Once a small farming community of 190, North Liberty grew from a suburb for Cedar Rapids and Iowa City into a city of more than 20,000 neighbors strong. "We're good at being flexible and resilient here because we've grown so rapidly," says Jennie Garner, longtime resident and director at the North Liberty Library. "I feel fortunate that we're so supportive as a city." The growth, both geographically and culturally, has shifted the city's focus toward improving services and inviting new opportunities. Industries like Heartland Express Inc., Geico and Centro have offices in North Liberty, and the University of Iowa's teaching hospitals and clinics will expand into the city in 2025. "Healthcare is the single largest industry that our community works in, so bringing those jobs closer is a really big deal. The University of Iowa North Liberty campus will employ hundreds of folks," says Nick Bergus, the city's community relations director.
North Liberty is indeed a great place to live.
The newly constructed University of Iowa Health Care North Liberty Campus will bring jobs and hospital access to North Liberty.
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Growing every year since the 1990s
Bi-level and ranch-style homes from the 1900s to the 1990s are common near the center of town. On either side of downtown, new development expands into the remaining farmland surrounding the city. New subdivisions like Deerfield and The Preserve have hundreds of recently built homes and multi-level condos. Styles are contemporary, New Traditional and custom designs in neutral tones. The median sales price for a home in North Liberty is around $316,000, lower than the national median of $407,000.
Simple split-level homes are a popular option surrounding the center of North Liberty.
Homes with five or more bedrooms are scattered around the outskirts of North Liberty.
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Highways and a regional bike network connect to bigger cities
North Liberty follows Interstate 380, a primary connector with Interstate 80. Highway access is a significant draw since it leads to jobs and commercial hubs within the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City metro area, but traffic isn't an issue. "A lot of traffic is school drop-off driven. Peak times are when school starts and ends, but it's all very manageable," says Bergus. People also commute via the city's regional bike network and Coralville's fixed-route bus service. The Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway passes through North Liberty, and Eastern Iowa Airport is about 13 miles away.
North Liberty's growth means brand-new schools
Two school districts serve North Liberty, although the majority falls under the Iowa City Community School District. The district earns an A on Niche and ranks as the second-best school district in the Cedar Rapids area. Students living west of Jones Boulevard attend the B-rated Clear Creek Amana Community School District. Many of the city's schools are brand-new or have been recently renovated. "Our schools are all very new because of our growth. Liberty High School was the first high school built in Iowa in probably over 30 years when it opened in 2010," Bergus says. The B-rated Kirkwood Community College is less than 1 mile from North Liberty, doubling as a major employer for the area, like the A-rated University of Iowa, 8 miles away.
Clear Creek Amana Community School District is one of the school districts that serves North Liberty.
The purple of the Liberty High Lightning is a popular color around North Liberty.
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Natural spaces and developments for 2025
Two outdoor spaces stand out in North Liberty. The 40-acre Centennial Park offers playgrounds, trails and soon-to-be-finished entertainment venues. In late 2025, an event hall and open-air amphitheater will open, becoming hubs for public concerts and private events. The North Liberty Community Center not only has diverse fitness areas, including indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities, but it's also home to the North Liberty Community Library. The city is within 4 miles of several natural areas, including the Iowa River. The river feeds into Coralville Lake, a popular boating, fishing and swimming spot. Surrounding the lake are 13,500 acres of wildlife preserves and campgrounds.
Centennial Park will be home to a brand new amphitheater as of Summer 2025.
North Liberty Community Center offers programs and classes for residents of all ages.
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Coralville is the city's shopping hub
Penn Landing and Liberty Center—the city's largest commercial centers—offer nationally recognized stores, local restaurants and offices. However, most people travel outside the city for shopping and entertainment. Coral Ridge Mall is about 5 miles away in Coralville and has over 100 stores, a movie theater and a year-round ice rink. Farther south in Iowa City, people cheer for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, shop downtown and see performances at the historic Englert Theatre.
The crossroads of North Liberty are a retail hub with shopping, dining, and other services.
