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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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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 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in North Liberty, IA over the last 12 months is $325,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 1980 Silver Maple Trail in North Liberty — a beautifully updated ranch offering modern style, functional space, and exceptional comfort. This inviting home features an open-concept floor plan perfect for everyday living and entertaining, with vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and a cozy fireplace creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Updated flooring throughout enhances the
This stunning custom-built new construction home offers exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful design throughout. This 5-bedroom, 3-bath home provides generous space for living and entertaining. Step inside to discover step ceilings with custom crown molding and designer lighting, creating an elevated, elegant feel in every room. The custom kitchen cabinetry is complemented by a spacious layout
Beautiful home, fresh paint, features main-floor master suite with newly installed carpeting, whirlpool tub, shower, large walk-in closet. Walkout lower level includes 2 spacious bedrooms, full bath, and cozy family room with gas fireplace. Kitchen offers beautiful hardwood floors and hard-surface countertops, and the dining area opens to bright screened porch overlooking nearly 1/2 acre of
Beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo tucked away on a peaceful cul-de-sac! This inviting home features vaulted ceilings and a cozy fireplace in the main living area, creating a bright and open feel. The kitchen offers a functional layout with stainless steel appliances, a pantry, breakfast bar, and a newer side-by-side refrigerator (December 2019), along with decorative wood trim above
Discover this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo in North Liberty, offering comfort, convenience, and a strong rental history. The open floor plan features a cozy fireplace, and in-unit washer and dryer for modern living. The property includes a 1-car garage plus an additional designated parking space. Situated in a prime location with quick access to I-380, local restaurants, and nearby
Lovely ranch-style 0-lot line in a peaceful cul-de-sac setting with open field views and a sunny walkout lower level. This spacious home features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and an inviting open floor plan perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The beautiful kitchen boasts a large island, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances, opening to the bright great room with gas fireplace.
Welcome to this move-in-ready 2nd floor condo offering a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. The inviting open-concept living area features a cozy gas fireplace, creating a warm focal point for relaxing evenings. The functional kitchen is designed for efficiency with a handy breakfast bar, dedicated pantry, and all appliances included, plus a stackable washer and dryer tucked away in a
Custom-built & lovingly maintained with almost 3200 sq ft, this distinctive home offers a floor plan 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 open
Stunning retreat near the lake, nestled on nearly 1 ACRE in North Liberty! This unique property offers spacious living with 3-beds & 2 baths, blending charm, comfort, and functionality. The home features heated floors throughout, bamboo flooring on the main level, ceramic tile accents in the living area, skylights, and multiple inviting spaces filled with natural light. It boasts a newer roof and
Step into style and quality in this beautifully designed home featuring a spacious 3-car garage and up to 6 bedrooms—perfect for growing households or flexible living needs. The open-concept main level is built for both everyday living and entertaining, with a stunning kitchen that showcases quartz countertops, a ceramic tile backsplash, under-cabinet lighting, stainless steel appliances with a
Well positioned in North Liberty with easy access to UI Health Care North Liberty Orthopedics and Sports Medicine campus, Hy-Vee, and nearby favorites like Barrett’s Quality Eats, Starbucks, and Jersey Mike’s Subs, this second-floor condo offers comfortable, low-maintenance living in a convenient setting. The main living area is open and inviting, centered around a gas fireplace and connected to
This home was completely remodeled by the park in 2022. It has an ADA compliant bathroom along with the primary bedroom. One of the decks was replaced in 2022 as well. This home offers an open kitchen and living room space. It has been taken care of very well. This home is on leased land and does require park approval. The lot rent is 694.00 a month per the park management. Home is sold as is/
Welcome to Ivy Lane Condominiums, a luxury community ideally located in south North Liberty near schools, restaurants, grocery stores, parks, I-380, and everyday conveniences. Step inside to a welcoming foyer with a coat closet and powder room that opens to a stunning two-story great room featuring a fireplace and expansive windows that fill the home with natural light and beautiful wooded views.
