City of Waverly | Thursday, 9 October 2025
Waverly Mayor Mark Anderson explains why Waverly, Iowa is a “just right” community that blends small-town charm with big-city amenities.
Waverly is a Goldilocks city. With over 10,200 residents we are large enough to offer our citizens, and our neighbors, many of the amenities you would expect from a much larger community.
Shopping? Waverly has four grocery stores. Waverly’s Main Street District, located on the Cedar River, is lined with many locally owned shops which provide for unique gifts and clothing. The locally owned restaurants, bars and a brewery will be happy to show you small town hospitality.
Entertainment? Waverly has more than 12 miles of hiking/biking trails, easy access to the Cedar River, many parks, the “Kid’s Kingdom playland, a dynamic library, a bowling alley (and soon a movie theater).
Education? The Waverly-Shell Rock School District has demonstrated excellence in education, the arts, and athletics. Our schools include preschools, k-12 public education, preschool-6th grade private education, community college classes, and Wartburg College.
Health Care? The Waverly Health Center offers in-patient, out-patient, and rehab services. At the Rohlf Memorial Clinic Unity Point offers a wide range of family medicine and there is a Unity Point Express clinic if you are in a hurry. Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community offers eight levels of care from care-free independent living to full nursing care.
Growth? Our community is proud of the recent expansion of the Waverly Health Center, the creation of a new senior community in Anna Estates, the construction of two new elementary schools, a two-million-dollar expansion of St. Paul’s Lutheran School, an expansion of the Waverly Child Care Center, an expansion of the public library and the addition of a bookmobile. There are 11 new retail shops added to our community including a Starbucks, Taco Bell, a Champion Express Carwash, and an Aldi’s store. In Waverly, our unemployment rate is under low and there are jobs waiting to be filled in construction, manufacturing, healthcare and more.
While Waverly is indeed large enough to have much to offer it is also small enough to have that small town vibe. In Waverly you will find the hospitality, convenience, and safety you would expect in an Iowa small city.
Waverly is not too big to be a warm welcoming city. Waverly is not too small to offer all the amenities you are looking for. Waverly is just right.
Waverly Mayor Mark Anderson