Tin Roost is a favorite local restaurant, famous for great indoor and outdoor dining spaces.
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City Slate brings new events yearly
Over 40 free events happen year-round through North Liberty's City Slate. Summer brings craft beer and bluesy tunes together at the Blues & BBQ festival. On Fridays, the historic Ranshaw House invites local musicians to play on its front porch. As summer transitions into fall, the city closes Dubuque Street for a community dance party, and kiddos collect treats on the Halloween Trail. Fire & Ice is one of the city's largest winter festivals, pairing ice skating with impressive fire shows.
Low flood risk and crime rates
North Liberty sees four distinct seasons. The lowest temperatures are between December and February when snowfall can create hazardous road conditions. While Bergus says the city's weather is often unpredictable, people remain active outdoors year-round. The city is also far enough from the Iowa River and Coralville Reservoir that flooding is rarely an issue.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, North Liberty's property and violent crime rates are significantly lower than the national average.
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
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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 North Liberty, IA sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in North Liberty, IA over the last 12 months is $325,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This well-maintained 3 bed, 2.5 bath townhouse in North Liberty offers comfortable living with modern touches throughout. The main level features durable LVP flooring in the kitchen and living room, creating a stylish and functional space ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Upstairs, the primary suite includes an en-suite bathroom and a spacious walk-in closet, while two additional
Discover this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo in North Liberty, offering comfort, convenience, and a strong rental history. The open floor plan features a cozy fireplace, and in-unit washer and dryer for modern living. The property includes a 1-car garage plus an additional designated parking space. Situated in a prime location with quick access to I-380, local restaurants, and nearby
This thoughtfully renovated home features gorgeous updates throughout and offers scenic views of the neighboring green space and park from the backyard deck and patio. Conveniently located near local trails and schools, it’s perfectly situated for everyday living. The main level showcases 9-foot ceilings and an open layout filled with natural light. The spacious kitchen includes a breakfast bar,
Beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath end-unit condo offering style, space, and an ideal layout for everyday living and entertaining. Bathed in natural light, the open-concept main level showcases a spacious living room that seamlessly flows into a stunning kitchen featuring quartz countertops, a large center island, stainless steel appliances, soft-close cabinetry, and generous storage. The adjoining
Custom-built & lovingly maintained with almost 3200 sq ft, this distinctive home offers a floor plan full of character and beautiful views of Quail Creek Golf Course. Step inside to a dramatic two-story great room featuring a cozy fireplace & a striking wall of windows that fills the home with natural light. Tucked away on a fabulous cul-de-sac, this special property is one of a kind! The open
Beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home with scenic views of West Lake Pond! Fresh neutral paint throughout and brand new carpet make this home feel bright, clean, and move-in ready. The spacious great room features laminate flooring and a cozy fireplace, creating the perfect setting for relaxing or entertaining. The kitchen is well-equipped with stainless steel appliances and a large
Discover your ideal year-round lake retreat with this inviting A-frame home, peacefully nestled among mature trees. The classic design seamlessly blends rustic appeal with contemporary updates for comfortable living. Relax on the expansive, well-maintained deck that captures the serene surroundings. The open living room welcomes you with exposed wood beams, dramatic vaulted ceilings, and a
Well positioned in North Liberty with easy access to UI Health Care North Liberty Orthopedics and Sports Medicine campus, Hy-Vee, and nearby favorites like Barrett’s Quality Eats, Starbucks, and Jersey Mike’s Subs, this second-floor condo offers comfortable, low-maintenance living in a convenient setting. The main living area is open and inviting, centered around a gas fireplace and connected to
This home was completely remodeled by the park in 2022. It has an ADA compliant bathroom along with the primary bedroom. One of the decks was replaced in 2022 as well. This home offers an open kitchen and living room space. It has been taken care of very well. This home is on leased land and does require park approval. The lot rent is 694.00 a month per the park management. Home is sold as is/
Discover the space, flexibility, and value you’ve been waiting for at 1821 Wenrose Dr in North Liberty. This 5-bed, 3-bath home sits on 0.34 acres and offers the layout today’s buyers crave, with durable LVP flooring, modern grey walls, granite countertops, and a primary suite featuring a tile shower that extends all the way to the ceiling for a clean, upscale feel. The finished lower level is
New construction split-foyer single-family home offering 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and nearly 2,400 finished square feet of living space. The main level features luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the kitchen, dining, and living areas, giving the home a modern, cohesive look that’s also easy to maintain. You’ll appreciate the crisp white-painted cabinets, trim, and doors, all accented by stylish
The Emory North Liberty is a pet-friendly, luxury apartment community located in North Liberty, Iowa in the rapidly growing area of Solomon's Landing. Our location offers many local hot spots to love just steps from your front door. With space ranging across a wide array of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans, we're sure to have the perfect place to call home. Residents are sure to love the
Green Meadow Apartments are located in a quiet setting on the North Liberty Recreation Trail, close to shopping, the North Liberty Recreation & Aquatic Center, Fareway Grocery store, and fine dining establishments. It is a short drive to Iowa City, Coralville, and Cedar Rapids. No smoking, no pets property.
