$220,598Average Value$135Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes 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 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Independence, IA over the last 12 months is $199,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Space, style, and a backyard setup you'll want to enjoy all season long! This 4 bedroom, 1.75 bath home offers two spacious living areas, a bright and functional kitchen with adjoining dining space, comfortable bedrooms, and plenty of natural light throughout. The flexible layout provides room for a home office, workout space, guests, or whatever fits your lifestyle. Step outside to the covered
165 Acres m/l of Prime Buchanan County, Iowa Recreational Land. This exceptional tract offers a rare mix of highquality habitat, proven hunting history, and productive cropland in one of Northeast Iowa's premier recreational corridors. The farm features 75+ acres of thick timber with Pine Creek running through the center, creating outstanding bedding, water, and yearround wildlife attraction.
If you’ve been searching for a private recreational getaway in Eastern Iowa, this 72.1 m/l acre property along the Wapsipinicon River offers a rare combination of hunting, fishing, wildlife habitat, water recreation, and room to simply get away.Located just minutes southeast of Independence in Buchanan County, the property features a diverse mix of river-bottom timber, open areas,
KILOTERRA KILOTERRAKILOTERRA | Land Sales & Auctions
78 Acres m/l of High-Quality Buchanan County farmland located just East of Independence, Iowa. This farm offers 60.41 FSA tillable acres with an exceptional CSR2 of 89.0, featuring highly productive Kenyon and Clyde-Floyd loam soils. A 12.2 acre m/l borrow pit adds bonus recreational value with a large pond and mature timber, ideal for hunting, fishing, and wildlife. The cropland is leased for
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
Welcome to this well-maintained 1-story home offering 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom in a convenient location. This charming property features a spacious, fully fenced backyard with plenty of room for pets, play, gardening, or outdoor gatherings. A patio area provides the perfect space to relax, grill, or entertain family and friends, while the included shed offers additional storage. Inside, you'll
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 5-bedroom ranch nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac! From the moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the warm and inviting living room, where a stunning brick fireplace serves as the focal point—perfect for cozy evenings with family and friends. The spacious layout offers room for everyone, with five bedrooms providing flexibility for a growing family,
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
Excellent exposure is a major advantage of this 1.09 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
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
Rare opportunity to own a beautifully maintained brick ranch on 7.13 acres right on the edge of town—within city limits yet offering the peace, privacy, and natural beauty of country living. Approximately 4.3 acres are enrolled in Forest Reserve, creating a scenic backdrop of mature timber and open green space to enjoy year-round. Inside, the home offers a spacious, thoughtfully designed layout
Property Id: 179425 *Rent Special* $300/mo for the first two months, then $545/mo for the remainder of the lease. 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. If you are interested, please complete the pre-showing questionnaire ahead of time at
Can be rented furnished or unfurnished. Full of charm and character, this delightful 1938 cottage sits on a peaceful corner lot in a quiet neighborhood, fully enclosed by a classic picket fence. Two spacious living rooms anchor the home — a formal front living room with a cozy fireplace, and a rear family/dining room featuring a built-in window seat with storage. Hardwood floors and windows
Move-In Costs: Deposit $795, Rent $795Utilities: 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
Spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment with updated flooring, plenty of natural light, on-site laundry, and available garage parking. Pet-friendly with approval.Message if interested!
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