Tipton offers convenient living in rural eastern Iowa
Miles of crop fields and gentle rolling hills surround Tipton, a small city offering rural living about an hour northwest of Iowa’s Quad Cities. Founded as an agricultural hub in the mid-1800s, a slow pace of life continues to define the Cedar County chair. “It's a small town but also has stores and other amenities you don't typically have in a small town," says Teresa Horton, a longtime resident and Realtor with Cornerstone Real Estate Consultants, who has over 20 years of experience selling in the area. "It's also a friendly place. You will run into people you know standing in the chip aisle at the store and suddenly find yourself in a conversation."
A mix of historic and newly built homes sit along quiet streets
Single-family homes dominate the market in Tipton and feature a wide range of build dates and architectural styles. Late 19th-century bungalows, American Foursquares and newly built ranch styles are all part of the mix. “We have some very new homes being built and some great turn-of-the-century houses," Horton says. Mature trees line the city's streets, providing bits of shade along sidewalks. Narrow alleyways run behind properties, leading to detached garages and additional parking. The median sales price falls around $185,000, well below Iowa City's figure of $310,000. Similarly, Tipton's CAP Index Score is 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Tipton Community School District's app keeps parents in the loop
Tipton Community School District serves children across the city. Niche gives the district, as well as its namesake elementary, middle and high schools, a B-minus rating. The district’s app, Tipton Community Schools, keeps parents up-to-date with relevant information and allows for direct messaging to teachers and other school staff. Tipton Christian Academy is the local private option, teaching kindergarten through 12th grade.
Recreation ranges from Tipton City Park to fishing and a local museum
Tipton City Park is the community’s only park, and offers several ways to spend time outdoors, including a playground, disc golf and athletic facilities. It is also home to the Tipton Aquatic Center, which has indoor and outdoor pools. According to Horton, locals also enjoy spending time on the Cedar River. “Cedar Valley and Cedar Bluff are close by and have incredible camping and fishing,” she says. Tipton Golf & Country Club features a nine-hole course open to the public.
Tipton preserves the city and the surrounding region's history at the Cedar County Historical Society and Museum, which features several exhibits and longstanding structures. Tipton Public Library, an original Carnegie library offering year-round programming, recently celebrated its 125th anniversary.
The city offers local establishments and big-box stores
Independently owned specialty stores, boutiques and restaurants fill the brick-clad storefronts of downtown Tipton. “It’s just a charming, classic downtown square, with the courthouse in the middle and businesses surrounding it,” Horton says. Tipton Family Restaurant is family-owned and a local favorite for breakfast. A few doors down, Mi Tierra Mexican Restaurant is known for its margaritas. Family Foods for groceries and Walmart are available in the city. Iowa City offers more retail options 27 miles southwest, with Target, T.J. Maxx and several other big-box stores. “Some folks go to Cedar Rapids, but the shopping is better in Iowa City, and it’s a fast drive,” Horton says.
Summer events bring neighbors together
The Cedar County Fair is the area’s staple event, occurring over five days in mid-July. The annual tradition offers a wide range of activities, from livestock shows and horticulture competitions to live music and carnival rides. The adjacent Cedar County Raceway hosts races in tandem with the fair, and throughout its season, which stretches from late spring through early fall.
Commuting around and out of Tipton
State routes 38 and 130 serve as the city’s main thoroughfares, supporting local and regional travel. Interstate 80 passes 10 miles south, linking residents to Davenport and Milan, some 45 miles southeast. The latter is home to Quad Cities International Airport, while the nearest hospital, UI Health Care Medical Center, is in Iowa City. Cedar Rapids is 40 miles northwest via U.S. Route 30.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
