$272,091Average Value$146Average Price per Sq Ft29Homes 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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Karmen Schwake,
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 Waverly, IA sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Waverly, IA over the last 12 months is $225,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch with an attached 2-stall garage. Nestled in a desirable neighborhood, this property offers a wonderful layout filled with natural light. The main floor features a spacious living room that flows seamlessly into the dining area and kitchen. The dining room includes sliding doors that open to a back deck—perfect for entertaining or relaxing
Completely remodeled & move-in ready! This charming 1 bed, 1 bath home in Waverly has been fully updated inside and out, offering peace of mind for years to come. Exterior updates include a new roof, siding, soffit, fascia, gutters, and front deck. Step inside to brand new LVP flooring, trim, drywall, windows, furnace, water heater, updated plumbing, plus a stunning new kitchen and modern
Step into this charming home located in the heart of Waverly, offering a perfect blend of character, comfort, and convenience. This well-maintained property features spacious living areas, large windows for abundant natural light, and a functional layout perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. Whether you're relaxing on the inviting front porch, enjoying the backyard space, or
Welcome to 113 Island View Way this beautifully redesigned home offers over 2,100 sq ft of updated living space across two levels, featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and an ideal blend of modern finishes and functional layout.The main level showcases a bright and open floor plan with a fully remodeled kitchen, complete with new cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and fixtures. The adjoining
Welcome Home to Comfort & Care! ? This well-maintained 4-bedroom raised ranch offers both space and style in a serene setting. Nestled on a landscaped 1⁄2 acre lot, the property provides privacy and a peaceful suburban feel. Inside, the heart of the home is a spacious kitchen with Bertch cabinets, breakfast bar, and all appliances included. A large formal dining room is perfect for entertaining,
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch with an attached 2-stall garage. Nestled in a desirable neighborhood, this property offers a wonderful layout filled with natural light. The main floor features a spacious living room that flows seamlessly into the dining area and kitchen. The dining room includes sliding doors that open to a back deck—perfect for entertaining or relaxing
**Next 5 NEW leases will receive a free month of rent with a 12 month lease moving in before 10/1!**SNAPSHOT- Brand new condos with slate finished appliances, hardwood flooring, quartz countertops, and soft-close cabinetry- Secured Entry- Attached 2 stall garageBENEFITS- Free pool access to the Prairie Links Pool - Free golf membership to Prairie Links Golf
Updated 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhome – Great Location! This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath townhome is ideally located near local hospital and schools, offering both convenience and comfort.Features Include:*Washer and dryer hook-ups*Attached 1-stall garage*Bonus room on main floor with brand-new LVT flooring*Fresh paint and updated flooring
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
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.
