$218,380Average Value$128Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Anamosa blends rural living with 19th-century charm
Situated along the scenic Wapsipinicon River, Anamosa is a rural community known for its small-town lore, historic landmarks and an annual pumpkin festival. Founded in 1838, its name is said to honor a Native American girl named Anamosa, which translates to “white fawn” or “you walk with me.” Main Street is a testament to its deep roots, featuring 19th-century brick buildings with eclectic shops, cozy cafés and family owned businesses. “It’s a growing community,” says Realtor Ryan Barner of Barner Realty & Auction, whose office is downtown. “There’s been a concerted effort to revamp the Main Street storefronts. There’s a new ice cream shop, a new restaurant and a whole lot of new homes planned for construction.” The town’s most iconic landmark is the Anamosa State Penitentiary, an ornate, castle-like structure built in the late 1800s. This facility remains active today and, together with its museum, provides a fascinating window into Iowa’s history.
Anamosa is a growing community northeast of Cedar Rapids.
Anamosa State Penitentiary was built in the late 1800s and remains active today.
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Boutiques, galleries and markets line historic Main Street
Downtown Anamosa features a mix of locally owned boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and specialty stores. When it comes to dining, options range from classic American diners to lively cafés and family pizzerias. Favorite dining spots include Las Brasas for down-home Mexican fare, and Tyler & Downing’s Eatery for American fare and live music. Local markets and bakeries offer homemade goods, while a seasonal farmers market brings Iowa produce to the streets. With its compact, pedestrian-friendly layout, downtown Anamosa encourages walking, window shopping and admiring the historic brick facades that line the streets. Grocery options include Fareway Meat and Grocery and Walmart.
Historic brick buildings line the streets of downtown Anamosa.
Anamosa's revitalization efforts have brought many new restaurants to downtown.
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Main Street transforms each October for pumpkin-themed fun
Community events are a big deal in Anamosa, including the well-known Anamosa Pumpkinfest. Every October, Main Street comes alive with pumpkin-themed contests, crafts, music and a pumpkin weigh-off that draws crowds from across the Midwest. The event’s record for the largest pumpkin is 2,424 pounds, set in 2022. The festival is so popular that the Iowa State Legislature declared Anamosa the Pumpkin Capital of Iowa in 1993.
A mix of historic homes and new construction near the countryside
Anamosa offers diverse housing options, from Colonial Revival and Victorian homes to modest cottages and ranch-style homes. Newer single-family residences are also found here, typically in subdivisions on the outskirts of town. “You’ve got a lot of older homes, but there are always a few new builds on the market as well,” Barner says. Generous lot sizes are common, with spacious yards providing room for gardens and glimpses of the nearby river or rolling countryside. Prices typically range from around $100,000 to $375,000, depending on size and age. “It’s a little cheaper than Cedar Rapids and Marion, but it’s still within commuting distance. I think that’s why we’re seeing so much new construction here,” Barner adds.
Anamosa features Victorian and other historic home styles.
New construction homes can be found in subdivisions on the outskirts of Anamosa.
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Wapsipinicon State Park draws campers and nature lovers
Anamosa may be a small town, but it has plenty of outdoor recreation. The town has nearly a dozen community parks tucked away on small-town streets. Residents relax amid the gardens at Stallion Creek Park, play pickup baseball at Anamosa Ball Park or stroll along flowery walkways at Fountain Park. The picturesque Wapsipinicon State Park, just south of downtown, has hiking trails that wind through woodland and bluffs, fishing and canoeing on the river, camping and even a scenic nine-hole golf course. “It’s packed during camping season,” Barner says.
Anamosa residents love hiking the winding trails of Wapsipinicon State Park.
Fountain Park is just one of nearly a dozen community parks in Anamosa.
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Local schools offer basics, with college nearby for next steps
Students start their education close to home at Strawberry Hill Elementary School, followed by Anamosa Middle School, both of which earn C ratings from Niche. The last step is Anamosa High School, well known for its extracurricular programs like band, drama, football and cross-country running. It gets a C-plus rating. “They really like their sports at the high school. They just got a brand-new gym,” Barner says. For continuing education, Kirkwood Community College has a satellite campus nearby.