Penn Street Place is a 52 unit apartment building featuring a combination of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments that in the heartbeat of North Liberty. When you make up your mind with Penn Street Place you are going with class, convenience and style as you have the finest dining at your door step such as Tin Roost, Field Day Brewery, and Fiesta the best mexican cuisine in town . Relish and delight in our
Property Id: 2392603Safe property, medical professional house. This is a house with furnished rooms for rent.Beautiful home in the heart of North Liberty. Walking distance to spa, eating locations, grocery store, schools and the new hospital in town (0.5 mi away). Fully stocked kitchen, living room with fireplace, smart TV, backyard, porch and fenced yard. Multiple (4) routes of
Property Id: 1929827Condo available for move in April 2026. No big management company here! This propety is managed by a small, private owner! This two bedroom, 2 bathroom condo is located in the heart of North Liberty across from the Recreation Center, shopping, restaurants, bike trails and so much more! This condo has an open floor plan, with fireplace, walk out patio into courtyard and
Property Id: 1849624This property offers amenities such as dishwasher, washer/dryer, internet, central air and heating, walking paths outside, friendly neighborhood and utilities included. We are near schools, parks, hospitals and gyms. You have access to the entire basement living room, bathroom and bedroom as well as entry door and main floor kitchen. The shared wash/dry is downstairs
Beautiful recently renovated condo with easy access to I-80, I-380, Iowa City, Coral Ridge Mall, and University of Iowa Oakdale research facility is perfect for young professionals. This quiet and well-maintained property is located within walking distance of grocery, shopping, and restaurants. This is an owner-managed Condo available August 1 and includes:- 2 bedrooms, 1
Welcome to this spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom duplex in North Liberty, offering generous living space, thoughtful features, and a convenient location with quick access to I-380 for an easy commute to Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.The main level features a comfortable living area with a gas fireplace and abundant natural light, along with a kitchen complete with granite countertops,
Spacious 3-Bedroom Townhouse-Style Condo for Rent in North Liberty!Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 2-story townhouse-style condo offering the perfect blend of space, style, and convenience in one of North Liberty's most desirable locations.The SpaceWith 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, there's room for everyone. The generous primary suite features a private en suite bath and
This property is newly renovated and move in ready. I car garage and a dedicated parking space. 2 bedroom , I bath with in unit private laundry. This unit is ideally located within walking distance to schools, parks, restaurants and entertainment, and only minutes from groceries and shopping. Limit of 2 pets, $100 per month per pet plus $300 pet deposit. ESA Half price with doctors letter.
Upper-level duplex unit available July 1. Secured building entrance and separate unit entrances inside.2-bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1200 square feet, including three-seasons room.Each unit has separate one-stall garage and space in oversized driveway. Nice, quiet location in a great neighborhood, close to Centennial Park and new UI hospital.Quick access to I-380 and Highway
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