Oelwein is a family-friendly city about 35 miles from Cedar Falls
Nearly 6,000 people live in the small city of Oelwein. “We are a friendly community,” says Deb Howard, executive director of the Oelwein Chamber & Area Development. “I know everybody says that, but we take care of our people and like to offer amenities and events so that they feel like they live in a place that is quality living for their children and themselves.” Locals spend their time at one of the many parks in the city and look forward to the annual holiday celebrations. Many businesses are locally owned, and most big-box stores are in Cedar Falls, about 35 miles away.
Visitors are greeted by welcoming displays throughout the city.
Oelwein’s cityscape features a blend of homes and green spaces.
1/2
Local eateries include Leo’s Italian Restaurant and Hacienda Del Rio
There is a mix of chains and locally owned eateries. One of the most visited family businesses is Leo’s Italian Restaurant downtown, which has been passed down for three generations. “It’s been a staple in our community, and people come from miles away to eat at Leo’s,” Howard says. It’s attached to Leo’s Generations Lounge, a full-service bar that often has live music. “Hacienda Del Rio is fabulous for Mexican,” says Mayor Brett DeVore. PJ’s Bar & Grill serves pub food inside Viper Lanes, the city’s bowling alley. Grocery options include Fareway and Dollar Fresh Market. Locals can find fresh produce, jams and baked goods at the Oelwein Farmers Market every Friday morning and Wednesday evening from May to mid-October at Depot Park. Walmart is 17 miles away.
Leo’s Generations Lounge offers live music and a welcoming atmosphere.
Fareway in Oelwein is a great place to stock up on everyday essentials.
1/2
Homes from the early 1900s include Tudor Revivals and Foursquares
Towering oak trees shade the grassy lawns of Oelwein. Sidewalks line many of the wide residential streets, with ample room for street parking. Most properties also have detached garages. “We have a pretty good mix of homes from the early 1900s,” DeVore says. These include bungalows, Tudor Revivals and American Foursquares. Midcentury ranch-style houses are also common. Depending on size and condition, prices generally range from $40,000 to $290,000. Investment properties have sold for as little as $10,000.
American Foursquare homes in Oelwein reflect early 1900s craftsmanship.
Ranch-style homes in Oelwein provide single-level living and large yards.
1/2
Oelwein park amenities include a lake, playgrounds and athletic fields
At 69 acres, City Park is the largest of several parks in Oelwein. Most of this space is taken up by Lake Oelwein, which allows kayaking, fishing, boating and paddleboarding. Other amenities include a dog park, playground and the Saur-King Jet Plaza, which is dedicated to two World War II Air Force veterans. Most of the city’s athletic fields are at Wings Park. “That’s where all the Little League teams play,” Howard says. It is next to the Oelwein Family Aquatic Center, an outdoor pool with lap swim, a water play structure and a diving board. The city’s library is about half a mile away and has programs like the kid-friendly Pages & Play Club and a book club that changes its themes every month. Hickory Grove is a public nine-hole course in the southern part of Oelwein.
City Park in Oelwein features Lake Oelwein for fishing and boating.
Welcome signs greet visitors to Oelwein’s City Park.
1/2
Oelwein schools partner with Northeast Iowa Community College
Students may attend Oelwein Community Schools. Wings Park Elementary School receives a C from Niche, while Oelwein Middle School has a C-minus. Oelwein High School earns a C-plus and offers concurrent enrollment through Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC). NICC’s Oelwein Center also has the High School Equivalency Diploma and professional development courses.
Residents take great pride in Oelwein High School's football program.
Oelwein’s downtown features locally owned shops and eateries.
1/2
Olde Tyme Christmas is the most anticipated annual event
The largest annual celebration is Oelwein Olde Tyme Christmas. “That event draws anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 people, depending on the weather,” Howard says. The festivities include fireworks, cookie decorating and visiting Santa. Residents look forward to the crowning of the Grinch, a donation-based competition that raises funds for the Community Kitchen Cupboard, and the night ends with the lighted parade. Other events include the Party in the Park summer series at Depot Park, which has live music and door prizes on the second Thursday of the month from June to September, and the Friday Night Downtown Park’n. This vintage car show is on the third Friday of the month during the summer.
