$282,932Average Value$156Average Price per Sq Ft33Homes For Sale
A promising college town 20 miles north of Cedar Falls
Life in Waverly, Iowa, revolves around Wartburg College, a private liberal arts college that’s been at the center of the community since 1935. “We’re a smaller community of about 10,000, but we’re close to a few larger areas,” Century 21 Signature Realtor Jennifer Steere says. “College towns are very popular – especially in Iowa.” In addition to an enrollment of over 1,400 students, Wartburg College is also the city’s biggest economic driver, employing over 500 people. While small, Waverly is the largest city in Bremer County, and its top-rated educational options and a variety of indoor and outdoor recreation earn it the spot as the 16th best place to live in Iowa from Niche.com.
The people of Waverly take pride in their city and their communities.
Downtown Waverly straddles the Cedar River and features parks, trails, and plenty of shopping and dining.
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A limited market with diversified housing
Architectural styles range from contemporary to Victorian-style in Waverly’s real estate market, with some properties dating as far back as 1888. However, there is limited on-hand inventory with fewer than two months of supply at a time. “We do have some new construction, but not a lot,” Jennifer says. “We have farmland all around, so it’s very hard to expand the town as far as new construction goes.” The median sale price is $225,500, lower than the state and national median.
Older homes in Waverly come in various sizes, styles, and shapes.
Custom homes are popping up in developments like this one on Waverly's south side.
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Lutheran influences on education
The city shares a school district with its neighbor at Waverly-Shell Rock Community Schools, which earned an A-minus on Niche.com and was rated the second-best school district in Bremer County. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church has a private school serving preschool through sixth-grade students, while Wartburg College offers more than 60 areas of study on a 118-acre campus that sprawls across the center of the city.
Waverly-Shell Rock High School serves around 800 students in grades 9-12.
Wartburg College is a small private college with around 1,500 students.
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Camping at Cedar River
With 20 public parks and over 12 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, Waverly is a vibrant recreational community with indoor and outdoor attractions. The W Sports & Wellness Center at Wartburg College has a vortex pool and a 30-foot climbing wall, while Cedar River Park has eight baseball diamonds and a soccer complex. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Cedar Bend campgrounds, and golfing tournaments are held throughout the year at the city’s two 18-hole courses.
Miles of trails and many parks are easily accessible for Waverly residents.
Cedar Bend Park is just north of Waverly and features hiking and camping on the banks of the Cedar River.
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Downtown dining and shopping selections
CrawDaddy Outdoors provides canoes and kayaks for Cedar River excursions and adventure trips to neighboring rivers and campsites. Beauty salons and novelty stores mainly populate the downtown district, while boutique shops like Moe & Arrow comprise much of the southwestern corridor. Local dining options include brunch spots like Wild Carrot and taprooms such as the Bremer Brewing Co. The closest grocery stores include Hy-Vee, Walmart and Aldi.
Downtown Waverly shops like The Prairie Bee offer locally-owned goods and services.
Bremer Brewing Company is a Waverly hotspot with award-winning craft beers.
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Shuttling along the Avenue of the Saints
Part of an interconnected four-lane highway system, Waverly provides residents with several public transportation options, including OnBoard Public Transit, which services Bremer and its surrounding counties. Reservations can also be made for the Saints Avenue Shuttle service, which provides $10-$20 rides to University of Iowa hospitals and clinics on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Residents have an accredited health care provider in the Waverly Health Center, while the closest commercial airport is 20 miles south at the Waterloo Regional Airport.
Sounds of the Wartburg Community Symphony
In addition to having performing arts venues in the Bachman Fine Arts Center and the Shades of Rhythm Amphitheater, Wartburg musicians also volunteer for the community symphony. The Waverly Chamber Music Series also hosts concerts in the fall and spring.
