$166,832Average Value$190Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
A competitive market in Waterloo's suburbs
In Alabar Hills, modest-sized homes fly off the market. Just 3 miles from downtown Waterloo and 5 miles from downtown Cedar Falls, this densely suburban neighborhood is within walking or biking distance of schools, parks, local businesses and diverse houses of worship. Family entertainment and citywide festivals are also easily accessible. "It's very centrally located, close to highways but not right on the highway," says Gerald Sorensen, a lifelong resident and Realtor with RE/Max Home Group. He says there is "definitely more happening" in Alabar Hills than when he was growing up, evidenced by the nearby shopping and dining opportunities surrounding the neighborhood today.
Alabar Hills homes have deep driveways, and most people drive.
Homes in Alabar Hills are often clad in colorful vinyl siding.
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Alabar Hills' 1950s homes
The wide, tree-flanked streets of Alabar Hills are lined with neatly arranged ranch-style homes, most dating back to the 1950s. These two- and three-bedroom builds often have Minimal Traditional stylings with simple, vinyl exteriors, though buyers may also find homes clad in brick or light-colored stone. Sidewalks are lacking here, as trimmed lawns extend to the street. Most people drive, and homes have deep driveways large enough for multiple cars, trailers or a recreational vehicle. Properties here typically range between $100,000 and $200,000 and are snatched off the market after an average of 3 days. "I've seen more younger people moving in because of the affordability," Sorensen says. "It's transitioning."
Alabar Hills homes are shaded by mature trees.
Alabar Hills home prices range from $100,000 to $200,000.
Alabar Hills homes don't stay on the market for long.
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Families can walk to Becker Elementary
Families in Alabar Hills can walk young children to school at Fred Becker Elementary, which has a C-rating from Niche. Students continue to C-minus-rated Central Middle, also within a mile of all of the neighborhood's homes. Waterloo West High School has a B-minus and offers four career-focused academies in subjects including health and engineering. Community members head to Memorial Stadium next to Alabar Hills to watch both West and East High Schools play football.
Alabar Hills students start their educational journey at Fred Becker Elementary.
Alabar Hills' West High School is rated B-minus on Niche.
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Local businesses along University Avenue
University Avenue hosts many local businesses, such as Calico and Company, a home goods store. The avenue is also home to several diners — Gravy's Diner, Mike's Diner and Chasers Pub, a neighborhood bar with pool tables, darts and a crew of regulars. Alabar Hills residents can also head 3 miles up the road to College Square Mall, home to Kohl's and other retailers, chain restaurants such as Texas Roadhouse and a Hy-Vee Grocery Store. Nearby entertainment options include Get Air Trampoline Park and the recently remodeled Maple Lanes Bowling Center, where families play alongside professionals, and anyone can join seasonal leagues operating every night of the week.
Alabar Hills is home to several locally-owned shops and restaurants.
Alabar Hills is home to multiple old-school diners that have become community staples.
College Square Mall is a three-mile drive from Alabar Hills.
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Fly fishing at Hope Martin Memorial Park
Alabar Hills is within 1.5 miles of several parks, including Valley View Park, Galloway Park and Miriams Park next door. Each park has a playground and open green space. Black Hawk Creek runs southwest of the neighborhood, with fishing accessible at Hope Martin Memorial Park. Locals can also take advantage of the nearby Black Hawk County YMCA, which offers childcare, youth sports, group exercise classes and fitness equipment.
Friends play a game of disc golf at Valley View Park.
A puppy and its owner enjoy Hope Martin Memorial Park together.
Alabar Hills residents stay active at the Black Hawk County YMCA.
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Diverse houses of worship populate Alabar Hills
Alabar Hills's diverse houses of worship exemplify Waterloo's status as an increasingly diverse city. The neighborhood is near Miracle Central Church of God in Christ, Apostolic Church of the Cedar Valley and more institutions, including Catholic, Baptist and Lutheran churches. Alabar Hills is also home to the Masjid Al-Noor Islamic Community Center, which hosts twice-monthly community potlucks and open houses for people of all faiths. Founded in 1984, the center welcomed many Bosnian refugees in the late 1990s and has continued to grow as more immigrants have made a home in the Cedar Valley.
Alabar Hills is home to a diverse religious community, including Shiloh Baptist Church.
The Masjid Al-Noor Islamic Community Center is a part of Alabar Hills' diverse religious community.
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Downtown Waterloo 3 miles away
The neighborhood sits just underneath University Avenue, a major throughway connecting residents with downtown Waterloo's waterfront restaurants, parks and museums. Though most people here drive, Met Transit bus stops cluster along University Avenue. The University of Northern Iowa, a major employer in the area, is less than 5 miles west, while the city of Cedar Rapids is about an hour's drive.
Met Transit bus stops cluster around University Ave in Alabar HIlls.
Alabar Hills is a dense and walkable suburban neighborhood.
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Waterloo hosts Iowa's largest Irish festival
Residents here are well-positioned to enjoy year-round festivities in Waterloo and Cedar Falls. Annual events include a Veterans Memorial Day Parade, Cedar Valley Pridefest and Iowa Irish Fest, the state's largest celebration of Celtic culture, featuring food, live music and sporting events such as sheep herding and Gaelic football.
The Waterloo Municipal Band plays at the annual Down By The Riverside event.
Residents offer locally-produced food and treats at the Cedar Falls Farmers Market.
A line of customers wait to buy produce at the Cedar Falls Farmers Market.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Alabar Hills, Waterloo sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Alabar Hills, Waterloo over the last 12 months is $167,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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