$125,780Average Value$156Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Despite changes, Edison keeps its strong character
Two miles from downtown Waterloo, Edison has looked largely the same for several decades. Here, modest-sized, 1940s homes flank quiet streets leading to parks, churches and longtime local businesses. However, the 2011 closing of Edison Elementary School opened up a large parcel of land that has gained attention in recent years. Developers recently unveiled more than 30 newly constructed homes on the site, and the city is making plans to renovate the remaining open green space into a fully outfitted park. The changes seek to reinforce the character of the neighborhood as a family-friendly residential area well-connected to offerings across the Cedar Valley. “The first house that my wife and I moved into was in that neighborhood,” says Rick Bauer, a lifelong Waterloo resident and broker and owner of Re/Max Home Group. “The world has changed, and I think the neighborhood has too, but it’s similar. Just older.”
The Edison neighborhood sits quietly a couple of miles away from downtown Waterloo.
Our Savior's Lutheran alternates between traditional and contemporary worship services weekly.
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From fixer-uppers to new construction near John Deere
Edison’s homes are arranged in a grid-like pattern, densely populated with modest-sized homes on grassy plots that extend to the street. The neighborhood’s wealth of one- and two-bedroom homes is a particular draw for first-time buyers, Bauer says. Construction age varies greatly, with homes largely dating between the 1910s and the 1960s. Minimal traditional stylings are common, as are shotgun homes intended for employees at the nearby John Deere facility. Some of the area’s oldest homes are Dutch Colonials and Colonial Revivals with up to four bedrooms.
On the former site of Edison Elementary, 32 new builds have two or three bedrooms, meant to blend in with the simple style of surrounding homes. “There hadn’t been anything built in there since the 60s, but now there are all these new houses,” Bauer says. “They tried to develop there several different times, but the neighborhood kind of said, ‘No.’” He says this recent project succeeded because the developer agreed to leave space for a park.
The neighborhood’s fixer-uppers can start at $60,0000, while brand-new construction in the Edison Addition can sell up to $350,000, according to Bauer. Most homes fall under the Waterloo median, partly due to their size, selling around $120,000.
There are also brand new homes being built in the Edison neighborhood.
Many of the older homes in the Edison neighborhood are traditional-style homes.
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Waterloo plans to redevelop Edison Park
The city of Waterloo plans to redevelop Edison Park on the former site of Edison Elementary. The park currently offers open green space and picnic tables, though construction will introduce a playground, shelter and basketball court. The parks department does not have an official timeline yet, as multiple parks are being transformed across the city.
Further recreational opportunities abound at Hope Martin Memorial Park, which offers fishing and forested hiking trails along Black Hawk Creek, as well as a playground and picnic tables. When it snows, locals flock to the park’s sloped hills, ideal for sledding. Nearby Galloway Park has athletic fields and a small playground.
Edison Park is easily accessible from many of the homes nearby.
The brand new playground at Edison Park provides a great place for kids to play.
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Steamboat Gardens pub a part of Waterloo history
Neighborhood businesses include Steamboat Gardens, a nautical-themed restaurant and bar opened in 1933. One of Waterloo’s oldest establishments, the pub serves $2 burgers every Monday. Locals can also unwind at Fat Cup Coffee Company, a relaxing community space with board games and live music. University Avenue has additional locally owned favorites, eventually leading to College Square Mall, which has a Hy-Vee Grocery Store and retailers like Kohl’s. Anyone can join a seasonal league or join open bowling at Maple Lanes Bowling Center. Lanes fill up quickly, though the center also offers duck pin bowling and a pinball arcade.
Steamboat Gardens still faithfully serves meals for the Edison neighborhood after over 90 years.
Residents of Edison can walk to Maple Lanes Bowling Center on University Ave.
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West High plays at nearby Memorial Stadium
Kids here attend Fred Becker Elementary, which gets a C-rating from Niche. Central Middle has a C-minus, and Waterloo West High has a B-minus. Students at West High can choose from one of four career academies in subjects such as health and engineering. The school’s football team plays at Memorial Stadium 2 miles from Edison and is a popular outing for community members.
Fred Becker Elementary
Center Middle School
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Farm animal contests and fair rides at the National Cattle Congress
The National Cattle Congress just north of the neighborhood hosts a long-running annual fair with rides, a live music lineup, a petting zoo and events like motocross racing. “Because Iowa is a farm state, it pulled people from all over. It still does. They have judging for pigs, llamas, chickens, rabbits, and then they have a lot of rides and a parade,” Bauer says. “I take my grandkids there every year.”
Downtown attractions and events are 2 miles from Edison, making for quick trips to the Waterloo Urban Farmers Market, held each Saturday between May and October. In the summer, the Waterloo Center for the Arts hosts Cinema on the Cedar, a family-friendly movie series at the RiverLoop Amphitheatre.
U.S. Route 218 borders the neighborhood
Edison is a short commute to John Deere, one of the largest employers in the Cedar Valley. The manufacturing complex sits between Edison homes and the Cedar River.
U.S. Route 218 brushes against the neighborhood, connecting residents to downtown Waterloo 2 miles away. University Avenue is another major throughway bordering Edison, delivering residents to shopping and dining options, as well as the University of Northern Iowa. Though most people rely on cars, bus lines 6 and 7 stop at a few points in the neighborhood and along University Avenue.
Residents of the Edison neighborhood can get to downtown easily via Route 218.
Visitors to the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum can see a collection of Deere equipment.
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Noise and flood risk in some parts of Edison
According to Risk Factor, a few pockets of the neighborhood may have a higher risk of flooding, including some homes on Englewood and Hartman Avenues. People living close to U.S. Route 218 and University Avenue may experience more traffic noise.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kayleen Wills,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Edison Park
Hope Martin Memorial Park
Sherwood Park
San Souci Island
Valley View Park
Galloway Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Edison
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Edison, Waterloo sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Edison, Waterloo over the last 12 months is $132,947, down 11% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This cozy 2 bedroom home is situated in a quiet neighborhood near Falls Ave in Waterloo. Offering updates and new paint throughout. You will love the original hardwood floors and eat in kitchen. New appliances. Large basement offering lots of storage. The oversized garage boasts a new garage door. Spacious fenced in back yard.
Welcome to Waterloo’s newest neighborhood—where history meets modern living. Nestled on the former site of Edison Elementary School, this vibrant community offers the perfect blend of charm and contemporary design. This brand-new home showcases the thoughtfully designed Easton floor plan, featuring three spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an unfinished lower level brimming with possibilities.
Welcome to your future home in the heart of Waterloo’s Edison Development! Step inside and experience a space designed for modern living, where soaring ceilings and fresh, stylish finishes create an inviting atmosphere. The open-concept layout seamlessly connects the main living areas, offering both comfort and functionality. The main level features a thoughtfully designed master suite and an
Newly renovated home located on a corner lot. 2.5 stall garage with work benches, 2 large sheds and a large enclosed backyard. **This home is now vacant and available to rent anytime. Cats and dogs welcome upon approval and will require a one time non-refundable pet deposit of $300 per pet; no monthly pet fee.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kayleen Wills,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,319
Median Age
35
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$50,154
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,571
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.7%
College Graduates
14.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.2%
% Population in Labor Force
82.3%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
11°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
24''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
44/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
44/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
26/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
