Once a small farming community of 190, North Liberty grew from a suburb for Cedar Rapids and Iowa City into a city of more than 20,000 neighbors strong. "We're good at being flexible and resilient here because we've grown so rapidly," says Jennie Garner, longtime resident and director at the North Liberty Library. "I feel fortunate that we're so supportive as a city." The growth, both geographically and culturally, has shifted the city's focus toward improving services and inviting new opportunities. Industries like Heartland Express Inc., Geico and Centro have offices in North Liberty, and the University of Iowa's teaching hospitals and clinics will expand into the city in 2025. "Healthcare is the single largest industry that our community works in, so bringing those jobs closer is a really big deal. The University of Iowa North Liberty campus will employ hundreds of folks," says Nick Bergus, the city's community relations director.
North Liberty is indeed a great place to live.
The newly constructed University of Iowa Health Care North Liberty Campus will bring jobs and hospital access to North Liberty.
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Growing every year since the 1990s
Bi-level and ranch-style homes from the 1900s to the 1990s are common near the center of town. On either side of downtown, new development expands into the remaining farmland surrounding the city. New subdivisions like Deerfield and The Preserve have hundreds of recently built homes and multi-level condos. Styles are contemporary, New Traditional and custom designs in neutral tones. The median sales price for a home in North Liberty is around $316,000, lower than the national median of $407,000.
Simple split-level homes are a popular option surrounding the center of North Liberty.
Homes with five or more bedrooms are scattered around the outskirts of North Liberty.
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Highways and a regional bike network connect to bigger cities
North Liberty follows Interstate 380, a primary connector with Interstate 80. Highway access is a significant draw since it leads to jobs and commercial hubs within the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City metro area, but traffic isn't an issue. "A lot of traffic is school drop-off driven. Peak times are when school starts and ends, but it's all very manageable," says Bergus. People also commute via the city's regional bike network and Coralville's fixed-route bus service. The Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway passes through North Liberty, and Eastern Iowa Airport is about 13 miles away.
North Liberty's growth means brand-new schools
Two school districts serve North Liberty, although the majority falls under the Iowa City Community School District. The district earns an A on Niche and ranks as the second-best school district in the Cedar Rapids area. Students living west of Jones Boulevard attend the B-rated Clear Creek Amana Community School District. Many of the city's schools are brand-new or have been recently renovated. "Our schools are all very new because of our growth. Liberty High School was the first high school built in Iowa in probably over 30 years when it opened in 2010," Bergus says. The B-rated Kirkwood Community College is less than 1 mile from North Liberty, doubling as a major employer for the area, like the A-rated University of Iowa, 8 miles away.
Clear Creek Amana Community School District is one of the school districts that serves North Liberty.
The purple of the Liberty High Lightning is a popular color around North Liberty.
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Natural spaces and developments for 2025
Two outdoor spaces stand out in North Liberty. The 40-acre Centennial Park offers playgrounds, trails and soon-to-be-finished entertainment venues. In late 2025, an event hall and open-air amphitheater will open, becoming hubs for public concerts and private events. The North Liberty Community Center not only has diverse fitness areas, including indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities, but it's also home to the North Liberty Community Library. The city is within 4 miles of several natural areas, including the Iowa River. The river feeds into Coralville Lake, a popular boating, fishing and swimming spot. Surrounding the lake are 13,500 acres of wildlife preserves and campgrounds.
Centennial Park will be home to a brand new amphitheater as of Summer 2025.
North Liberty Community Center offers programs and classes for residents of all ages.
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Coralville is the city's shopping hub
Penn Landing and Liberty Center—the city's largest commercial centers—offer nationally recognized stores, local restaurants and offices. However, most people travel outside the city for shopping and entertainment. Coral Ridge Mall is about 5 miles away in Coralville and has over 100 stores, a movie theater and a year-round ice rink. Farther south in Iowa City, people cheer for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, shop downtown and see performances at the historic Englert Theatre.
The crossroads of North Liberty are a retail hub with shopping, dining, and other services.
Tin Roost is a favorite local restaurant, famous for great indoor and outdoor dining spaces.
