Jesup is a rural, family friendly community near Independence
Farmland surrounds Jesup, a rural city about 10 miles from Independence . While new housing developments bring some growth to the area, the community still prides itself on its small-town atmosphere. “I just really love this community,” says Realtor and former resident Janae Ohrt, who works with Century 21 Signature Real Estate. “It was a great place to raise our family. Everybody looks out for everybody, and kids were able to just be kids.” Jesup receives a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
New developments and older homes make up the residential streets
Towering oak trees shade Jesup's residential streets, several of which are lined with sidewalks. The oldest homes date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Foursquares and National Folk-style properties, and are just as common as mid-20th-century ranch-style homes and split-levels. There are also New Traditional developments. “There are a lot of newer homes going up,” Ohrt says. Many of these communities are spaced out, with wide streets and driveways. Older homes generally range from $130,000 to $330,000, while newer properties cost $360,000 to $570,000.
Jesup public schools share one main campus
Jesup Community School District has one main campus in the city that includes Jesup Elementary, Middle and High schools. All three receive a B from Niche. The high school works with Waterloo Career Center and Hawkeye Community College to offer career and technical education courses that range from advanced manufacturing to digital mass media. St. Athanasius School is a private, Catholic institution that is unrated by Niche and serves pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
The closest major highway is U.S. Route 20, about 2 miles away
Residents rely on cars to get around when they're not walking. There are no major highways through the city, but U.S. Route 20 is about 2 miles south and leads about 18 miles to Waterloo . Most people fly out of Waterloo Regional Airport, which is about 25 miles away and offers daily flights to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago . Buchanan County Health Center is about 10 miles away.
Community parks host local events and honor residents
Land-O-Corn Park is at the center of Jesup, making it an easy host for community events like the farmers market and the annual Jesup Farmers Day. Sixth Street goes through the middle of the park, which has a playground, picnic tables and a gazebo. Reed’s Park is a memorial for a young boy who died from a rare central nervous disease. “His mom and dad raised a ton of money for a splash pad because they needed something handicapped accessible,” Ohrt says. “They have been a major part of the community.” The family and the city continue to work together to plan fundraisers for continued medical research. The tennis and basketball courts near the water tower are only some of the athletic fields across the city. Jesup Golf & Country Club has a public nine-hole course. There is a restaurant in the clubhouse called Nine + Dine, which is known for its homemade pizza. The local library hosts events like exercise classes, crafting workshops and book clubs.
Most people travel to Independence for shopping and dining
Joe’s Pizza is one of the few restaurants in Jesup. “They are amazing,” Ohrt says. This family owned establishment opened in 1983 and serves a unique pie every month. Past specials include Bacon Sweet Corn and Sloppy Joe pizzas. Residents head to Independence for shopping and grocery options like Walmart and Fareway, as well as a larger restaurant selection. Arianna’s Kitchen is a popular diner-style spot. Locals can also find fresh produce and baked goods at the Jesup Farmer’s Market, which is held every Saturday morning from May to September at Land-O-Corn Park.
Locals look forward to Jesup Farmers Day and other community events
Residents look forward to Jesup Farmers Day, an annual community celebration with an art show, games, music and a parade. Much of the weekend’s programming, including a pancake breakfast and bingo, is put on by local churches. Other events include the semiannual city-wide garage sales and the Annual Car and Bike Cruise, hosted by Jesup’s Lions Club.