Expanding pedestrian paths connect Oelwein parks
The city is pedestrian-friendly, with a walking and bike trail connecting Red Gate Park to Levin Park and one from Wings Park Elementary to Platts Park. “They are working on expanding to connect the trails around the city,” Howard says. Residents also rely on cars to get around, with U.S. Route 150 and U.S. Route 3 going through Oelwein. MercyOne Oelwein Medical Center is in the area. People fly out of Waterloo Regional Airport, which is about 35 miles away and offers daily flights to O’Hare International Airport. DeVore says that many people will travel the 65 miles to Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids because it has more nonstop destinations than Waterloo.
According to First Street, Oelwein has a major risk from flooding because of the impacts to roads, hospitals and other community infrastructure.
Written By
Zia Sampson
Photography Contributed By
Austin Lewis
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Aaron Webber,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Oelwein, IA sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Oelwein, IA over the last 12 months is $126,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this updated home featuring 2 bedrooms on the main floor and an additional bedroom in the basement. The interior offers new flooring throughout, updated lighting fixtures, and a kitchen with durable quartz countertops. Convenient main floor laundry adds to the ease of everyday living, while solar panels provide energy efficiency and cost savings.The basement includes a bar area, for
Taylor SwaneyCentury 21 Signature Real Estate - Oelwein
Open House 12/6 12:00-1:30 Spacious and updated 4-bedroom, 3-bath home in a great location! This move-in ready home offers plenty of living space for the whole family. The master suite features a private bath, and there’s plenty of storage throughout. Enjoy the large, well-kept yard and the convenience of a 2-stall attached garage. Comfortable, functional, and ready for you to call it home.
Taylor SwaneyCentury 21 Signature Real Estate - Oelwein
Located in the heart of 2nd Ave SW Oelwein, this 100x140 residential parcel offers the perfect opportunity to build your dream home in a thriving community. Nestled in a peaceful yet convenient location, the lot provides easy access to schools, shopping, parks, and major roadways, making daily commutes and errands a breeze. With utilities available nearby (buyer to verify), this spacious lot is
Another great equity builder - with a little tlc you can make this one your own. 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, single car garage and workshop. Priced to sell. Selling AS IS. Square footages approximate. Call your favorite local agent for your personal showing today!
IMPROVED PRICE!! TAKE ADVANTAGE!! This attractive, remarkable and well-maintained house boasts 4 bedrooms, 1.75 bathrooms and a 1 stall garage ideally situated in a terrific neighborhood. It's conveniently close to the middle school, high school, hospital and Wellness Center. The property features a total of 4 bedrooms, with 3 located on main level and 1 downstairs accompanied by a full bathroom
Beautiful setting, encompassed with nature and beauty sits a 3.13 Acre Lot ready for your new dream home to be built. Located within city limits on the NE side of Oelwein. Say yes, to this address!
Curb appeal at its finest! This inviting and well cared for 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is patiently waiting for its new owner. The main level features an extra-large living room with adjoining dining room option. You will love the brand new 9-foot picture window that gives the room a bright and warm feeling. Nearby, the kitchen has ample counter space and cabinets, new flooring, countertop seating
Taking Backups...Call Agent ! Charming 3 BR, 2 BA Home in a Prime Location ! This beautifully updated home offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and modern style—all nestled in a fantastic neighborhood close to schools, parks, and walking/bike trails. Step inside to discover a spacious family room addition just off the kitchen, featuring an open-concept layout and ample
Jennifer DrewelowCentury 21 Signature Real Estate - Oelwein
This affordable and quaint house is just waiting for you to make it your own. Character abounds this 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath home with large rear yard and tuck under garage. A must see. Priced to sell. Selling AS IS. Square footages approximate. Call your favorite local agent for your personal showing today.
Wonderful ranch home in a great location with a large, fully fenced yard. This updated property offers 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths, plus a flexible bonus space. The main floor features a spacious eat-in kitchen with sliding doors overlooking the beautiful fenced yard and multi-level deck—perfect for outdoor entertaining. Also on the main level are a bright living room, three bedrooms, and a full
Jennifer DrewelowCentury 21 Signature Real Estate - Oelwein
Excellent location to build your dream home in a quiet neighborhood on .67 acre lot. Close to Wings Park School, bike trails and aquatic center. Walk around and find out why you should build here! Call for more information.
Welcome to Oelwein, Iowa!The Meadows Apartments are located in a quaint town of Northeast Iowa loaded with charm and character. Enjoy small town living with all conveniences, an easy commute to Waterloo. The Meadows apartment complex boasts spacious units, each with a balcony or patio, up-to-date finishes, laundry facilities in building, garage parking, and open landscaped
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