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City Slate brings new events yearly
Over 40 free events happen year-round through North Liberty's City Slate. Summer brings craft beer and bluesy tunes together at the Blues & BBQ festival. On Fridays, the historic Ranshaw House invites local musicians to play on its front porch. As summer transitions into fall, the city closes Dubuque Street for a community dance party, and kiddos collect treats on the Halloween Trail. Fire & Ice is one of the city's largest winter festivals, pairing ice skating with impressive fire shows.
Low flood risk and crime rates
North Liberty sees four distinct seasons. The lowest temperatures are between December and February when snowfall can create hazardous road conditions. While Bergus says the city's weather is often unpredictable, people remain active outdoors year-round. The city is also far enough from the Iowa River and Coralville Reservoir that flooding is rarely an issue.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, North Liberty's property and violent crime rates are significantly lower than the national average.
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in North Liberty, IA sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in North Liberty, IA over the last 12 months is $329,900, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
It’s hard to believe this crisp, clean end-unit townhome is 8 years old! From the moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the bright, open floor plan and thoughtful details throughout. The spacious kitchen features quartz countertops, abundant cabinetry and counter space, plus a bar-height counter overlooking the living room—perfect for entertaining or the ambitious cook. Transom windows
Welcome to this beautifully maintained end-unit condo in North Liberty with easy access to I-380. This 3-bedroom home offers a comfortable, low-maintenance lifestyle with thoughtful updates throughout. The main level features a cozy gas fireplace and opens to a nice patio, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The primary bedroom offers a custom built-in with an electric fireplace, adding
Screened-in porch, fenced backyard, and plenty of finished living space—all in a convenient North Liberty location! This well-maintained split-foyer offers a bright, functional layout with vaulted ceilings and a cozy gas fireplace creating an inviting main living area. The kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances including a gas range, and a breakfast bar with great space
Located in the heart of the Corridor, this well-designed condo offers comfortable living with a versatile floor plan. The main level welcomes you with vaulted ceilings, a cozy gas fireplace, and an inviting living area that flows into the kitchen. The kitchen includes all appliances and provides convenient access to the deck. Two bedrooms and a spacious full bath with dual sinks complete the main
460 Cameron Way offers investors the opportunity to acquire a 20-unit condo building constructed in 2012 and located in one of the fastest-growing submarkets in Eastern Iowa. The property features in-unit laundry, individual HVAC systems, private garage parking for every unit, and a desirable mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments. Strong historical occupancy and proximity to Interstate 80,
Move-in ready with plenty of potential to make it your own! This three-bedroom, two-bath North Liberty split-foyer home offers two levels of comfortable living space plus a finished lower level with room for a rec room, home office, workout area, or guest space. The spacious attached garage provides excellent storage, and additional lighting outlets making it a perfect hobby space or workshop.
1-ACRE LAKESIDE RETREAT WITH 1,512 SQ FT HEATED WORKSHOP! Rare opportunity in North Liberty featuring an expansive, fully equipped heated workshop/garage—perfect for mechanics, business owners, woodworkers, or hobbyists needing massive storage. Nestled in the quiet Coralville Lake Terrace community, this unique property offers 0.95 level acres, mature trees, and effortless indoor-outdoor living.