Weather & Crime
Getting an average of 35 inches of snowfall yearly means crews are always out bright and early, plowing streets between 2 and 4 a.m. Flooding is a minimal risk thanks to the inflatable dam that was finished in 2011, but residents on the southeastern end of the city should be on the lookout if Janesville’s river gauge exceeds 11 feet. According to the Waverly Police Department, the property crime rate is below the national average, while violent crime is higher than the national average.
Written By
David Dunn
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Conar McDaniel
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 Waverly, IA sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Waverly, IA over the last 12 months is $243,750, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
3,800 SQ FEET GARAGE AND OUTBUILDING (INSULATED, INFLOOR HEAT, ON-DEMAND HOT WATER, PLUMBING, FLOOR DRAINS, CEILING FANS), CUSTOM CABINETRY THROUGHOUT HOME, SURROUND SOUND, SPECIALTY CEILINGS, WELL INSULATED TOP-TO-BOTTOM, PLUS MULTIPLE RV HOOKUPS! MUST GET INSIDE TO SEE ALL THE QUALITY UPGRADES! With attention to detail at every turn, this in town acreage has so much to offer! The large front
Enjoy an inviting open-concept layout with a fantastic kitchen featuring a large island, stylish backsplash, and updated light fixtures—perfect for everyday living and entertaining in Waverly. The main floor offers a private master suite, convenient laundry and 2nd bedroom. The lower level includes a spacious family room, third bedroom, and bonus bathroom—ideal for guests or extra living space.
This beautifully maintained and very spacious 4-bedroom twin home offers both comfort and functionality, with wonderful living spaces throughout. As you enter the main level, you'll immediately notice the generous living and dining areas, which are filled with natural light and perfect for entertaining or relaxing. The open layout enhances the flow of the space, making it ideal for gatherings.
Nancy ConklinCentury 21 Signature Real Estate - Cedar Falls
3,800 SQ FEET GARAGE AND OUTBUILDING (INSULATED, INFLOOR HEAT, ON-DEMAND HOT WATER, PLUMBING, FLOOR DRAINS, CEILING FANS), CUSTOM CABINETRY THROUGHOUT HOME, SURROUND SOUND, SPECIALTY CEILINGS, WELL INSULATED TOP-TO-BOTTOM, PLUS MULTIPLE RV HOOKUPS! MUST GET INSIDE TO SEE ALL THE QUALITY UPGRADES! With attention to detail at every turn, this in town acreage has so much to offer! The large front
Don't wait to take a look at this lovely home just on the edge of downtown Waverly! This four bedroom home has had a ton of recent updates and is completely move-in ready. You walk into your large living room with a connection to your very own eat-in-kitchen. Two bedrooms and a full bath round out the main level. Upstairs you will find two very large bedrooms. With newer flooring throughout, a
Jessica KettlesonCentury 21 Signature Real Estate-Waverly
It doesn’t get more picturesque than this! This 28.47 acre property and 2006 Craftsman style 2 story home were built with elegance and comfort in mind. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by an open layout with soaring 20-foot vaulted ceilings. The office makes working from home easy to love, with incredible views overlooking the land. The kitchen features custom Bertch cabinets, quartz
Krystal LiebauCentury 21 Signature Real Estate-Waverly
Every space in this home is arranged with function and comfort in mind, creating an easy flow from room to room. Located in the Stone Meadows neighborhood, the property includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a one stall attached garage, along with a concrete patio for comfortable outdoor space. The main living area is open and connected to the kitchen and dining space, making it practical
RARE OFFERING! Build Your Dream Home near the Cedar River! Welcome to the highly sought-after Whitetail Bluff in Waverly—a beautiful neighborhood offering spacious lots with stunning views along the Cedar River. This premier location combines the best of both worlds: peaceful, scenic surroundings with the convenience of being just minutes from schools, parks, shopping, and downtown Waverly.
Enjoy an inviting open-concept layout with a fantastic kitchen featuring a large island, stylish backsplash, and updated light fixtures—perfect for everyday living and entertaining in Waverly. The main floor offers a private master suite, convenient laundry and 2nd bedroom. The lower level includes a spacious family room, third bedroom, and bonus bathroom—ideal for guests or extra living space.
