$237,502Average Value$145Average Price per Sq Ft25Homes For Sale
Manchester offers health care, shopping and outdoor recreation
Manchester is a city in eastern Iowa with around 5,000 people and a variety of amenities. “There’s no shortage of things to do — great trout fishing, biking trails and a really nice rec center,” says Teresa Turnis, broker associate with Keller Williams Realty Manchester, who has lived in the community for most of her life. With a hospital, multiple dental offices and stores, some residents find everything they need within city limits.
Its location, about midway between the cities of Dubuque, Waterloo and Cedar Rapids, also appeals to commuters. “Sometimes we get transplants with one spouse who works in one city and one in the other,” Turnis says. “Our community does a nice job of opening doors for new people.”
Residents are able to bike through Manchester on calm neighborhood streets.
Manchester blends small-town errands with parks, trails, and weekend events.
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Access to golf, indoor pickleball and a manmade whitewater park
Indoor and outdoor recreation options abound in Manchester. The city features multiple parks with playgrounds and sports fields, along with a dog park, trout hatchery and disc golf course. In 2015, the city transformed an old dam into a whitewater park on the Maquoketa River that's open for tubing, kayaking and other water sports. Golfers have access to a nine-hole and an 18-hole course, and both are open to the public. During summer, locals can cool off at the Kramer Aquatic Center, which has waterslides and a children’s splash area.
Members of the Delaware County Recreation Center can use its indoor walking path, fitness area and pickleball court. The Moser School of Dance & Gymnastics offers classes throughout the school year, and the community-owned Castle Theatre screens first-run movies.
Manchester’s walking paths support daily strolls and outdoor routines.
Central Park offers playgrounds and open space in the heart of Manchester.
Manchester golfers can head to Hart Ridge Golf Course for a relaxed round.
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Manchester’s housing includes fixer-uppers and newer developments
In the center of the city, tall hardwood trees and green lawns line sidewalks, and paved driveways are a common feature. Renovated American Foursquares from the early 1900s sit near midcentury Cape Cods and ranch-style houses. Newer neighborhoods offer Colonial Revivals, New Traditionals and ranch-style designs with attached garages. “There are some high-end developments, and some houses even have the Maquoketa River as a backdrop for their property,” Turnis says.
Fixer-uppers typically range from $50,000 to $100,000, while most home sales range from $120,000 to $725,000, depending on size and condition. Condo and townhouse units sometimes sell between $150,000 and $290,000. Parts of the community are prone to flooding, so lenders may require flood insurance. The area's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Classic homes add charm to a quiet Manchester blocks.
Brick homes and spacious lots show Manchester’s neighborhood comfort.
Attached garages and open lawns are common sights in Manchester.
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Public and private schools, plus a satellite NICC campus
Lambert Elementary, West Delaware Middle School and West Delaware High School all earn B ratings from Niche. High schoolers can participate in extracurriculars such as show choir, football and esports. St. Mary’s School is a private Catholic school that serves kindergarten through sixth grade. For continued learning, residents can take courses at the Manchester Center, a satellite campus of Northeast Iowa Community College and Upper Iowa University.
Lambert Elementary serves early grades within the Manchester community.
West Delaware High School anchors secondary education in Manchester and earns a B grade.
West Delaware Middle School serves students in Manchester’s school district.
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Downtown Manchester is a thrifting and dining destination
Many of the city’s restaurants are located in the walkable downtown area. The Bread Basket is a lunchtime destination with lace tablecloths and freshly made soups and pies, and Dolce Vita serves wine and flatbread pizzas. When the weather allows, diners can sit on the patio at the Riverbend Pub & Grill and watch kayakers paddling down the Maquoketa River.
“If you live here and have friends coming in, downtown is a fun destination,” Turnis says. “We have lots of good thrift and consignment shops.” Manchester also has two grocery stores, a Walmart Supercenter, hardware stores and a quilting boutique, so most residents can do the bulk of their shopping in town. “If you’re going to take your kid to do back-to-school shopping, you might drive into one of the larger cities for more variety,” Turnis says.
Riverbend Pub & Grill adds flavor to downtown Manchester.
Historic storefronts line downtown Manchester with small-town charm.
Honey Creek Furniture adds local style to downtown Manchester shopping days.
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From the Delaware County Fair to hobby meetups, locals stay busy
Community members gather throughout the year for holidays and events, including the Window Walk and Static Christmas Parade each December. “We always have activities going on in downtown during the summertime,” Turnis says. “We’ve had two or three car shows already, a farmers market, street dances and Rhubarb on the River.” As the seat of Delaware County, Manchester also hosts the county fair each July.
In addition to city-wide events, special interest groups hold regular meetups as well. “There are opportunities for all types of hobbies and interests,” Turnis says. “There’s a sewing group, a trivia club and homeschooling parent groups.”
Eastern Iowa Airport is the nearest major flight hub for residents traveling from Manchester.