This beautifully updated home blends classic charm with modern sophistication. A welcoming front porch invites you inside to an airy, light-filled living space featuring a clean neutral palette, gorgeous hardwood and LVP flooring, and elegant light fixtures. The stunning kitchen is a chef’s dream, completely modernized with crisp white cabinetry, premium quartz countertops, and sleek stainless
It’s hard to believe this crisp, clean end-unit townhome is 8 years old! From the moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the bright, open floor plan and thoughtful details throughout. The spacious kitchen features quartz countertops, abundant cabinetry and counter space, plus a bar-height counter overlooking the living room—perfect for entertaining or the ambitious cook. Transom windows
Fabulous 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath walk-out home offering a light-filled interior, beautiful high-end finishes, and thoughtful upgrades throughout—it truly shows like new! Almost 3000 sq ft boasting of a stylish kitchen with granite countertops, crisp white cabinetry, stainless steel GE appliances, and beautiful hickory hardwood flooring that flows through the main living spaces. A cozy gas fireplace
Enjoy privacy, nature, and water-oriented living at this 4-bedroom, 3-bath split-level home nestled on a wooded lot. Start your morning sipping coffee in the 3-season room while watching the wildlife, relax by the wood-burning fireplace, or head down to the water for an afternoon on the lake. A boat ramp is less than half a mile away, and a trail from the property leads down toward the water,
Custom-built & lovingly maintained with almost 3200 sq ft, with newer carpet in the LL & some fresh paint! Full of character and beautiful views of Quail Creek Golf Course. Step inside to a dramatic two-story great room featuring a cozy fireplace & a striking wall of windows that fills the home with natural light. Tucked away on a fabulous cul-de-sac, this special property is one of a kind! The
The Emory North Liberty is a pet-friendly, luxury apartment community located in North Liberty, Iowa in the rapidly growing area of Solomon's Landing. Our location offers many local hot spots to love just steps from your front door. With space ranging across a wide array of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans, we're sure to have the perfect place to call home. Residents are sure to love the
Live lavishly at the 965 Flats in Coralville, IA. Where upscale design meets copious convenience, that's where you'll find our gorgeous one- and two-bedroom apartments complete with state-of-the-art washers and dryers, stainless steel appliances, and spacious walk-in closets. As an exclusive community perk, you'll also enjoy access to our heated swimming pool, fitness center, and professionally
Fully Modernized Fourplex Apartment In a quiet neighborhood in north liberty. Building is freshly renovated from the ground up, by the owner to a high standard with quality finishes, everything is brand new. In unit laundry, new hvac, plumbing, electrical, insulation, windows, quarts countertops, porcelain backsplash, quality lvp flooring, and more. Individual South Slope fiber optic lines
Beautiful Unfurnished Home on West Lake — North Liberty, Iowa!Enjoy waterfront living in a beautiful West Lake setting while being minutes from everything North Liberty has to offer. North Liberty is a growing community conveniently located between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, making it an ideal location for professionals, families, and anyone who wants easy access to both cities while
Property Id: 2436747 ROOM FOR RENT in a house with shared common spaces. Single person occupancy per room for working professionals in the area This is a beautiful home in the heart of North Liberty, comes furnished. Walking distance to spa, eating locations, grocery store, schools and the new hospital in town (0.5 mi away). Kitchen appliances, living room with fireplace, smart TV,
Property Id: 2392603 ROOM FOR RENT in a house with shared common spaces. Room with large shared bath. Single person occupancy per room for working professionals in the area This is a beautiful home in the heart of North Liberty, comes furnished. Walking distance to spa, eating locations, grocery store, schools and the new hospital in town (0.5 mi away). Kitchen appliances, living room with
Beautiful home in the heart of North Liberty. Walking distance to spa, eating locations, grocery store, schools and the new hospital in town (0.5 mi away). All appliances in kitchen, living room with fireplace, smart TV, fenced backyard, porch and garage. The house is centrally located by numerous walking paths, neighborhoods, a hospital (0.5mi away), and the north liberty rec center (1 mile
**Furnished Townhouse-Style Condo** Available 1/1/2027The main level features a living room that opens to a beautiful kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel GE Energy-Efficient appliances, including a gas stove. The kitchen also has a spacious pantry and a half bath for convenience. As you enter through the zero-entry garage door, you'll find a mudroom/drop zone that leads into a
Welcome home to Ivy Lane Condominiums, a luxury development conveniently located in south North Liberty within proximately to many amenities, schools, grocery store, restaurants, pumpkin patch, I-380 and so much more! Upon entry, you step into a defined foyer with a coat closet and 1/2 bathroom leading to the two-story great room with fireplace and a wall of windows bringing the wooded
Well-designed 2-story zero-lot offering nearly 1,900 finished sq ft with a smart, functional layout. The main level features an open kitchen with island and pantry, dining area, and spacious living room with electric fireplace, plus a main-floor bath and rear patio. Upstairs includes a versatile loft, primary suite with private bath and walk-in closet, two additional bedrooms, full bath, and
Spacious 3rd Floor, 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo in the heart of North Liberty. Close to trails, parks, restaurants, library, and pool. Kitchen comes fully equipped with Refrigerator, Stove, Dishwasher and Washer & Dryer. Tenant is responsible for Water, Electric and Gas Utilities. Ask about flexible leasing and furnished options. Landlord Responsibilities - Utilities and Services: + Lawn
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