Life in Waterloo’s Common Grounds is all in the name. “It’s a friendly neighborhood,” says Ken Draine, Realtor with Skogman Realty who has worked extensively here. This is a place where community is fought for and celebrated. Many locals are highly active in the area’s diverse houses of worship and nearby nonprofits, and community events are well-attended. The neighborhood offers many practicalities, too, including relatively affordable homes and access to parks. People here enjoy quick commutes to manufacturers and other employers, as well as downtown’s growing restaurant and entertainment scene.
Common Grounds skaters show off their skills at the Riverside Skate Park.
Common Grounds baseball players practice at the Joe Staub Memorial Field.
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New local businesses popping up near Downtown Waterloo
Within the neighborhood, family-owned D & K Hickory House boasts the best ribs in Waterloo. Reservations fill up quickly at this longtime establishment, suggesting that many locals agree. Neighborhood newcomers can join the regulars at Park Road Inn, which makes its own claim to fame as the oldest bar in Waterloo. For nights in, Tortas y Tacos DelValle is popular for takeout. Downtown restaurants such as the beloved Morg’s diner and the lively Screaming Eagle bar and venue are only a mile from many homes. All-In Grocers — the closest grocery option — opened in 2023, filling a hole in the area’s access to fresh ingredients. The store is locally owned, and has an attached community center offering after school programming and assistance for people adjusting to life after incarceration.
Singlespeed brewery serves artisanal beers in Common Grounds.
Locally-owned All In Grocers also hosts a community center in Common Grounds.
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Quick access to John Deere and other employers
Location is a primary draw here, according to Draine. U.S. Route 63 borders the neighborhood, giving residents a straight shot to the downtown corridor a mile away and local manufacturers such as John Deere. “It might take you 7 or 8 minutes to get to most of the major job centers,” he says. Commuters can also hop on bus line 3, which stops along Route 63.
John Deere is a major employer in Common Grounds.
Many Common Grounds residents commute to work at manufacturers like John Deere.
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Shaded green space in Sullivan Memorial Park
Community members gather to relax and recreate at Sullivan Memorial Park, which has a baseball diamond, a playground, shaded picnic tables and ample green space for kids to burn off steam. Scenic river views are also nearby at Joe Straub Memorial Field, which connects to Riverside Skate Park and the mixed-use Cedar Valley Lakes Trail. Golf enthusiasts enjoy proximity to two 18-hole courses which offer day-rates and season passes: Gates Park Golf Course and Red Carpet Golf Course.
Common Grounds golfers frequent the Gates Park Golf Club.
Enjoy the sheltered picnic area at Sullivan Memorial Park.
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A Juneteenth tradition dating back 30 years
Sullivan Memorial Park hosts Waterloo’s annual Juneteenth celebration, a local tradition for nearly 30 years. In 2024, the event featured a march from Ferguson Field to the park, where participants were greeted with food vendors, live performances, kids’ activities and a proclamation from Mayor Quentin Hart. The region’s Boys and Girls Club also hosts an annual Back to School Bash at the park, celebrating the return to school with family-friendly entertainment and community giveaways.
Homes below the Waterloo median price
Common Grounds is densely residential. Homes often sit close together, and neighbors get to know each other both out of desire and necessity. Kids can use narrow, grass-flanked sidewalks to reach friends’ homes down the block or on the other end of the neighborhood. The architectural landscape here includes many two-bedroom bungalows and Foursquare homes built between 1900 and 1950. Prices typically range between $50,000 and $120,000, below the Waterloo median price. “It’s a lot of families and first-time homebuyers,” Draine says. “It’s pretty diverse.” The neighborhood attracts investors, too, as many homes are due for renovations and upgrades.Waterloo has a history of flooding, and parts of Common Grounds are at an elevated risk, especially homes closer to Cedar River. The last major flood was in 2008, though the city has since invested $17 million in a stormwater flood pump station.
Large but affordable homes are frequently available in Common Grounds.
Large victorian homes can be found throughout Common Grounds
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Students are split into two Waterloo pipelines
Kids here start at Lincoln Elementary, which has a C-minus from Niche, or Becker Elementary, which gets a C. Becker hosts family events throughout the school year, including read-ins, a Halloween Trunk or Treat and Becker Bash, a spring celebration with food vendors, games and face painting. These students continue on to Central Middle, and Lincoln kids head to George Washington Carver Academy. Both have a C-minus. Students are again split between B-minus-rated West High and C-plus-rated East High. Both schools partners with the Waterloo Career Center, which offers courses and experiential learning in fields such as nursing, education and culinary arts.
Lincoln Elementary school is proud to serve the Common Grounds community.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Common Grounds
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Common Grounds Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Common Grounds, Waterloo sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Common Grounds, Waterloo over the last 12 months is $63,000, down 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Cute bungalow home with lots of updates and renovations done. Features 2 Bedrooms and 1 new Bathroom. Kitchen was updated and all new flooring complete this home. Move in Ready, so don't delay and come take a look.
Cute as can be and completely refreshed from top to bottom, this charming Waterloo home is ready for its next owner! Step inside to find beautiful new vinyl plank flooring flowing through the living room, dining room, and kitchen, creating a warm and cohesive feel throughout the main living spaces. The plaster walls have been expertly repaired and painted in a timeless neutral shade that pairs
Simple, charming, and completely move-in ready! This well-maintained home offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and major updates that give peace of mind. The main floor features two bedrooms, a cozy living room filled with natural light, a dining room, and your kitchen. Upstairs, you’ll find a spacious third bedroom ideal for a private primary bedroom, play room or home office. The
Welcome to this well-priced 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offering outstanding potential for both first-time homebuyers and savvy investors. With a garage for secure parking and extra storage, this property checks all the boxes for comfort, function, and value. With this home currenly rented, don't miss your chance to build your rental portfolio.
