$289,448Average Value$161Average Price per Sq Ft43Homes 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
Mandy Heinemann,
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 48 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 $270,000, up 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located directly across from Willow Lawn Park in a great neighborhood, this ranch-style home offers 3-4 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 bedrooms downstairs, along with a convenient main floor laundry/mud
Located in the Stone Meadows neighborhood, this Cedar floor plan by Panther Builders offers generous space and a thoughtful layout designed for modern living. This condo includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a two stall garage. The color selections create a polished first impression, while the rear patio adds a comfortable outdoor space. Inside, the main level is open and inviting, with a
This spacious home features four bedrooms and a full bathroom on the main level, along with a large living room that flows seamlessly into the eat-in kitchen, creating a functional and welcoming space for everyday living. The finished lower level offers even more living space with a family room, a fifth bedroom complete with its own private bathroom, and a versatile bonus room that is perfect for
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
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
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.
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.
Located directly across from Willow Lawn Park in a great neighborhood, this ranch-style home offers 3-4 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 bedrooms downstairs, along with a convenient main floor laundry/mud
This home has the joys of letting you live in a neighborhood, but with no backyard neighbors! Located conveniently on 1st Street SE in Waverly, this four bedroom, three bath home is exactly what you need. Upon arrival, you will walk directly into the open-concept kitchen, living, and dining area, crowned by vaulted ceilings that flood the space with light and create an airy, elevated feel. Two
Build your dream home on this exceptional .316-acre corner lot located on the highly desirable Prairie Links Golf Course! This spacious lot offers a prime setting with stunning golf course views and added privacy thanks to its corner location. Enjoy peaceful surroundings, open green space, and the beauty of a well-maintained course right in your backyard. With ample room to design and build, this
+/-2.35 acre commercial lot available in prime Waverly, Iowa location, just minutes away from Waterloo. 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.
Experience refined living in this exceptional private estate nestled on 3.06 secluded acres. Designed with both luxury and functionality in mind, this expansive residence offers an impressive blend of upscale finishes, multi-generational living potential, and resort-style amenities — all tucked away in a serene hidden setting. A brand-new roof adds both peace of mind and long-term value to this
Check out this charming home that brings you space, character & opportunity! This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, two-story home offers plenty of room to grow and a fantastic opportunity make the space your own. A newer, spacious main-level primary suite provides added convenience, featuring a private bathroom with a jetted tub and walk-in closet. Features like the main level laundry and a convenient
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
Why your next home should be at Pinnacle Villages!- Free access to Prairie Links Pool - Free golf membership at Prairie Links Golf Course (cart not included)- Free access to the Prairie Links Pickleball Courts- New apartments located in Waverly, Iowa- Private balcony / patio- Ideal for young professionals or families new to the area- Two car attached garage on
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
This 3-bedroom, 1-bath gem in Waverly is opening its doors on September 11! Everything inside is brand-new: flooring, paint, fixtures, appliances — a complete top-to-bottom refresh that feels modern, clean, and full of energy. And the location is unbeatable: walking distance to both the high school and middle school, plus just minutes from shopping, clinics, doctors’ offices and the golf
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