Real Estate in Dubuqe (first time buyer) (Dubuque, Peosta: relocating, housing)

[STLCJ]

Hi all, I'm a 23 year old originally from St Louis who will be relocating to Dubuque in June 2008 full-time following graduation.

I've lived there for the past two summers, so I'm fairly familiar with the town. My question is more real estate related...

Whats the rental and housing market like in Dubuque? Admittedly, I know very little about buying a home.

I can afford to buy as soon as I move there or rent for a while and wait for the right opportunity. I'll be coming all by myself, so I don't need a very big place. I'd really like to live downtown or somewhat close as the riverfront reminds me a lot of downtown St Louis and its closer to the nightlife. Is there a big loft market in Dubuque?

Thanks for the help!

[dubuqueaskme]

There are new condos being built, eventually, the River Pointe Condos are supposed to be at least 10 or 15 stories and overlook the river...but I am not positive when they will be completed. There are some lofts downtown, nice quiet downtown, much less crimey that SL. The housing market in Dubuque is rather good, and not really feeling the effects of the recession as much as other cities in the MW. There was an article in the paper that showed the stats, and Dubuque continues to grow!
Renting I am not so sure is a good market in Dubuque, I really am not positive about that scenario...

I live in Peosta, and it is a nice town, plenty of housing opps. out here... 10-15 mins. west...