A Northend neighborhood rebuilding
Roosevelt is a community looking to rebuild. Today, Roosevelt draws buyers looking for an affordable, Northend neighborhood just 2 miles away from downtown.
Roosevelt
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. Stephanie Shavers, Waterloo Neighborhood Services Coordinator, 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.
/
Shopping and dining in downtown Waterloo
For more dining needs, residents can visit Jameson’s, Screaming Eagle and Morg’s in downtown Waterloo — 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.
/
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.
/
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.
/
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.
/
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.
/
Noise from train tracks
There are railroad tracks on the north end of Roosevelt that cause noise pollution for residents closest to them.
Written By
Kaitlin Davis
Photography Contributed By
Chris Jeong
Video By
Joshua Kassabian
Was this overview helpful?
Agents Specializing in this Area
-
Carl Ericson
Carl Ericson
Oakridge Real Estate
(319) 595-4356
199 Total Sales
1 in Roosevelt
$90,000 Price
-
Nancy Conklin
Nancy Conklin
Century 21 Signature Real Estate - Cedar Falls
(319) 429-7424
28 Total Sales
1 in Roosevelt
$75,000 Price
-
Amy Wienands
Amy Wienands
AWRE, EXP Realty, LLC
(319) 349-2816
1,212 Total Sales
4 in Roosevelt
$25K - $194K Price Range
-
Sara Junaid
Sara Junaid
Oakridge Real Estate
(319) 349-2205
171 Total Sales
3 in Roosevelt
$25K - $75K Price Range
-
Diana Beschorner
Diana Beschorner
Fusion, REALTORS
(319) 595-4854
107 Total Sales
3 in Roosevelt
$22K - $43K Price Range
-
Ron Garris, CRB,CRS
Ron Garris, CRB,CRS
AWRE - Commercial & Development
(319) 349-2759
65 Total Sales
2 in Roosevelt
$65K - $89K Price Range
Schools
Source:
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- Pre-K to 5th
- Public
Parks in this Area
Big Guitar
Gates Park
Virden Creek Park
Reviews
Are you familiar with the Roosevelt neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Roosevelt | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 7 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 5 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 7 | 4 |
| Robbery | 7 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 4 |
| Larceny | 5 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 7 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Roosevelt Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Roosevelt, Waterloo sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Roosevelt, Waterloo over the last 12 months is $82,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
|
Median List Price
$84,700
|
Median Sale Price
$82,000
|
|
Median Single Family Sale Price
$89,000
|
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$57,000
|
|
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
|
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
|
|
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%
|
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$85
|
Neighborhood Facts
|
Number of Homes
236
|
Number of Homes for Sale
2
|
|
Median Year Built
1933
|
Months of Supply
4.00
|
|
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,018
Significantly below the national average
1,933
|
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,674
|
|
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405
|
|
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Rental Home Trends
|
Number of Homes for Rent
2
|
Median Rent
$1,062
|
|
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,063
|
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$1,063
|
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
$79,597
|
Average Household Income
$43,094
|
Education and Workforce
|
High School Graduates
75.5%
Below the national average
89%
|
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
Moderately bikeable
Bikeability
60
/ 100
Somewhat walkable
Walkability
30
/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Unity
Friendly neighbors, accessibly priced homes and proximity to downtown Waterloo
Walnut
A small, resourceful community on the Northend
Franklin Gateway
An affordable, conveniently located community along the Cedar River
Northeast Side
Price points in northeast neighborhood attract investors and entry-level buyers
Was this page helpful?
