Whether you’re looking to experience a community with a rich heritage or just want a change of pace, you can find the perfect home in Burlington, Iowa.
The Burlington area is a micropolitan of 28,000 residents nestled in the southeastern corner of Iowa on the Mississippi River. This community is a short trek of about 200 miles from Chicago and about 200 miles from St. Louis. It has a rich heritage as a center of both commerce and industry that dates back to the 1840s. Get away from the ordinary and escape to Burlington to experience a stunning climate, all four seasons, welcoming neighbors, and new scenery.
Take a look at current homes for sale in the Burlington, IA, area while you learn more about this beautiful community situated on the bluffs of the Mississippi River.
Burlington is the county seat of Des Moines County, located 56 miles SW of Davenport, Iowa (center to center). It is a thriving community on the Mississippi River in the Southeastern part of Iowa and is a regional hub for employment opportunities, exciting shopping, stellar education, healthcare, and thrilling outdoor recreation. It is right in the middle of West Burlington, and Middletown, Iowa. Home to Snake Alley, designated “Unbelievably Crooked” and the #1 Odd Spot in Ripley’s Guide to the Curious Corners of America, Burlington is also the reason why Iowa’s nickname is the “Hawkeye State.” Its sister city is Barbacena, Brazil.
Burlington was founded in 1833 and was originally inhabited by the Sac and Fox Indians. The area was called “Shoquoquon” meaning Flint Hills at the time. In 1805, Lt. Zebulon Pike arrived and hoisted the United States flag for the first time in what would be known as Iowa. It was incorporated as a town twice, once in 1837 and then again in 1838.
Today, residents enjoy a sparse suburban feel with lots of bars, coffee shops, and parks in close proximity. It’s not too big, nor too small, and is very diverse. It is a smaller town that holds the spark of a busier, larger city. It is continually growing and evolving and is rated as #63 for the Lowest Cost of Living in the state.
Surrounded by fertile plains and lush woodland areas, the Burlington area is home to famous landmarks, a log cabin, museums, and a welcome center that illustrates the history and creative spirit of Burlington. If you’re looking to live in a place where people genuinely care about you, smile, and wave when they see you on the street, Burlington is the place for you. Voted as one of the Top 25 Most Affordable Cities to Live, Burlington is home to unique downtown buildings, 19th-century homes, and fascinating architecture.
Newcomers are welcomed with open arms, daily commutes are short and sweet, and the outdoor playground provided by nature’s banks is unmatched.
Home to five elementary schools, a robust middle school, and two top-rated high schools, quality education has always been a priority for the city of Burlington. There are four school districts (Burlington Community School District, West Burlington School District, Danville School District, and Mediapolis School District) to choose from depending on where you and your family choose to live.
Other communities near Burlington that offer the same sense of community and atmosphere include Middletown, Danville, Mediapolis, West Burlington, Fort Madison, and New London.
The city of Burlington and its surrounding communities have something for everyone in just about every season. Visit Heritage Hill Historic District and drive down Snake Alley, discover museums, downtown shopping, and beautiful parks. There’s the lighted holiday parade each winter and prospect league baseball at the Community Field in the spring. Enjoy an evening at the Jefferson St Farmers Market or a trip to A Very Vintage Market in the summer. No matter what you’re craving to see, do, smell or taste, the city of Burlington will have something for everyone, even the little ones.
Fall
The area’s hardwood trees burst with color in the fall which is truly a sight to behold. The community’s parks (Crapo Park, North Hill Park, Dankwardt Memorial Park, and Mosquito Park — just to name a few) turn into a festival of nature’s art.
Winter
You and your family can burn off all that pent-up energy at FunCity where you can try an elevated ropes course, bowling, laser tag, and over 100 arcade games. For the artist in you, check out the Art Center of Burlington or Capitol Theatre.
Spring
River towns just have a charm and character that’s all their own. Catch a minor-league baseball game, test your luck at Catfish Bend Casino or experience the excitement of auto racing at 34 Raceway. The FunCity entertainment complex features family fun for all ages and a simple walk along the Mississippi River will open your eyes to plant life emerging in just about every color imaginable.
Summer
Restaurants, sports, and parks galore will keep your day filled along with outdoor music festivals, Snake Alley Criterium, Fourth of July celebrations, and the Snake Alley Art Fair.
With 1,000+ jobs and competitive wages, the most popular industries in the Burlington area are retail, manufacturing, and government. Companies include Walmart, GE, CNH Industrial, Starbucks, Hy-Vee, ABB, Manpower, Parexel, Siemens, Cross Country Nurses, and Hogan Transportation Companies.
Whether you’re looking to find a job, discover programs for your children to explore different careers paths to prepare for their futures, or would like your business to connect with area students to cultivate new generations of a prepared workforce by developing professional programs or speaking engagements, this city will set you up for success.
The Greater Burlington Partnership (the umbrella organization comprised of the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Downtown Partners, Inc.) works to ensure that the Burlington area is consistently growing as a regional center of commerce, industry, education, healthcare, entertainment, and culture. The partnership is dedicated to ensuring that Burlington continues to be one of the best places to live and work in Iowa.
When it comes to connecting with others in the community about starting a business or exploring similar ventures with established businesses in the city, Burlington is a very friendly and supportive community to expand upon your goals and dreams. From downtown development groups, “Business After Hours” and other community gatherings, this active support system will help you find work or position your business to thrive, whatever path you happen to be on.