Several travel options and services for Manchester residents
Manchester has several transportation options, including a system of paved multiuse trails and sidewalk connectors that form a circuit around the city. Residents can also schedule bus rides through the Regional Transit Authority. Access to state Route 13 and U.S. Route 20 connects drivers with the larger cities of Dubuque, Cedar Rapids and Waterloo, all roughly 50 miles away.
The Regional Medical Center, on West Main Street, provides emergency care, a birthing center and specialty clinics. Cedar Rapids is home to the Eastern Iowa Airport, which offers flights through multiple airlines.
Written By
Ginny West
Photography Contributed By
EB Fox
Video By
EB Fox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Manchester, IA sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Manchester, IA over the last 12 months is $210,000, up 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
1.75 acres, m/l, located approximately 2 miles southeast of Manchester, Iowa on the east side of Jefferson Rd./ Co. Hwy X-21. This property includes a one-story brick home built in 1984 with 2,539 square feet of finished living area on the main level and a full basement. The main level opens into a formal living room with a bay window overlooking the front yard of beautiful hickory trees. The
What is hot on the market these days? Yep rentals! This duplex has both units filled with long time renters that want to stay:) Beautiful lot great location close to all the amenities for every day life! Each unit has it's own utilities set up. Lets start building your house farming portfolio today!
Almost 2 acres of pure magic! This ranch home comes with Draw dropping views, a work shop and fruit trees! Lots of land to add an out door fire pit patio area that would be amazing! Maybe you want to grow your own food including meat :) You know you want to se this just call !! showings after 3:30 during the week
Brand new home is just what you need this year... no Hassel with repairs or updates it's all done and ready for you to enjoy! All of this in a sought after neighborhood with excellent school system. Stylish details , smart layout and close to hospital, shopping, lake Delhi, parks, and entertainment!! call for a showing today!
Brand new build in a great neighborhood with top notch schools! Heated 3 car garage! You wont need to worry about unexpected maintenance bills like roof or furnace BECAUSE IT"S NEW!!!
Nestled among mature oak and walnut trees, this charming 4-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers 2,132 square feet of peaceful country living. Built in 1993, the home features an open concept kitchen and living area accented by handmade furniture, large windows that flood the space with natural light, and a wood stove that enhances the inviting atmosphere. Step onto the covered front patio and take in
Mitchell DellamuthWhitetail Properties Real Estate, LLC
One-story brick home built in 1984 with 2,539 sq. ft. main level and full basement. Main level features formal living room with bay window, family room with masonry fireplace & built-ins, kitchen with hardwood floors, solid-surface counters, double ovens, and adjacent study/breakfast area with built-in desk. Two bedrooms, full bath, shower-stall bath, and half bath with laundry/mudroom complete
Discover a rare opportunity to own 21 acres (m/l) highlighted by an exceptional 1⁄4 mile of private trout stream, offering year-round enjoyment and premier fishing right on your own property. The land features an extensive trail system throughout a mix of hardwoods and softwoods, with abundant deer sign and established walking trails. Approximately 5.5 acres (m/l) of tillable ground serve as the
Mitchell DellamuthWhitetail Properties Real Estate, LLC
What a wonderful opportunity to own this nice sized ranch home with a covered front porch. Open floor plan. Primary bedroom with its own bath. The home needs some updating but with the right attention this could be a very nice home. The property has an attached two car garage. Property is being Sold As is. No repairs will be made. Call for a private showing.
Beautiful New Construction – Move-In Ready! Welcome to this stunning newly built home offering modern design, high-quality finishes, and a prime location close to West Delaware Schools. Sitting on a spacious 0.41-acre lot, this home features 1,882 sq ft on the main level with an additional 800 sq ft of finished living space in the basement, providing plenty of room for comfortable living and
Welcome to this beautiful, like-new 3 BR, 2 BA home designed for modern living. The open-concept layout seamlessly connects the dine-in kitchen & living room, creating a bright & inviting space for everyday living and entertaining. The private primary suite features its own en-suite bath, while two additional bedrooms offer flexibility for guests, family, or a home office. The guest bathroom,
Completely transformed inside and out, this beautifully renovated home is perfectly located near the school and just down the street from Tirrill Park and the Aquatic Center. The home features brand-new Pella windows throughout and a beautiful new kitchen with a butcher block bar and two new bathrooms. Every detail has been updated, including new drywall, insulation, electrical upgrades,
Teresa TurnisKeller Williams Legacy Group-Manchester
Handyman special with solid potential. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits close to downtown Manchester and offers an affordable opportunity for anyone ready to take on a project. Whether you’re looking for a fixer-upper, an investment property, or a place you can make your own, this home gives you a flexible starting point. Being sold as-is, it’s ready for someone with vision to bring it back
Welcome to West Brook Apartments in Manchester, Iowa. This stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment layout is designed for young professionals, couples and families while featuring a private balcony or patio, perfect for relaxing and entertaining. The open-concept kitchen come equipped with modern appliances, including a refrigerator, stove, and microwave and the living area offers plenty of
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