home reflects decades of pride of ownership, with thoughtful updates and continued upkeep throughout, including updated windows, roof, and more. The main level
Nestled on 1.25 beautifully landscaped acres on the south end of Dubuque, this all brick walkout ranch offers the peaceful country setting you've been searching for along with exceptional garage and storage space that is hard to find. Built in 1992, this well constructed and meticulously maintained home features 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 3 fireplaces, a 2 car attached garage, a capped lower
Well-maintained 3-bedroom home on .38 acres on the outskirts of Dubuque featuring oak kitchen cabinets, wood floors in the kitchen and dining room, and vaulted ceilings for an open feel. Includes a 2-car attached garage plus a heated 30x30 shop with 9-foot overhead door—perfect for extra vehicles, storage, or a workshop. Enjoy the concrete patio and peaceful setting with plenty of space inside
Welcome home to this well-maintained, all-brick walkout ranch located in the south end of town. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and 1 one car garage, this home has been thoughtfully cared for and is ready for its next owner. The additional garden garage is ideal for storing lawn equipment, tools, bikes, and more. Outside, enjoy a spacious yard with room to garden, play, or simply relax.
If it is a beautiful secluded and wooded area with picturesque views you are looking for, this could be it! With 86 acres on Dubuque's Southend, you have plenty of options to build your dream home or continue to develop this community as current owners intended. Just minutes from downtown yet a world away! Contact your REALTOR to view final plat work, perc test locations, etc. See plat for
Don't miss this adorable split-foyer home in a convenient location offering 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and a detached 2-car garage! The main level features a nice-sized kitchen, living room with plenty of natural light and convenient main-floor laundry. The lower level offers even more living space with a generous family room, full bathroom, flex/office area with walkout access to the backyard,
Residential lot in the City of Dubuque close to Loras College. Build your home or income property and start reaping the rewards. There is ally access for a garage. Take Loras Blvd. to Belmont St. Call your Realtor today for more details.
One of the last lots in the beautiful Southern Hills Subdivision. Beautiful view, electric, water, cable to the lot. Ready for you to build your dream home on! Take Hwy 52 S to Kemp Rd, to Southern Hills Ct., to Turtle Dove Ct.
Price Improved! Rare opportunity to own three parcels in one of Dubuque’s most desirable south end locations. This charming ranch-style home with a walkout lower level is brimming with possibility—whether you’re looking to expand, have a little extra outdoor space or build your dream home, the opportunity is here. Live comfortably in the existing 3-bedroom, 1-bath home while you plan your next
Welcome home to this spacious property filled with natural light and plenty of room to make your own. Beautiful hardwood floors flow throughout much of the main level, which offers almost 2,000 square feet of living space. The adjoining sunroom is surrounded by windows and provides a wonderful place to relax and unwind. The lower level adds even more living and entertaining space with a large
Build your dream home on this spacious lot located on Timber View Ct in the established River Vista Heights subdivision. Enjoy the freedom of no covenants, allowing you flexibility in design and use, something increasingly hard to find. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, this lot offers a peaceful setting while still being conveniently located. An excellent opportunity to create exactly what you
Welcome home to this charming 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath property featuring classic character and thoughtful updates throughout. The inviting living room showcases a beautiful Hanselmann fireplace, while French doors add timeless appeal and natural flow. The spacious eat-in kitchen offers plenty of room for everyday meals and the dining room adds extra space for entertaining, with tons of storage
Welcome to Fox Hills Apartments, a brand-new apartment community in Dubuque’s growing West End. Offering thoughtfully designed studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes, Fox Hills combines modern finishes, spacious layouts, and convenient amenities for a comfortable everyday living experience. Thoughtful care was given to each detail - spacious and stunning kitchens include stainless
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
Located on Dubuque's desirable west side, Raven Oaks offers a convenient location close to shopping, restaurants, grocery stores, and everyday essentials. Enjoy quick access to schools, parks, and the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, with downtown Dubuque, the Mississippi River, and local colleges just a short drive away. It's the perfect location for those seeking a quiet residential
Welcome to your new home in Dubuque, IA! This townhome-style apartment offers two spacious bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, perfect for those who value comfort and convenience.This townhome is equipped with essential amenities such as a dishwasher, central air conditioning, and an in-unit washer and dryer, ensuring a hassle-free living experience.Pet lovers will appreciate our
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
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
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
The Residence at Wildwood is a quiet, pet-friendly apartment community on Dubuque's west side, offering comfortable homes with features like private sunrooms, covered carport parking, and extra storage. Residents enjoy a peaceful neighborhood just minutes from shopping, dining, parks, and everyday conveniences, with lawn care, snow removal, and trash service included.The Residence at
Lease for Spring/Summer!You will love living in these newly renovated and well soundproofed apartment in downtown Dubuque!Each unit has smart features to control your lights and thermostat from a mobile device. Gigabit fiber internet available. They also have brand new stainless steel appliances (gas stove, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator with ice and water dispenser),
Union at the Marina Apartments brings a new standard of comfortable living to Dubuque's historic Point Neighborhood. Set along the scenic Kerper Boulevard corridor with striking views of the Mississippi River, this brand-new community offers thoughtfully designed one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans built for the way you live today. Each residence features modern finishes, energy-efficient
1182 Locust is located in the old downtown of Dubuque. What's wonderful about this location is you are within walking distance of the best restaurants, library, Farmers Market, Churches, book stores, coffee shops, bakeries, etc. The building itself was completed in 1880 and has tall ceilings and windows, lots of light! This building still has plaster walls, hardwood floors, and is quiet from
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