Looking for a place to make your new home?  Consider Independence (perfectly located along Highway 150 and Highway 20 just 25 minutes East of Waterloo and 40 minutes North of Cedar Rapids), where you will enjoy beauty, history, and hometown friendliness.  Nestled along the banks of the Wapsipinicon River that flows through the heart of Independence, you’ll discover historic buildings and experience a community filled with wonderful, progressive-minded people.

Everything you need for great family living can be found in Independence.  Public and private schools, with convenient access to higher learning opportunities, including the Hawkeye Community College satellite right in Independence; friendly, efficient police department; larger, more efficient County Law Enforcement Center to commence in 2008; well-equipped and trained fire department and full-service health facility, including state-of-the-art medical, therapy and fitness centers, can all be found in Independence. 

Heartland Acres Agribition Center is one of our newest additions offering an incredible museum and events center. Also located in the Swan Lake commercial development are three new businesses:  the Starlight Cinema movie theater, Country Inns & Suites and the Homestead Restaurant.  A new Public Library is currently under construction offering numerous benefits to our community.  Residents also benefit from our municipally-owned light and power plant that offers electricity, cable, high-speed internet and phone services.  A newly renovated wastewater treatment plant serves the needs of residential, commercial and industrial consumers today and for the future.  Construction is also now underway to substantially expand the Municipal Airport, soon to boast a 5,500' runway.

In addition to robust commercial growth, Independence offers the charm of historic downtown, offering unique specialty shops, wonderful dining facilities, bed and breakfasts, hotel and motel accommodations, and a campground with full-service camping.  Independence is home to the Wal-Mart SuperCenter and the Enterprise Express Mall.  Prairie Hills Assisted Living facility offers an array of living opportunities, and Fareway Stores is in the process of constructing their largest ever grocery store scheduled to open in May 2008. 

Independence has experienced substantial growth which has sparked renovation and developments to parks, walking and biking trails and golf courses, including the addition of the new Okoboji Grill under construction at River Ridge (set to open early Summer 2008). A visual treasure spanning the banks of the Wapsipinicon River is the scenic River Walk Park.  Complete with amphitheater, sand volleyball and basketball courts, playground, boat dock and several picnic shelters.  It is the site of several community activities including our town’s largest celebration -- the annual Independence 4th of July Celebration, and the annual Brew B-Q. 

See why Independence is a great place to live, work and play.  Experience the best of the past with plans for the future!

For additional information, please click the link below to view our Community Directory.

View the Independence Community Directory