Garner gives residents quiet living in a convenient location
Whether catching a movie at historic Avery Theater or teeing off at the local golf club, Garner's 3,000 residents can choose from a variety of attractions in northern Iowa. The small community has restaurants, parks and a grocery store close to home, plus more options in nearby bigger cities like Clear Lake and Mason City. “Some people like that — being out of the bigger city and getting that smaller-town feel, but still a close enough drive to be able to get to those towns and get what they need,” says Jacob Rose, a local Realtor with Realty ONE Group Welcome Home who has been in the real estate business for about five years.
Local housing stock is established, with modern flashes
Many homes in Garner date from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, giving the area a healthy dose of bungalows, gable-front and ranch-style homes. However, modern developments like Cobblestone Estates and Hejliks Third Subdivision offer 21st-century homes. “They have a couple large communities that are a little bit newer-build properties and higher-end homes,” Rose says. “They still have a pretty small, quiet town for the most part.” Sidewalks line virtually every block around town, and most lots range from a tenth to three-tenths of an acre. Properties sell for $130,000 to $360,000.
State Street has an assortment of local businesses
State Street is a go-to for dining, shopping and entertainment. The stretch includes restaurants like Mat's Place, a big draw for breakfast, and Your Place Sports Bar & Grill for everything from burgers to prime rib. Next door, Junkin Gal is a thrift store with furniture, clothes and home goods, and Trendy Pineapple Boutique across the street has men’s and women’s clothes. Art Deco-style Avery Theater first opened almost 100 years ago and still screens first-run movies. U.S. Route 18, just north of State Street, features a Hy-Vee grocery and a Dollar General.
Doozy of a time at Duesey Days in July
Duesey Days is a summertime tradition in Garner in July. The name is inspired by the Duesenberg Brothers, who once operated a bicycle shop in Garner before starting Duesenberg Automobile and Motor Company, Inc. in 1920. The event spans two days, and festivities include a parade, live music, and hot dog and ice cream eating contests.
Schools come with a range of extracurricular activities
The Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Community School District earns an A-minus grade from Niche. “They seem to have a lot of school spirit over there,” Rose says. Students at GHV Elementary can participate in the district’s before- and after-school programs, which includes breakfast in the morning and snacks in the afternoon. GHV Middle offers extracurriculars like mock trial and the student council. Student groups at GHV High vary from an archery club to a drama club. All three schools maintain A-minus ratings of their own.
Parks provide plenty of opportunities for play
Multiple parks are scattered around Garner, giving locals quick access to playgrounds and basketball courts. Tourist Park is one that was recently renovated. Pool Park features tennis and sand volleyball courts in addition to a basketball court and playground. It’s beside the Garner Aquatic Center, which has three slides and is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Veterans Memorial Recreation Center provides 23,000 square feet of indoor recreation space, with a track, gymnasium and fitness equipment. Garner Golf and Country Club has a nine-hole course that’s open to the public. Clear Lake, 13 miles east, offers plenty of room for boating and fishing.
Commutes to other communities are straightforward
U.S. Route 18 cuts through Garner, connecting residents with Clear Lake and Mason City, the biggest city in the area. Mason City is about a 20-mile trip, and its MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center has an emergency department. The Waterloo Regional Airport, 100 miles away, has direct flights to Chicago.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
