Split in two by the Cedar River, the city of Waterloo in Northeast Iowa attracts residents with its convenient lifestyle, affordable housing and strong economic history. “The city is a regional hub for business and culture,” says Tara Thomas-Gettman, communication director for the City of Waterloo. “And the cost of living is 14% lower than the national average.” Waterloo first saw an influx of new residents when it became a major railroad stop for the region in the early 19th century. Outpacing its western neighbor, Cedar Falls, Waterloo's railway played a critical role in the development of industry in the area, eventually becoming known as ‘The Factory City’ of Iowa. Today, Waterloo is home to nearly 70,000 residents and is a regional center of wholesale manufacturing. Major employers, like John Deere and Tyson Foods, employ over 4,500 people, contributing to this city's robust economy. With a thriving workforce, it’s no wonder why Waterloo is considered one of Iowa's top ten most populous cities.
Common Grounds is great place to live and visit in Waterloo, Iowa.
Common Grounds locals are proud of their John Deere factory.
The Greenbrier neighborhood is part of the larger Waterloo area.
Tyson's Pork Facility is a large employer in the Waterloo area.
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Entry-level homes, new builds and Victorian styles
The real estate market in Waterloo is desirable for its entry-level pricing and wide variety of housing styles. “There’s options for all income levels,” says Thomas-Gettman. With a median sales price of $160,000, homes here cost about $250,000 less than the average property in the U.S. For example, price points in Waterloo range from as low as $80,000 for a one-bedroom condo to upwards of $900,000 for a five-bedroom newly constructed Traditional. Most homes here were constructed in the 1900s, and feature Victorian era influences as well as Colonial Revival and American Foursquare designs. “The city uses federal, state and local funding to maintain new, renovated and historically restored properties,” Thomas-Gettman adds. Notable subdivisions include Audubon, for new construction options, or Highland, the oldest neighborhood in Waterloo, for charming historic styles. Established single-family homes here make up most of the housing options, however, multi-family condo units and townhouses are also available within the city.
This grand Victorian home in Church Row offers historic charm with modern sophistication.
This new construction boast a clean look with dark trim and a nice picket fence.
Homeowners in Gates Park take pride in their well-kept front yards and landscaping.
Condos make up a portion of the homes in the Hurst neighborhood.
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City attractions and the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
Waterloo is home to 49 city-owned greenspaces. Lincoln Park is a primary gathering space and hosts seasonal events throughout the year. It has paved walking paths, picnic tables and benches for relaxing. Waterloo, like much of the region, experiences all four seasons, with mild summers and cold winters and an average of 34 inches of snowfall per year. George Wyth State Park is popular year-round and is home to four fishing lakes equipped with boat launches and over 100 miles of hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails. In the summers, locals can visit Lost Island Waterpark in the southeast corner of Waterloo, which has a lazy river and 11 waterslides to cool off amidst the heat. The public Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course is 2 miles from downtown and features an 18-hole course and pro-shop for golfers of all skill levels. For a glimpse into the past, the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum offers guided tours of John Deere’s first factory. Admission is free and visitors can explore 30 acres of hands-on learning through its interactive exhibits.
A golfer hits a putt at one of the holes at the Sunnyside Golf and Country Club.
Cedar River has a great John Deere museum for tractor enthusiasts.
George Wyth Memorial State Park has a number of water areas available to visitors.
Walnut residents can enjoy a day of fishing at Cedar Bend Park.
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The annual Iowa Irish Fest
In August, residents can attend the annual Iowa Irish Fest held at Lincoln Park in downtown Waterloo. The Cedar Valley Irish Cultural Association hosts the festival to foster a sense of community and to educate visitors about the region's Irish heritage. Iowa has a strong Irish culture, in part due to early settlers migrating to the area following the Great Famine of the mid-1800s. Festivalgoers can enjoy a range of Irish-themed activities, from live performances of Celtic tunes to the Shamrock 5K and the Highland Games. The festival is highly anticipated and attracts around 50,000 visitors annually. “Tourism does a lot for the economy and the Irish Fest is a big draw for the city,” says Thomas-Gettman. It's also considered the largest Irish celebration in the state of Iowa.
Southside grocers and local bites downtown
Most residents here shop on the southside, along San Marnan Drive. Here, folks will find name brand grocers like Walmart Supercenter, Hy-Vee Grocery and Fareway Meat and Grocery along the thoroughfares. The Crossroads Mall is also home to big-box retailers like Target, Best Buy and Home Depot. Local boutiques, like Style Avenue and Splash of Pearl, offer vintage wares and a curated selection of clothing options. For a meal out on the town, locals have their pick of fast-food chains and diverse family-owned eateries in downtown Waterloo.
Customers head into Fareway Meat and Grocery in the Audubon neighborhood.
Church Row locals love the lively atmosphere at Singlespeed Brewing in downtown Waterloo.
Shop with ease near Church Row, where retail spots are just 7 minutes away.
Residents can get most of their shopping done at nearby College Sqare Mall.
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Education at Waterloo Community Schools
Families in Waterloo are zoned for the Waterloo Community School District, which earns an overall rating of C-plus from the review site Niche. It serves over 10,000 students and is considered the most diverse district in Iowa. The district offers 11 elementary, four middle and four high schools. Most students attend West High School, which earns a B-minus from Niche and offers eight AP courses to choose form. Private school options like Columbus Catholic School and Waterloo Christian School are also available. Those interested in pursuing higher education can look to the University of Northern Iowa, 10 miles away in neighboring Cedar Falls.
Fred Becker Elementary
West High School
Center Middle School is a renowned institution in the Cedar River area.
Columbus High School
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Nearby healthcare and access to I-380
U.S. Routes 218 and 63 intersect at the heart of Waterloo, connecting residents to the surrounding areas and U.S. Interstate 380. Public rides are provided by the MET Transit bus system, which operates throughout the city. When traveling farther outside of downtown, the Waterloo Regional Airport is 4 miles north along Airport Boulevard. For healthcare, the MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center is on the south side, less than 3 miles from downtown.
Crime
On average, Waterloo experiences higher crime rates than most cities in the U.S. In 2023, the Waterloo Police Department reported 130 violent incidents per 100,000 individuals. Comparatively, the United States reported 109 incidents per 100,000 people during 2023.
A life-long Iowa native, Becky was taught the value of hard work from a young age on her parents’ farm in rural Johnson County. Though she earned her Master of Science in Health Services Administration and worked for more than a decade in the healthcare industry, Becky was always pursuing her passion for real estate on the side, flipping and building houses. In 2019, she decided to turn that passion into a career and earned her real estate license. She quickly found her stride, scooping up recognitions such as the Rising Star Award in 2019 and 2020 and the Rookie of the Year Award in 2020. Now she puts those same values she learned on the farm and in her healthcare career—hard work, devotion, and honesty—to work for her clients as a REALTOR®. Her dedication to getting the job done right and seeing her clients’ dreams through to reality have earned her the nickname “The Finisher.”
Outside of work, Becky loves to run and has completed numerous half-marathons, full marathons, and triathlons. When she’s not competing in distance races, you can also find her spending time with her family and staying active through community organizations such as the 1105 Lunch Project and Habitat for Humanity.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