This new split-foyer single-family home combines modern design and lasting craftsmanship. Offering 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and nearly 2,400 sq. ft. of finished living space, it provides comfort and style for today’s lifestyles. The main level features luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the kitchen, dining, and living areas for a cohesive, low-maintenance look. The kitchen boasts quartz
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
Penn Street Place is a 52 unit apartment building featuring a combination of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments that in the heartbeat of North Liberty. When you make up your mind with Penn Street Place you are going with class, convenience and style as you have the finest dining at your door step such as Tin Roost, Field Day Brewery, and Fiesta the best mexican cuisine in town . Relish and delight in our
Modern 12-unit apartment building coming soon in North Liberty. Now under construction, this brand-new apartment building offers stylish and spacious 2-bedrooms, 2-bath units designed for comfort and convenience. Located in a quiet North Liberty neighborhood, residents will enjoy peaceful living with easy access to I-380, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and nearby shopping and dining
Large, well maintained 2 bed/2 bath in a secure building. Washer and dryer in-unit, garage and parking space included. Privately managed and locally owned. No pets, No smoking.
Quiet and spacious, second floor two bedroom, two bathroom condo unit with balcony and detached single car garage. Residence centrally located in North Liberty, walkable to nearby facilities including North Liberty Rec Center/Pool, walking/biking trails, Penn Meadows Park, shopping, and restaurants. Unit Features:- gas fireplace- in-unit private washer and dryer- sliding
A spacious 3-bedroom house featuring two living areas, a modern kitchen, an indoor laundry room, and a garage for one car with additional parking space for two cars. The home includes a backyard, central air conditioning, and a heating system. The master bedroom boasts a large walk-in closet. Lawn care and snow removal services are provided, so there’s no need for maintenance. The house is
## Experience Stress-Free Living in North Liberty**TOUR SHOWING:** Thursday, May 14 @ 12:30 PMDiscover this spacious 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom home in the highly desirable North Liberty area. Combining modern updates with "peace of mind" technology, this move-in-ready property is perfectly designed for effortless, comfortable living.### The Highlights * **Perfect for Sharing* Each of
**Furnished Townhouse-Style Condo** Pre-screen form required before showings.The main level features a living room that seamlessly connects to a beautiful kitchen equipped 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
Welcome to 8 Jaro Way Luxury Condos!All units come with LVP flooring throughout and electric fireplaces in Livingroom. They also have white cabinets, trim, and doors throughout, quartz tops, upgraded Kitchen Aid Gallery Addition stainless steel appliances, and front-loading washer and dryer. Each unit comes with a 1-car garage and there is a 1500 sqft dog run in the back.If you have any questions
Welcome to this spacious Townhome in The Preserve, a vibrant and growing community near Centennial Park and North Bend Elementary! This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom condo offers a functional open floor plan, perfect for modern living. As you step inside, you're greeted with a cozy corner gas fireplace in the great room, seamlessly connected to a dining area with sliding glass doors leading to
$1,450 per month
$1,450 | 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Condo | Pet Negotiable | Available for August 1st, 2026 Move In!
This 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Condo is Available for August 1st, 2026 Move In![VIDEO TOUR - SIMILAR UNIT - 280 #203] Copy this link to your browser to schedule a showing at your convenience.2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom condo located in North Liberty! This top floor condo is located in a secure building and features forced/central air for heating & cooling and a detached garage.
$1,450 per month
$1,450 | 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom House | Pet Friendly* | Available for July 1st, 2026 Move In!
This 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom House is available for an 07/01/26 move in!Copy this link to your browser to schedule a showing at your convenience.2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom single family house located in North Liberty! New carpet and LVP flooring throughout. Kitchen opens to generous living room and allows access to attached garage. Large yard in back. Nearby shopping, grocery,
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