Ely Homes For Sale & Real Estate

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Life in Ely, Iowa

Ely, Iowa is a growing small town located in Linn County along the Cedar Rapids–Iowa City corridor, offering residents a peaceful community atmosphere with convenient access to two of eastern Iowa’s largest cities. Ely combines small-town charm with modern growth, making it an increasingly popular place for families, professionals, and commuters looking for a quieter lifestyle close to urban amenities.

Community & Lifestyle

Ely is known for its friendly, close-knit feel while continuing to expand through new housing developments and infrastructure investments. The city has experienced steady growth over the past few decades as more people have moved to the area for its quality of life and convenient location. Despite this, Ely maintains a strong connection to its history. The historic Dows Street business district and the old Ely School House remain important landmarks and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting the community’s commitment to preserving its heritage while planning for the future.
Residents enjoy a relaxed pace of life with easy commutes to Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and surrounding employment centers. The community attracts families and young professionals thanks to safe neighborhoods, newer residential developments, and a strong sense of local pride.

Parks, Recreation & Outdoor Living

Outdoor recreation is a major part of life in Ely. The city maintains several parks, including Ely City Park, Schulte Park, Community Center Park, and Vavra Park, which feature playgrounds, sports fields, walking areas, and green spaces. The popular Cedar Valley Nature Trail runs directly through town, connecting Ely to both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City and bringing cyclists, runners, and visitors through the community year-round. Nearby destinations such as Lake MacBride State Park and Palisades-Kepler State Park provide additional hiking, boating, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Growth & Opportunity

Ely continues to plan for future growth through ongoing residential development, downtown revitalization efforts, and long-term community planning initiatives. New housing projects and infrastructure improvements are helping support continued expansion while preserving the town’s small-town identity.

Overall, Ely offers the best of both worlds; a quiet, neighborly community surrounded by scenic Iowa landscapes, paired with easy access to jobs, education, and entertainment in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City metro areas. It’s an ideal choice for buyers seeking small-town living without sacrificing convenience.

If you are ready to start your home buying or selling journey, browse the latest real estate listings in Ely, IA. You can also contact us, because with Ruhl&Ruhl You're Never on Your Own!

Nearest Ruhl&Ruhl Office:Cedar Rapids
5805 Council St. NE, Suite A
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
(563) 441-1776

Ely History

Ely was officially founded on June 5, 1872, though the first settlers arrived in the area as early as 1838 near the present-day town site. Many of these early residents had strong roots in the Czech Republic, a cultural heritage that continues to influence the community today. The Ely Post Office was established on May 16, 1871, and the town was formally laid out the following year as a result of expansion along the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railway. Through the hard work and determination of its early pioneers, Ely developed into a prosperous community that continues to grow and thrive today.

Ely Community

Ely is ideally located near Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, North Liberty, and several other thriving eastern Iowa communities, giving residents convenient access to regional amenities while maintaining a small-town atmosphere. The city features a welcoming public library, beautiful parks, locally owned restaurants, and a supportive community and local government that work together to create a high quality of life. One of Ely’s standout features is its connection to the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, which links the town to surrounding areas and encourages outdoor recreation, local events, and increased visitor activity that supports local businesses. Downtown Ely continues to grow with small shops, local businesses, a popular creamery, and new dining destinations that add to the town’s charm and energy. Ely continues to expand with new residential development and thoughtfully planned neighborhoods, attracting buyers looking for both convenience and community connection. With its ongoing growth, strong local pride, and welcoming atmosphere, Ely has become an increasingly desirable place to live, offering both small-town charm and exciting opportunities for the future.

Local Ely Favorties

Dan & Debbie’s Creamery
Founded by local Iowa dairy farmers Dan and Debbie Takes, Dan & Debbie’s Creamery opened on July 20, 2016 and has quickly become a community favorite. Known for its fresh, locally made ice cream, squeaky cheese curds, and specialty items like beef sticks from Edgewood Meat Locker, the creamery is a must-visit stop for residents and visitors alike.

House Divided Brewery
Opened on October 26, 2019, House Divided Brewery has become a popular gathering place in Ely. Locally owned and open seven days a week, the brewery features a spacious front patio, 12 taps offering house and regional beers, and a variety of beverages including sodas and seltzers. Located directly along the bike trail, it’s a favorite stop for cyclists and a welcoming place for the entire community.

Odie’s Grill & Bar
Established in 2005, Odie’s Grill & Bar has long been a local staple serving lunch, dinner, desserts, and weekly specials. Conveniently located near House Divided Brewery, it’s a great place to grab a meal before or after meeting friends, with outside food welcome at the nearby brewery.

The Downtown Dachshund
Opened in 2015, The Downtown Dachshund is a charming boutique located on Ely’s Main Street. The shop offers a variety of fashion items, gifts, and unique finds, making it a favorite stop for shoppers looking for something special.

Ely Public Library
The Ely Public Library serves as a central hub for the community, offering extensive resources, welcoming staff and volunteers, and year-round events for residents of all ages. With future expansion plans underway, the library continues to play an important role in supporting learning and community connection.

Ely City Park
One of several parks in Ely, Ely City Park provides a wide range of recreational opportunities. The park features open green space, two baseball diamonds, a concession stand, a fishing pond, pavilion areas, direct access to the bike trail, and an updated playground, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor gatherings.

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Ely, IA Real Estate Statistics

Total Homes12
Avg. Size In Sq. Ft.2,257
Avg. Age In Years4
Avg. Days On Market72
Minimum Price$354,900
Maximum Price$2,175,000
Average Price$585,667
Avg. Price Per Sq. Ft.$259

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Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information on this site was last updated 03/02/2026. The listing information on this page last changed on 03/02/2026. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of Delta Media Group MLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 11:28:24 AM EST) or MRED MLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 11:23:15 AM EST) or SCWMLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 11:23:33 AM EST) or Rockford Board of Realtors (NWIAR) (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 11:04:12 AM EST) or Cedar Rapids MLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 11:24:17 AM EST) or NEIRBR MLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 11:19:03 AM EST) or ICAAR MLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 11:27:35 AM EST) or ECIMLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 11:20:32 AM EST) or RMLSA (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 11:21:03 AM EST) or Muscatine MLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 11:15:27 AM EST) or No Coast MLS (last updated Mon 03/02/2026 11:24:22 AM EST). Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors may be marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and detailed information about those properties will include the name of the listing broker(s) when required by the MLS. All rights reserved.
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