Still dealing with the effects of redlining, de facto segregation and other racial disparities that impacted Waterloo's black residents for decades, Roosevelt is a community looking to rebuild. Located in Waterloo's Northend, it's just outside of the Black Triangle — a designated “nonwhites” community of the 1950s. “The Northend is just history,” says Stephanie Shavers, Waterloo Neighborhood Services Coordinator. "When the trains came through Waterloo in the 1900s and dropped off African Americans who were migrating from the South, that’s where they went.” But it's even more personal than that for many Roosevelt residents, she says. "Our grannies lived there. We grew up there." Today, Roosevelt draws buyers looking for an affordable, Northend neighborhood just 2 miles away from downtown.
New and longstanding entry-level homes
The new construction of affordably-priced homes on Roosevelt's formerly empty lots showcases the city’s commitment to repairing decades of damage. This, paired with Waterloo’s downpayment assistance program, which aims to help residents who live on Section 8 to purchase their first homes, creates a sense of hope and promise in the once-overlooked community. Shavers says there's also a grassroots approach towards community improvement. “People are tired of driving by and seeing torn-down houses and empty lots, so we’ve formed action teams. I work with specific people from certain neighborhoods like Walnut, Roosevelt and Gates, and we build new resources,” Shavers says.
The diverse mix of homes lining Roosevelt's roads shows how it’s slowly changed with time. Most properties are longstanding Dutch Colonial and minimal traditional builds that are well over 115 years old, but there are also options built in the 1940s and 50s and a handful built as late as 2020. An older minimal traditional stucco home might sit adjacent to a 1950s ranch with shingle siding, and a 2020 minimal traditional build could neighbor a Dutch Colonial built in the 1890s.
Much like the housing stock, the neighborhood's streets are diverse and distinct. Warren Drive, for instance, stands out for its resemblance to a suburban cul-de-sac. It’s lined with well-kept ranches that sit on slightly larger lots than other blocks. It also lacks sidewalks — a stark contrast to the paved sidewalks on Newell Street, for example.
Prices range from $22,000 for a handyman special and climb to $200,000 for a move-in ready option.
This row of homes in Roosevelt shows the diversity of home styles in the area.
There are a variety of architectural styles in the neighborhood of Roosevelt.
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All in Grocers, Grandma’s Hands and more shopping and dining
All in Grocers is the go-to supermarket for Roosevelt residents. It’s about 1 mile south on Franklin Street and is also a laundromat, community center and restaurant. When it opened its doors in October of 2023, it ended a food desert that plagued Northend residents for more than 50 years.
“I shop at All in Grocers, and I make sure everyone I talk to shops there, too,” Shaver says. "My parents go there every Sunday because they have amazing food at the restaurant. It’s called Grandma’s Hands.”
Grandma’s Hands is located in All in Grocers and is a soul food take-out spot is mostly known for its fried chicken, mac and cheese and friendly atmosphere.
For more dining needs, restaurants in downtown Waterloo can visit Jameson’s, Screaming Eagle and Morg’s — all of which are a mile-and-a-half south on Fourth Street. Big box stores including Walmart, Sam’s Club and Target are about 5 miles south of Roosevelt on East San Marnan Drive.
Kwik Trip is a convenient market to buy a snack and drink in Roosevelt.
Barnes & Noble is just a short drive from Roosevelt with a large selection of books and music.
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Driving to get around
It’s essential to own a car in Roosevelt. Most essentials are about 2 miles away, and there’s a lack of public transit options and bike lanes. While it is possible to walk, most things take between 20 to 30 minutes to reach by foot. People usually walk to the neighborhood Speedy Mart for convenience store needs, but a car is needed otherwise.
Roosevelt is a charming neighborhood in the city of Waterloo, Iowa.
Route-63 is a convenient highway allowing easy access to Downtown Waterloo and beyond.
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Cunningham School, Carver Academy and Waterloo East High
The C-minus-rated Cunningham School for Excellence is on the southeast side of Roosevelt and is the first step for elementary kids. Next is George Washington Carver Academy, which is about a mile northwest and also has a C-minus on Niche. Waterloo East High School, which has a C-plus, is the last step. It’s about 2 miles south of Roosevelt and offers over 30 extracurricular activities, including a French Movie Club, robotics and eSports.
George Washington Carver Academy is a highly rated public school in Waterloo, IA.
East High School has 1,022 students in attendance.
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Virdin Creek Park and Gates Park
Virden Creek Park sits at Roosevelt’s northern end and features two basketball courts with risers, a large playscape and a shaded picnic area. Gates Park is on the north side of the train tracks and has been around since 1928. The sprawling greenspace features a giant waterslide, swimming pool and open fields. It’s also home to the public Gates Park Golf Course, which features 18 holes and a par of 72.
Virden Creek Park has a lovely bridge that goes over the water.
Fiesta Latina is one of many events that take place in Waterloo, IA.
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Events in downtown Waterloo
Residents have easy access to a variety of events in downtown Waterloo. Friday Loo, the city’s free summer concert series, attracts droves to Lincoln Park every year. Along with live music, there are always food vendors, alcoholic refreshments and reserved picnic tables for anyone looking to host a group event. Waterloo's Irish Fest is not only hugely popular with local people, it's also Iowa’s biggest cultural celebration.
The Riverwalk Amphitheater brings diverse artists to play in Downtown Waterloo.
Downtown Waterloo locals get their fresh produce from the Urban Farmers market on Saturdays.
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Noise from train tracks
There are railroad tracks on the north end of Roosevelt that cause noise pollution for residents closest to them.
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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Parks in this Area
Big Guitar
Gates Park
Virden Creek Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Roosevelt
US
Homicide
8
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Roosevelt, Waterloo sell after 90 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Roosevelt, Waterloo over the last 12 months is $69,285, down 15% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$61,000
Median Single Family Price
$61,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$72
Last 12 months Home Sales
7
Median List Price
$69,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
5%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-10%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
234
Median Year Built
1933
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,018
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,600
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Luke Bartlett,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
609
Median Age
36
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
29.9%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$28,382
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$43,094
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
75.5%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
11.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.1%
% Population in Labor Force
67.4%
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®
29/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
35/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
18/ 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.