This beautifully maintained and very spacious 4-bedroom twin home offers both comfort and functionality, with wonderful living spaces throughout. As you enter the main level, you'll immediately notice the generous living and dining areas, which are filled with natural light and perfect for entertaining or relaxing. The open layout enhances the flow of the space, making it ideal for gatherings.
Nancy ConklinCentury 21 Signature Real Estate - Cedar Falls
+/- 0.96 acre commercial lot available in prime Waverly, Iowa location. Situated in the heart of Waverly’s commercial district, with many national retailers, and very close to the Hwy 218 interchange, this site will provide high traffic counts and great signage opportunities.
This home is in a well-established neighborhood on a quiet street that runs through the Wartburg College cross-country field. It features a spacious 4-bedroom layout and a 5th flex room in the finished basement. The property includes three full bathrooms, including a master bath with a jetted soaking tub and a separate shower. It offers a 840 sq ft three-car garage and a storage shed for outdoor
Discover this fantastic property located just across the street from WSR High School, near WSR Middle School, and next to the Waverly Public Play Park. Featuring 4 bedrooms plus a non-conforming 5th in the basement, 3 bathrooms, a spacious 2-car garage, and a convenient shed out back. Recent updates include gorgeous new flooring in the entryway, kitchen, and basement family room, along with a
Located near local schools, this spacious 7 bedroom, 4 bath home offers an impressive amount of living space and flexibility. Seven bedrooms provide options for offices, guest rooms, hobbies, or multi-use spaces to fit a variety of needs. The open concept main level allows for easy flow between living, dining, and kitchen areas, complemented by main-floor laundry for everyday convenience. Dining
Krystal LiebauCentury 21 Signature Real Estate-Waverly
RARE OFFERING! Build Your Dream Home ON the Cedar River! Welcome to the highly sought-after Whitetail Bluff in Waverly—a beautiful neighborhood offering spacious lots with stunning views along the Cedar River. This premier location combines the best of both worlds: peaceful, scenic surroundings with the convenience of being just minutes from schools, parks, shopping, and downtown Waverly. Whether
*First month FREE for new leases starting before 2/1/2026*Why your next home should be at Pinnacle Villages!- New apartments located in Waverly, Iowa- Private balcony / patio- Ideal for young professionals or families new to the area- Two car attached garage on every unit!- Free access to Prairie Links Pool - Free golf membership at Prairie Links Golf Course
Welcome to Palace Apartments in the heart of downtown Waverly, IA. Our newly constructed apartments feature modern amenities such as hardwood floors, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy the convenience of online rent payment and maintenance requests, as well as the luxury of having a washer and dryer in your unit. Take advantage of the free golf membership and pool access
Find your perfect home at Rolling Meadows, where comfort, convenience, and a welcoming community come together. Whether you're a student, young professional, or simply looking for a peaceful place to live, Rolling Meadows offers everything you need to feel right at home.Features You'll Appreciate:-Just minutes from Wartburg College- ideal for students and staff-Garages
2-story home located at 108 5th St NE features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms within a total living space of 1,650 square feet. Just 1 block from downtown Waverly and five minutes from Wartburg campus. The interior includes a furnished large, open living room, equipped with air conditioning for comfort. The kitchen is fitted with breakfast bar, gas stove, dishwasher, and offers ample storage space.
2-story home located at 108 5th St NE features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms within a total living space of 1,650 square feet. Just 1 block from downtown Waverly and five minutes from Wartburg campus. The interior includes a furnished large, open living room, equipped with air conditioning for comfort. The kitchen is fitted with breakfast bar, gas stove, dishwasher, and offers ample storage space.
2-story home located at 108 5th St NE features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms within a total living space of 1,650 square feet. Just 1 block from downtown Waverly and five minutes from Wartburg campus. The interior includes a furnished large, open living room, equipped with air conditioning for comfort. The kitchen is fitted with breakfast bar, gas stove, dishwasher, and offers ample storage space.
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