Making the move to the Burlington, IA area will be a breeze! This welcoming community has resources for relocation and the Community Experts at Ruhl&Ruhl will help you navigate all of your next steps for making this your new home.
If you would like to do a little more research before buying, check out the pages below for additional housing options:
If you’re looking for new career opportunities in the Iowa area, we’re always looking for folks to join our Ruhl&Ruhl team. Check out our careers page for more information.
Want to stop in and talk with an agent in person? Visit:
Nearest Ruhl&Ruhl Office
403 S. Gear Avenue, Suite 105
West Burlington, IA 52655
Phone Number: (563) 441-1776
The Burlington Area includes Burlington, Iowa, West Burlington, Iowa, Middletown, Iowa and Gulfport, Illinois. History is all around the Burlington Area from Victorian homes on the river bluff to dramatic steepled churches and historic buildings in the downtown. Of the Iowa towns, Burlington was the first to be founded in 1833 followed by Middletown in 1846 and finally West Burlington in 1884. Gulfport, Illinois became incorporated in 1928.
The mighty Mississippi river serves as a focal point for the Burlington Area and provides breathtaking beauty and a multitude of recreational opportunities. It is also a regional center for employment, education, healthcare, recreation and shopping. Whether you are taking a drive through town or visiting for the weekend, the Burlington Area has everything you need. You can start your weekend shopping in historic Downtown Burlington or you can catch a minor league game at Community Field.
Annual Burlington Steamboat Days American Music Festival: Since 1963, this multi-day outdoor music festival occurs on the Mississippi riverfront every June. It attracts crowds in excess of 50,000 visitors every year! Burlington Steamboat Days is the most prominent annual festival in the area and has played host to some of the finest entertainers in the United States.
Burlington Bees Baseball – Community Field: The Burlington Bees invite you and your family to the Community Field to experience the excitement of minor league baseball. The Bees play in the Midwest League and are the only professional sports team in the region. When you visit, you can join in the fun and be part of the action with promotions, a playground and inflatable bounce house for kids.
Burlington Regional Rec Plex: The RecPlex features tournament facilities for soccer, baseball, softball and volleyball. There is also a guest service building that includes concessions and spectator plazas. They have an area with batting cages that are open to the public. Every week, the Rec Plex has league play and practices and various tournaments.
Capitol Theater: Located in the heart of downtown Burlington, the restored Burlington Capitol Theater takes you back in time to an era when live entertainment and movies were enjoyed in beautiful theaters.
Parks: The Burlington Area maintains many acres of parks. Their main parks include Dankwardt Park and Crapo Park. Dankwardt Park has an 18-hole disc golf course, municipal pool, playgrounds, ball fields, off-leash dog park and a variety of other different amenities. Crapo Park, an 85-acre park that spreads along the mighty Mississippi River, includes an arboretum, Lake Starter, and walking paths.
Burlington Public Library: Services began in 1868 when Senator James Wilson Grimes formed the first subscription library on the second floor of a downtown building. The first building, located on Main Street, was opened in 1898 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The older building is now home to the Des Moines County Historical Society museum. The Library Board of Directors broke ground for what is now the present library in October 2004, which opened in 2006. It won the Main Street Iowa Award for Best Community Initiated Development Project in 2007.
PZAZZ! Entertainment Complex: A Midwest entertainment and casino vacation destination, perfect for families, couples and groups! Home to Catfish Bend Casino, FunCity, Huck’s Harbor Water Park, Pzazz! Resort Hotel and Catfish Bend Inn & Spa.
Port of Burlington Welcome Center: The welcome center has a vast amount of information on the surrounding communities. One side of the Port showcases the Mississippi riverfront and the other side of the building is the home of Burlington Steamboat Days’ stage.
Starr’s Cave Nature Center & Preserve: A 184-acre state nature preserve and park area that features two miles of scenic hiking trails and Starr’s Cave! Part of the State Preserves System, this forested area contains limestone bluffs, three caves, prairie remnants and some endangered plant species. The Nature Center offers hands-on displays and scheduled activities including folk concerts and environmental education programs.
Snake Alley: A street located in Burlington, which was built in 1894, was at one time recognized by Ripley’s Believe it or Not as the Crookedest Street in the World. The Alley consists of five half curves, two quarter-curves, and drops 58 feet over a distance of just one city block.
Spirit Hollow Golf Course: Located by the Mississippi river, this golf course is ranked by Golf Week and also Golf Digest as one of the best courses to play in Iowa. Spirit Hollow is a place where you can go to get away and receive warm hospitality that honors the tradition of the game of golf.
Kenny’s Roller Ranch: Your one stop shop for family fun! Kenny’s is an indoor roller skating entertainment facility that’s open year-round. Also home to mini golf, batting cages and basketball bankshot.
Art Center of Burlington: Located in the heart of historic Downtown Burlington, the Art Center showcases the works of local and regional artists with monthly exhibits in the Gallery and one-of-a-kind artwork in the Artists Market. Art classes and workshops are offered along with other special events throughout the year.
Westland Mall: An enclosed shopping mall in West Burlington, Iowa that is home to many tenants ranging from Marshalls to Bath&Body Works and even home to the CEC Movie Theater.
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