Waterloo

“At Waterloo, Napoleon did surrender.” The Swedish supergroup ABBA got their history lesson right in their hit song. But here, between south Guthrie and north Edmond in central Oklahoma, Waterloo is defeating items on homebuyers’ checklists instead of French military commanders. Realtor Margaret Phillips, owner of her namesake business, describes the area best: “It has all the amenities that someone could want, from shopping to dining to fun things to do, with good schools and a good price point to boot,” adding: “It’s a very sought-after neighborhood and people love it here.”

You’ll find Traditional-style homes here, built between the late ‘90s and mid-2010s. Some feature exterior details recalling earlier Craftsman and Prairie styles, like rectangular porch columns, hipped roofs and emphasis on natural landscaping. You can expect to pay around $420,000 for a four-bedroom Traditional-style home built in 1999, with an attached three-car garage, hardwood and ceramic tile flooring throughout and updated stainless steel kitchen appliances. “Most homes here sell for between $300,000 and $500,000,” says Phillips, adding: “It’s a good medium price point for Edmond.”

Phillips notes that part of the reason the prices here are so competitive is because there’s no homeowner’s association. “It’s not as expensive as neighborhoods where you’re also paying for the community pool and the clubhouse and all that,” she explains. “You have more flexibility without an HOA, though, so some people find that desirable,” she says, adding that without strict regulations, “You’re allowed to have barns and metal structures, and fun things like RVs and ATVs.” Another unique aspect of Waterloo is how large the lots are: “They’re oversized lots,” says Phillips. “Most are anywhere from a half-acre to 1-acre, but some are 2 or 3 acres, even,” she explains, adding that she recently sold a home in Waterloo that was a “dream listing” for its 2-acre lot, rustic wood barn and meticulously maintained gardens. She notes: “Now would be the time to buy here because prices are just going to get stronger. There’s a lot of new growth around this neighborhood, so we’re seeing home values rise.”

Just 5 miles from the center of Edmond, many residents head into town for their everyday groceries and other essentials. “It’s definitely suburban in terms of convenience,” says Phillips, adding: “It’s really not quite the country yet because you’re very close to the metro and all the amenities in Edmond.” Your local Uptown Grocery and Walmart Supercenter are both just 5 miles south down Santa Fe Avenue. “Down the road from there, there’s all the Starbucks and chain restaurants you could want,” Phillips laughs, referring to the plethora of dining along Danforth Road near downtown Edmond.

The Oak Tree Country Club, less than a mile south of most homes spanning either side of Kelley Avenue, is a popular dining and entertainment destination as well. “A lot of people move to this area in general for the golfing, but in Waterloo, you’re especially close to the Oak Tree course, which people love,” Phillips observes. The private club features a restaurant, fitness center and an Olympic-sized pool beyond its two 18-hole championship golf courses.

Waterloo youngsters attend schools in several districts, so make sure to check out the maps ahead of registration. Many are served by the highly rated Edmond Public Schools system, attending Cross Timbers Elementary, Sequoyah Middle and Edmond North High. All three schools boast A grades from Niche. U.S. News & World Report ranked Edmond North High in the top five high schools in the state in 2022. Phillips notes that several of her clients have mentioned the school district as the main appeal of the neighborhood, explaining: “Edmond schools are very highly sought-after, a lot of young families move out of Oklahoma City for the schools up here.”

With so many shining qualities, Oklahoma’s Waterloo certainly might have you singing: “Waterloo, promise to love you forevermore,” shortly after moving in.

Written By

Megan Quintin

Photography Contributed By

William Rittenhouse

Video By

Brad Davis