$282,548Average Value$150Average Price per Sq Ft30Homes 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
Wesley Sorge,
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.
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On average, homes in Waverly, IA sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Waverly, IA over the last 12 months is $230,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This beautifully updated classic farmhouse is the kind of home buyers wait for. A wraparound three-season porch invites morning coffee & evening conversations, while the open main level blends timeless farmhouse charm with modern comfort. Oversized windows & a shiplap accent wall frame the living room, the generous dining area easily handles holiday gatherings & everyday meals alike. The gourmet
Step into the Easton, an expertly designed ranch-style home located in the sought-after Stone Meadows development. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath new build offers open-concept living with 1,392 finished square feet on the main level and an unfinished walkout basement, perfect for future expansion. Thoughtfully curated upgrades include a tile shower in the primary suite, a 12x14 deck overlooking the
Get ready to be part of something brand new in Waverly! This is your chance to claim the very first home in the all-new Stone Meadows neighborhood—a community that blends modern design with small-town charm! Step inside this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, LINCOLN floor plan offering a beautifully crafted living space. The open floor plan is perfect for everything from cozy evenings to lively
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
Wow! You wont believe the space in this "like new" condo. The main floor features bright living room with vaulted ceilings with new carpeting throughout, huge kitchen with center island as well as bar island for seating, built in desk, and all appliances included. The dining room off the kitchen features sliding door to deck with great view and pull out awning for cover if needed. The two
Jennifer SteereCentury 21 Signature Real Estate-Waverly
Designed for comfortable, efficient living, this Haven floor plan by Panther Builders offers a well balanced layout. The condo includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a one stall garage, all set in the Stone Meadows neighborhood. The home features curb appeal with a welcoming front porch and rear patio adding practical outdoor space. The interior focuses on simplicity and flow, with a bright
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.
This home is move-in ready! This 1944 square foot home has 3 bedrooms and 2.75 baths and is spacious and wonderfully cared for. The location is fantastic, with nearby shopping, soccer and baseball complexes, easy access to main highways, and the bike trail system. Heading into the home, you will find a large front living room that extends into a formal dining or additional living room, and
+/- 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.
Welcome to 614 3rd Street, SW, a charming home located in the heart of Waverly, Iowa. This delightful residence offers a comfortable living space and a touch of character. With 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom this home is ideal for anyone seeking a cozy and inviting place to call their own. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The living room provides the perfect
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
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.
RARE OPPORTUNITY! Welcome to this beautiful lot overlooking scenic landscapes - serene greens and lush fairways! Nestled off of a hard surface road and adjacent to Prairie Links Golf Course, this lot provides 1.45 acres - providing you with ample space to build your dream home and enjoy the views. This unique lot is also approved for an additional out-building and has the convenience of being
Jami JamesCentury 21 Signature Real Estate-Waverly
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
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