$232,803Average Value$176Average Price per Sq Ft20Homes 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
Sarah Buchheit,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Manchester, IA sell after 72 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 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.
Beautiful 4-bed, 2.5-bath home located in Manchester's desirable Tanglewood neighborhood on a .74-acre lot. Enjoy a peaceful backyard with water access, a composite deck, and plenty of room to relax. Inside features a kitchen with breakfast nook, family room with wood-burning fireplace, plus formal living and dining rooms for extra space. A picture-perfect front porch and 2-car attached garage
Open House Saturday - 1:00 to 2:30pm. Great opportunity to own your lake front property at the beautiful Lake Delhi. Selling Estate is selling 4 parcels of land as a package deal. 3 of the 4 parcels are Lake Front parcels. Per the county assessor, there is 238 ft of Lakefront frontage. Parcel with home is 250250204700 - Two story with 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. Family room and formal dining area
Nestled on 1 acre with peaceful water views, this 4,200+ sq ft lake home offers the setting you’ve been waiting for. The main level features 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, including two walk-in tile showers and a laundry area/half bath. Open floor plan, luxury vinyl flooring, beautiful stone gas fireplace, formal dining, and a spacious kitchen with granite countertops, and a large island. The
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!!!
This charming 3 bedroom, 1 bath home is full of warmth, space, and opportunity! The dining area opens nicely to the living room, creating a comfortable layout for everyday living and gathering with family and friends. The unfinished lower level offers plenty of potential for additional living space, storage, or future finishing—ready for the next owner to add their own personal touch. A breezeway
Welcome to your charming lakefront escape on Lake Delhi! This adorable cottage-style, year-round home sits on owned waterfront property boasting over 90 feet of shoreline—perfect for embracing the very best of lake living. Inside, you’ll find a warm and inviting layout featuring 2 bedrooms plus a 3rd non-conforming bedroom in the lower level—ideal for guests, a home office, or additional living
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
Condo living = easy living! This BRAND NEW 1120 sq. ft. condo has 2 bedrooms (including master bedroom suite), 2 bathrooms, pantry and fireplace. The heated garage houses the mechanics in a closet. The seller will also have the driveway, grass, landscaping and back patio completed before closing (weather permitting). Just think......no more mowing lawn or removing snow. Who wouldn't want that??!!
Carol Thomas-SchleeCentury 21 Signature Real Estate - Oelwein
Condo living = easy living! This BRAND NEW 1120 sq. ft. condo has 2 bedrooms (including master bedroom suite), 2 bathrooms, pantry and fireplace. The seller will also have the driveway, grass, landscaping and back patio completed (weather permitting). Just think......no more mowing lawn or removing snow. Who wouldn't want that??!! Line up a showing now!
Carol Thomas-SchleeCentury 21 Signature Real Estate - Oelwein
Just move in and enjoy! This updated home is perfect for someone looking for comfort, space and major upgrades already completed! Improvements include a new roof, new windows, new central air and permanent siding. Inside, you will enjoy cooking in the beautifully updated kitchen with modern finishes, plus a convenient remodeled bath/laundry room. Upper level has three bedrooms. Contact for more
Beautiful rural lot with a 1.5 stall garage and a new shared well. This is a great property to build a home. The back yard provides countryside views for miles. Located in a rural housing development just north of Manchester.
Teresa TurnisKeller Williams Legacy Group-Manchester
Welcome to 401 Anderson Street in Manchester! This spacious ranch home offers 1,874 square feet of main-floor living on an exceptional 0.98-acre city lot — a rare find within city limits. The main level features a large kitchen with beautiful custom cabinetry and adjoining dining area, plus an expansive family room with beautiful hardwood floors, vaulted ceiling and large windows. The three
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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