$219,888Average Value$126Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes For Sale
Independence has small-town charm on the banks of the Wapsipinicon
Along the banks of the Wapsipinicon River is Independence, the Buchanan County seat. Century-old homes are down the road from a vibrant downtown with boutiques and eateries, and there are several parks throughout the city. “It’s just your quintessential small-town Iowa, small-town America city,” says city manager Matthew Schmitz. Besides the many locally owned businesses, major employers include Buchanan County Health Center and the school district. “If you don’t want to work at one of the employers here in town, we’re about 30 to 40 minutes from Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids,” Schmitz says. It’s about 35 miles to Cedar Falls, while Cedar Rapids is about a 40-mile drive.
Independence is home to around 6,200 residents.
Independence's bustling downtown is home to restaurants, local offices, and public services.
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Locals eat, drink and shop at the revitalized downtown district
The Wapsipinicon Mill anchors Independence’s historic downtown district. Over the past few years, business owners and the City of Independence have worked closely together to revitalize the area and restore many of its buildings to their original state. One of the many involved businesses was the Gedney Bakery & Coffeehouse, which opened in 2024 because of a Catalyst Grant. Allerton Brewing Company is another downtown establishment, with over 20 original brews and a deck that overlooks the Wapsipinicon River. On the other side of the river is Arianna’s Kitchen, a diner that serves all-day breakfast. There is a Fareway and Walmart in the city, and the Independence Farmers Market at the Mill sells fresh produce every Saturday morning from May through October.
The picturesque dam on the Wapsipinicon River sits alongside the historic Wapsipinicon Mill.
Independence residents take pride in their town and smaller communities within.
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Independence residences range from century-old homes to new condos
Sidewalks line the residential streets of Independence. Homes dating back to the 19th century are on grassy lots shaded by trees, most of which are half an acre or less. Craftsman houses neighbor bungalows and Victorian-era homes. Mid-20th-century ranch-style and New Traditional houses are common farther from the city center. Depending on size and condition, prices for a single-family home range from $70,000 to $470,000. “It’s a very affordable town to live in, and there’s a lot to offer for what you pay for,” Schmitz says. There are also some condos in the area, which cost $180,000 to $270,000.
This home, built in 1900, is a beautiful example of the houses in the center of Independence.
Sprawling ranches and other larger homes in Independence often have three-car garages.
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Wapsipinicon River and surrounding parks offer outdoor recreation
The Wapsipinicon River offers a variety of recreation, from boating, kayaking and fishing on the water to exploring the Riverwalk Parks along the shore. A trail connects Brimmer Park, Teacher’s Park and Bathing Beach Park, where amenities include playgrounds, pickleball courts and an 18-hole disc golf course. Triangle Park is along Highway 20 and has a stocked pond with the only ADA-accessible fishing dock in Buchanan County. There are five fields at the Baseball/Softball Complex, which hosts Little League and traveling teams. “The hotels that we have in town are consistently booked full during the summer because of the tournaments that are held out there,” Schmitz says. Golfers can play nine holes at the public Three Elms Golf Course.
The playground at Bathing Beach Park offers panoramic views of the river.
While mainly hosting baseball and softball games, the Independence complex also hosts peewee football games.
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Fourth of July is the most anticipated day of the year
It comes as little surprise that Celebrate Indee is one of the most popular events of the year. “Obviously, Independence is our name, so the Fourth of July is a major deal here,” Schmitz says. The festivities kick off the evening before, with the annual Indee Beach Wrestling Tournament and a concert. Day-of programming starts with the annual Independence Day Parade, the oldest Fourth of July Parade in Iowa, at over 160 years, and continues with games, live entertainment and a fireworks show over the Wapsipinicon River.
Other events throughout the year include the Buchanan County Fair, which has carnival rides and 4-H shows every July. BrewBQ is an August celebration with over 100 craft beers and slow-cooked barbecue.
Students attend Independence private and public schools
Independence Community School District serves the city. “It’s a great school district that turns out very well-rounded, educated kids,” Schmitz says. Students complete kindergarten through second grade at East Elementary, which earns a B from Niche. West Elementary receives a B-minus and serves third through sixth graders. Seventh through 12th graders attend the B-rated Independence Junior/Senior High School, which offers dual enrollment through Hawkeye Community College, which has a campus in the city. St. John School is a private, Catholic institution with kindergarten through eighth grade.
Independence Community School District has a great teacher-to-student ratio.
Independence Jr/Sr High School is surrounded by green space, allowing for ample outdoor learning and activities.
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Improved walkability in an otherwise car-dependent city
While some parts of Independence, like the downtown area and the Liberty Trail, are walkable, residents rely on cars. U.S. Route 20 passes through the city. People fly out of Waterloo Regional Airport, which is about 30 miles away and offers daily flights to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.
