West Liberty provides rural living with proximity to larger cities
Incorporated in 1868, West Liberty began as a small agricultural hub following the arrival of the Mississippi and Missouri Railroads. Generations later, miles of crop fields still surround the community of just under 4,000. “It’s a little rural, commuting town,” says Julie Chown, a Realtor with Ruhl & Ruhl Realtors, who has 34 years of selling experience in the area. “A lot of people in West Liberty work in Iowa City or Muscatine.” Despite its somewhat secluded location in eastern Iowa, abundant recreation and a lively downtown district offer ways for residents to stay active. “It’s also a diverse community,” says Chown. “The turkey factory there [West Liberty Foods] employs many people in the area.”
Locals enjoy hunting, golfing and swimming close to home
Multiple parks provide different ways to spend time outdoors. Kimberly Park has a playground and a namesake community pool, which offers day and season passes. Farmers and private landowners allow locals to hunt on their land during hunting season. “It’s usually someone they know or a friend of a friend,” Chown says. “Deer hunting is popular, and so is duck hunting on the area’s river and streams.” Hoover Nature Trail is a paved pathway that runs from U.S. Route 6 south to West Liberty Heritage Depot Museum. The museum highlights West Liberty's railroad history and sits next to the area's original tracks, operated today by Iowa Interstate Railroad. West Liberty Golf and Country Club features a nine-hole course open to the public.
From 19th century cottages to newly built ranch styles
West Liberty’s oldest houses sit back from brick-paved streets that fill the community’s center. Mature trees provide spots of shade for these late 19th and early 20th century homes, including cottages and National Folk styles. This portion of the community features back alleyways that lead to detached sheds and garages. Narrow sidewalks run throughout the community into the outskirts, where ranch-style homes built from the mid-20th century into the 21st century begin to appear more often. Miles of expansive crop fields frame the community’s outskirts, adding to the area's rural feel. With the exception of a few outliers, most homes sell between $100,000 and $400,000.
U.S. Route 6 and other highways support regional travel
U.S. Route 6 connects residents to Iowa City, which is home to the University of Iowa and UI Health Care Medical Center. State Route 70 is also accessible from within the community and links the area to Muscatine, some 19 miles southeast. Cedar Rapids is 48 miles northwest via interstates 180 and 380.
West Liberty School District offers a bilingual curriculum
West Liberty School District serves the community across four schools and earns a B from Niche. The local elementary, middle and high schools are all International Spanish Academies, which teach classes in both Spanish and English. West Liberty High School partners with Eastern Iowa Community Colleges to offer concurrent courses. The program allows juniors and seniors to get a head start on earning college credits, with class subjects ranging from horticulture to music and government.
Local businesses fill downtown, and Iowa City offers big-box stores
A collection of brick-clad storefronts forms the West Liberty Commercial Historic District. Along with grocers like Jeff’s Market and Acapulco Mexican Bakery & Grocery, the district comprises a selection of specialty stores and restaurants. Arty’s Sunny Side Café serves breakfast and lunch from a restored bank building. “The Mexican restaurants are especially good,” Chown says. Pueblo Mexican Restaurant shares the block and sells authentic dishes like Chiles Rellenos. A Dollar General covers daily essentials close to home. Iowa City, 15 miles northwest, offers a more robust retail selection, with Target, Walmart and other big-box stores.
Annual summer staples include Muscatine County Fair
New Strand Theatre has been a popular downtown attraction since 1910. West Liberty hosts the Muscatine County Fair annually in mid-July. The five-day event brings locals together with a wide range of festivities, from a carnival and demo derby to trailer races and livestock competitions. West Liberty Raceway tends to host a race in tandem with the fair. The dirt track is a staple of the area, welcoming drivers across the region to compete on selected Saturdays throughout the racing season.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