This affordable 2-bedroom, 1-bath, home offers a great opportunity for a first-time homebuyer or investor. Currently used as a rental, the property provides a functional layout with plenty of potential to make it your own. A detached garage adds valuable storage and parking convenience. With its manageable size and price point, this home is an excellent option for those looking to build equity
Charm, character, and an incredible garage! This 3-bedroom, 1-bath 2-story features gorgeous woodwork and a layout designed for comfortable living. Ideally situated near the middle school, this home also includes a brand-new furnace, a large deck for entertaining, and a fully fenced yard. For those who need space for hobbies, the oversized 2-stall garage provides all the room you’ve been looking
This home offers 3bed 1.5 bath compleatly renovated.Great investment opportunity with major updates already completed. This property features a brand new roof, new water heater, new carpet and updated tile shower. Main floor Landry. This home also offers a specious double stall garage with additional parking space, making it ideal for tenants or homeowners needing extra space.
Sifeta JunuzovicBerkshire Hathaway Home Services One Realty Centre
Three-bedroom, one-bath single-family home offering 1,214 square feet of living space. Conveniently located near local amenities and transportation. Property is being sold AS-IS.
Home buyers eager to create their dream home or investors looking for a renovation project four bedrooms 2.5 baths and approximately 2000 sq. feet of living space make this home your today
This affordable 3-bedroom, 1-bath, 11⁄2-story home offers a great opportunity for a first-time homebuyer or investor. Previously used as a rental, the property provides a functional layout with plenty of potential to make it your own. A detached garage adds valuable storage and parking convenience. With its manageable size and price point, this home is an excellent option for those looking to
This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers a great opportunity for investors or buyers ready to add their personal touch. Previously used as a rental and currently vacant, the property is ready for improvements and updates. This home has solid potential for renovation, rental income, or a future resale. Convenient layout with room to build equity, this property is being priced to reflect the work needed.
Spacious 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home available at 440 Cutler in Waterloo! This property offers a functional layout with plenty of living space, comfortable bedrooms, and the convenience of an additional half bath. Enjoy a bright and inviting atmosphere with room to relax and make yourself at home. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and everyday amenities, this home offers both
This charming and cozy 2-bedroom home is now available!Utilities: Tenant is responsible for all utilities. Average Utility Bill: $150Move-In Costs: $825 Deposit, $825 RentLawn/Snow: Tenant responsibilityWasher/Dryer: N/AAC: CentralPets/Animals: Pets allowed on a case-by-case basis, $50/monthSection 8: Not ApplicableOffice Phone #: Email: Website:
Charming, newly remodeled 3-bedroom, 1-bath single-family home located at 1133 Columbia St in Waterloo, IA (zip 50703). This cozy residence features a detached garage and a fenced-in backyard — perfect for kids, or enjoying some outdoor space. Inside you’ll find a clean, updated living space ready for you to move in. Close to Allen Hospital and Allen College!What You Get:3
Office Phone #: Email: Website: Description: This newly update 3 bedroom, 1 bath home is available now! Please contact EPM Iowa directly for more information and to apply. Schools: Fred Becker Elementary, Central Middle School, West High SchoolUtilities Included: NoneAverage Utilities: $120/monthMove-In Costs: $995 Deposit, $995 RentLawn/Snow: Resident
Description: This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house features new floors throughout.Schools: Cunningham Elementary, Central Middle School, West High School Utilities Included: NoneAverage Utilities: $125 Move-In Costs: $1100 Deposit, $1100Rent Lawn/Snow: Tenant responsibilityAC: N/A Section 8: Not ApplicablePets: Allowed on a case-by-case basis, $50/monthOffice Phone
**MOVE IN PROMO 1/2 OFF FIRST MONTH RENT**Welcome to your new cozy little haven in Waterloo, Iowa! This freshly painted house comes with 2 comfortable bedrooms and 1 sparkling clean bathroom. The bright and airy living/dining space is perfect for hosting intimate gatherings with loved ones. Moreover, you'll never have to worry about uncomfortable temperatures with the central air system,
2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Single Family Home located at 1233 Logan Ave WaterlooNew Refrigerator and New StoveFresh Paint, New Lighting, New Roof, New WindowsBeautiful Woodwork in this charming home. Washer/Dryer Hookups in unfinished basement Fenced in back yardSingle Stall Garage with remote opener, Parking off alleyTenant pays all utilities and is responsible for lawncare
If you love color don't let this one get away! Bold beautiful room colors in this very clean single family home.Hardwood flooring in Living, Dining and both bedrooms.Gorgeous built in table with benches in breakfast nookFormal Dining roomFenced in back yardSingle detached garageStove and Refrigerator furnishedRent 900.00 Security Deposit 900.00No charge
**MOVE IN PROMO 1/2 OFF FIRST MONTH'S RENT**Welcome to this recently remodeled, spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the vibrant city of Waterloo, IA. This property offers an abundance of space, perfect for those who value comfort and room to breathe. The home has been tastefully updated, blending modern aesthetics with functionality. The convenience of multiple bathrooms
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