Elkader, Iowa, feels like home the moment you enter the charming, historic community.
The tree-lined streets are safe for kids, people wave as you pass, and virtually everything you need is located in town. Elkader, the county seat for Clayton County, boasts over 150 thriving businesses, a newly-renovated PK-12 school, healthcare for all ages, rich culture, and boundless recreational opportunities.
Elkader is also designated as a Smart Rural Community by NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association. Internet speeds over 1 Gigabit are available from Alpine Communications. The endless possibilities for telework, business development, innovation, distance learning, and entertainment are powered by Alpine’s 100% fiber-optic Fusion Network.
Fiber-Optic Technology
Alpine Communications 100% fiber-optic infrastructure is available throughout the city limits of Elkader and in select surrounding rural areas. Located in the Johnson Industrial Park, Alpine provides broadband, telephone, television, security, and cellular services. Since 1997, Alpine Communications has been the local technology resource. Residents and businesses depend on Alpine for reliable communications services, local customer support, and community involvement. We believe Elkader is thriving partly due to fiber-optic broadband connectivity.
Stats
Population – 1396
Median Age – 49
Cost of Living – 24.8% lower than the US Average
Source: BestPlaces https://www.bestplaces.net/city/iowa/elkader
Housing
Elkader was named one of This Old House Magazine’s Best Old House Neighborhoods of 2011. Every home and business in Elkader has access to Alpine Communications 100% fiber-optic Fusion Network. The median home price is $89,600. Alpine offers move-in incentives for new residents in partnership with the City of Elkader. Looking to move to Elkader or upgrade your current home, contact one of Elkader’s realtors:
- Allen Real Estate Co
- Cornerstone Real Estate
- Freedom Agency
- Ole’s 5 Star Realty
- Re/Max Ridge n’ River
- Volga River Realty
Education
Central Community School District provides a PK-12 public education with an average annual enrollment for the district is 416 students. Central CSD also recently completed an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation project. Central Community School District covers the urban and rural areas around Elkader, Saint Olaf, Volga, Garber.
The Elkader Child Care and Learning Center provides daycare for infants through school-aged children, including a 3-year-old preschool program. They are a licensed childcare facility with the following certifications: DHS Certified, CPR/First Aid Certified, ServSafe Certified, QRS Level 4.
Health & Wellness
Elkader supports community health with access to a hospital, medical clinic, care center, assisted living, two chiropractors, a dentist, two fitness centers, a pilates and yoga studio, and services for persons with disabilities. Residents participate in annual 5K events, cycling and running clubs, senior fitness groups, and many other wellness activities.
Doing Business
Elkader boasts a thriving business community of over 150 businesses offering a complete array of over 65 unique services to residents and visitors, including many rarely found in small, rural communities. Alpine Communications offers a New Business Start-Up incentive to help defray costs for new businesses and entrepreneurs.
Economic Development
Three organizations coordinate economic development initiatives for Elkader:
Recreation
Residents and visitors enjoy the vast number of outdoor recreational opportunities in the Elkader area:
Picture Credit: Travel Iowa
Picture Credit: RV Points
Picture Credit: Elkader Golf & Country Club
Picture Credit: Turkey River Recreational Corridor
Art and Culture
Elkader hosts a variety of festivals, events, and celebrations throughout the year. The Elkader Opera House presents plays, musicals, musicians, and more.
Get to Know Elkader
Read feature stories from Alpine Communications about our role in the community, successful entrepreneurs, and events in Elkader:
- From Mumbai to Elkader: An Entrepreneur’s Vision for Culture and Connections in Rural Iowa
- Broadband and Housing Incentives Can Attract Movers to Rural Iowa
- Elkader Uses Housing Incentives to Grow and Thrive
- Savoring Summer at Elkader’s Art in the Park
- There’s a Ripple Effect When You Shop Local
- Local Connections Make the Difference
- Regional Summit Casts Spotlight on Fiber Broadband for Community Development
- Vintage Market Organizers Uses Technology to Promote and Preserve Rural Heritage
- 5th Annual Music and Monarchs Festival Saves the Butterfly Through Flower and Song
- Central Goes Live with Warrior Sports