Anamosa students begin their education at Strawberry Hill Elementary School.
Anamosa Middle School serves students in grades 6 - 8.
Anamosa High School is well known for its extracurricular programs.
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The commute to Cedar Rapids is easy via Highway 151
Public transportation options are limited in Anamosa, so most residents rely on personal vehicles to get around town. It’s about 25 miles northeast of Cedar Rapids, making for a relatively easy commute via U.S. Highway 151. Eastern Iowa Airport, in Cedar Rapids, is roughly 34 miles away. Jones Regional Medical Center is located just outside town.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Pesa
Video By
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Anamosa, IA sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Anamosa, IA over the last 12 months is $185,000, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Rolling Hills Retreat – where modern comfort meets rural tranquility. Set on 3.83 acres in the desirable Rolling Hills Estates near Anamosa, this 2019 custom build offers over 4,400 sq ft of refined living surrounded by peaceful countryside. Positioned approximately 40 feet above the stocked HOA pond, this home combines breathtaking views with lasting peace of mind. Spend quiet evenings on the
Own Your Dream Home by the Lake! Grab your fishing pole! There’s so much to love about this well-kept zero lot line home in LakeSide Estates. Enjoy the perfect blend of easy access to Dubuque or Cedar Rapids, combined with the peace and convenience of small-town living. An open floor plan welcomes you into wide, airy spaces designed for comfortable living. The kitchen was recently remodeled and
Now offering a $4,000 seller credit & 1-year HSA Home Warranty. Where timeless character meets everyday comfort. This zero-entry, inviting two-story home sits proudly on a corner lot in a quiet neighborhood, just steps from Anamosa’s schools, parks, and downtown amenities. Freshly painted exterior completely renewed curb appeal. Upstairs, 3 bedrooms with large windows and classic woodwork,
Come check out my latest listing! You will be amazed at this beautiful home that was built in 2018 that sits in a quiet subdivision in Anamosa. So many extra features such as a 3 seasons porch, an in home generator and various fruit trees and a new deck just one year old. This 3 bed/3 bath home is super clean and well taken care of, and most of all still shows like new. As you walk into the front
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Income-Producing Triplex | Turn-Key Opportunity in AnamosaInvestors take note—this fully occupied three-unit multifamily property offers a strong opportunity to step into immediate rental income. Located in Anamosa, this property features two 2-bedroom units and one 1-bedroom unit, with two of the three units recently renovated, providing updated living spaces while maintaining stable
Investor Alert! Priced way under assessed value! Great opportunity here! Square Footage Galore! You won't believe the room inside this sprawling 4 bedroom 2 bath home, each of your children can enjoy an airy, bright bedroom with ample closets and plenty of space. You'll enjoy the living room with walls of windows and charm, see the potential in this established neighborhood, a traditional home
This is the one you’ve been waiting for! Spanning over 5 peaceful acres along the scenic Wapsipinicon River, this zero-entry ranch offers nearly 3,000 sq. ft. of comfortable, single-level living. The home features 4 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and an inviting open floor plan perfect for gathering and entertaining.Step outside to a fantastic patio complete with a built-in fire pit—ideal for
If you’ve been searching for a charming acreage on the edge of town, this could be the one! Situated on 1.5 acres on a hard-surfaced road just minutes from Anamosa, you’ll enjoy the convenience of town with the benefit of lower county taxes. The property is surrounded by large mature pines and other trees, offering a peaceful, scenic setting. The home features 1,300 finished square feet on the
COOL is the first word that comes to mind on this one. Squeaky clean property with upgraded kitchen. Beautiful cabinetry, flooring, and stunning countertops give this one the WOW factor. Open concept main living area with generously sized kitchen/living room area, but yet there's more! The main living area opens up to a four seasons room, easily doubling as a formal dining area and overflow room
Solid and move-in ready ranch in Anamosa! This home has been lovingly cared for and it shows! The brick front porch welcomes you to step inside, where you’ll find a spacious living room with new carpet and new ceiling fan. Updated kitchen with new LVP flooring, white cabinets (some with glass fronts), wrap-around breakfast bar, new fridge, new stove, & all appliances included. Large dining area
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