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On average, homes in Independence, IA sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Independence, IA over the last 12 months is $204,900, up 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover the possibilities at this charming home located in the heart of Independence! Whether you're searching for your next home or an investment opportunity, this property offers the space and potential to make it your own. Inside, you'll find a functional layout with plenty of room to personalize and update to fit your style. Outside, enjoy a yard with space for outdoor activities, gardening,
This exceptional 72.1-acre property, located along the Wapsipinicon River just 5.5 miles southeast of Independence, Iowa, offers a rare combination of high-quality wildlife habitat, income potential, and future building opportunities.A recently completed oxbow restoration project has significantly improved the property’s water quality, wildlife use, and overall appeal. The restored oxbows
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This 2 bedroom, 1.75 bath is ready to move in! Entering the front door you will walk into the living room with a bedroom just off the living room. As you walk toward the kitchen you will pass a bathroom with laundry on the main level. The main bedroom is just off the kitchen which has a jacuzzi tub. There is a spacious living room just off the kitchen also for family gatherings or a place to sit
Check out this 2-bedroom, 1-story home with plenty of perks! The attached and heated 2-car garage makes life easy, and the in-ground, heated pool is perfect for those hot summer days. Inside, you'll find a cozy living room with a fireplace, a spacious kitchen/dining area featuring a cooktop island and French doors that lead right out to the pool. All new appliances, flooring and paint in the last
Prime 1-acre building lot available in the beautiful River Ridge Golf Course Subdivision—the perfect setting to build your dream home. From the moment you enter, you’ll be welcomed by a stunning landscaped entrance and two scenic ponds with fountains that create a peaceful, upscale atmosphere. While the lot is not directly on the golf course, it offers added peace of mind from stray golf
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Buchanan Co., IA Online Only Farmland Auction - Mark your calendars for Friday, August 14th, 2026! Presenting this high-quality Buchanan Co., Iowa farmland opportunity located just N of Independence, IA, convenient access off HWY 150. Highly productive, smaller-acreage farms with excellent road frontage and strong soil quality are increasingly difficult to find, making this an outstanding
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Located just a short golf cart ride from Denali's on the River and River Ridge Golf Course, this zero-entry condominium offers a spacious kitchen with quartz countertops, open to the living and dining areas. The stainless steel kitchen appliances are included! The primary bedroom features a bathroom with double sinks, as well as a walk-in closet with built-in shelving. A hall bathroom, a second
Excellent exposure is a major advantage of this 5.1 acre site. Located in a premier business park on the west edge of Independence right off Highway 20 Exit 252 and within close proximity to Heartland Acres, Mental Health Institute, Independence Airport, Comfort Inn & Suites, Jr/Sr High School and several other complimentary retail and service providers. Zoned C-2. Imagine the possibilities with
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Located just a short golf cart ride from Denali's on the River and River Ridge Golf Course, this zero-entry, end-unit condominium is a blank slate for your personal finishing touches. Allowances are included in the price to complete flooring, lighting, trim, and doors. The primary bedroom features a bathroom roughed-in for a double sink, as well as a walk-in closet. A hall bathroom, second
Rush Mills is a modern apartment complex located conveniently right off the interstate in Independence, Iowa. You can’t beat these high end apartments at an affordable price, with monthly rent starting at just $1,250. These 12-plex apartment buildings are perfectly located with quick and easy access to Highway 20 and Highway150, making it easy to commute to Oelwein and the communities in Buchanan
Stove, fridge, washer and dryer provided. This is an upstairs apartment above a house on a shaded double lot in NW Independence. Mowing, snow removal and a storage shed is provided. No phone calls please. If you are interested, please complete the pre-showing questionnaire ahead of time at RentIndee. com Limited to 1 occupant, but quests are welcome. Pet-free and Smoke-free
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Description: 3 bedroom, 1 bath home now available! Please contact EPM Iowa directly for more information and to apply. Schools: Independence School DistrictUtilities: Tenant is responsible for all utilities. Average Utility Bill: $120/monthMove-In Costs: $995 Deposit, $995 RentLawn/Snow: Tenant HandlesPets/Animals: Pets allowed on a case-by-case basis.
Move-In Costs: Deposit $850, Rent $850Utilities: Tenant is responsible for all utilities. Section 8: Applicable Average Utility Bill: $100/monthPets: Pets allowed on a case-by-case basis, $50/monthLawn/Snow: Tenant ResponsibilityOffice Phone #: Email: Website: All EPM Iowa residents are enrolled in the Resident Benefits Package (RBP) for $49.00/month which
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