$287,013Average Value$151Average 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
Bob Delveau,
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 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Waverly, IA over the last 12 months is $260,000, up 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience Executive Acreage Living at Its Finest! Discover this beautifully crafted home set on approximately 6 secluded acres offering a serene retreat just minutes from Waverly, Cedar Falls, or Waterloo. With a private paved driveway leading to the property, you’ll enjoy an ambiance of tranquility and privacy, complemented by breathtaking views that extend across the captivating landscape.
Welcome home to this inviting 3-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow full of character and timeless appeal. Situated on a desirable corner lot, this well-maintained home features beautiful original hardwood floors that add warmth and charm throughout the living spaces. The functional floor plan offers comfortable living with three bedrooms, a welcoming living room, and a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel
This high-quality Craig Freesemann-built ranch-style home in Waverly offers an exceptional blend of craftsmanship, comfort, and thoughtful design. The main floor features a wide-open layout highlighted by an arched entryway with accent lighting, stunning floor-to-ceiling windows along the stairwell, and the living room with a coffered ceiling and stone fireplace. The spacious kitchen flows
Located just north of Waverly in Bremer County, this 9.22-acre property offers a combination of residential improvements, usable acreage, and outdoor features that support a variety of recreational and lifestyle uses. With a convenient location near town and a private rural setting, the property provides flexibility for buyers seeking space for equipment, hobbies, and outdoor enjoyment. The
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
Excellent development opportunity! This 12.49 +/- acre parcel is zoned R-3 Residential and is located directly behind Waverly- Shell Rock Middle School. Potential for multi-family duplex or residential construction, this property offers strong potential for growth and investment. Conveniently positioned with easy access to Highway 218 and just minutes from shopping, dining, and community
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
*Prime Investment Alert!!* Nestled on a quiet street moments from local shops, dining, and Wartburg College, this fully-leased duplex offers two updated units with high income potential and minimal overhead. Features include separate utilities, solid rental history, and a sought-after neighborhood ambiance. Whether you live in one unit and rent the other for an ideal owner-occupant scenario, or
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.
Nestled on a charming corner lot, this spacious brick ranch blends classic charm with modern comfort. The expansive layout includes bright living room, cozy dining room with gas fireplace opening up to the beautiful kitchen with lots of cabinets, granite counters and stainless appliances. You will love the sunroom overlooking the beautiful yard great for entertaining or enjoying morning coffee.
Jennifer SteereCentury 21 Signature Real Estate-Waverly
+/- 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.
Located directly across from Willow Lawn Park in a great neighborhood, this ranch-style home offers 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths, and plenty of potential. The open concept living and kitchen area creates a functional layout with ample cupboard space and room to gather. Two bedrooms are located on the main floor with an additional bedroom downstairs, along with a convenient main floor laundry/mud room.
*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
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
Property Id: 2004667Totally Remodeled 2 Bed / 1 Bath Apartment in Prime Waverly Location!This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offers modern living in a quiet, convenient neighborhood just minutes from everything Waverly has to offer. Located at the end of a peaceful dead-end street, this unit features a completely remodeled interior with an open-concept kitchen and
Comfortable Furnished Room In A Welcoming Waverly HomeSettle into a private, fully furnished bedroom in a two-story home thoughtfully set up for comfort. Your room includes a cozy bed, dresser, and closet space, with plenty of natural light to make it feel like home. Central air and heating keep things comfortable year-round, and you'll have access to shared spaces including the kitchen,
This updated 4 bedroom 2 bath condo has it all with updated kitchen, 2 updated baths, new flooring, new paint throughout. The home has single attached garage as well as additional parking, slider off of dining room that leads you out to a nice deck and rear yard. Welcome to Unit #2 at 806 7th Ave NW in Waverly, IA, a spacious duplex offering comfort and convenience. This well-appointed unit
5 Bedrooms3 BathroomsDetached garageLarge Corner LotWalking distance to WartburgPerfect for a large family or group of college students 5 Bedrooms3 BathroomsDetached garageLarge Corner LotWalking distance to WartburgPerfect for a large family or group of college students
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