Walnut is a small but resourceful neighborhood on the northeast side of the Cedar River. Situated within the historic Black Triangle, a designated “nonwhites” community of the 1950s, this is a community filled with history. While it was affected by the racial injustices and economic disparities that plagued Black Waterloo residents for decades including redlining and de facto segregation, locals are diligently working to create a better tomorrow.
“Walnut is unique because it’s small, maybe about 600 people, but they don't need a lot to get something done,” says Stephanie Shavers, director of neighborhood services and longtime North End resident. “They’re a small association, but they’ve brought in a lot of resources. They brought in gardens, new housing – they just get it done.”
With accessibly priced homes, a passionate community and proximity to the upcoming downtown Waterloo, Walnut is a community on the rise.
Walnut homes are set along quiet, tree-lined streets.
Homes in Walnut sometimes feature front porches connecting to the sidewalk.
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Community events hosted by Harvest Vineyard Church
Harvest Vineyard Church is more than a place for Sunday service. “In the Black community, the church has always been such a big thing,” Shavers says. “It’s where we go to get our information, build community, and so much more. It’s one of those things that we’ve gotten away from, so we’re working on bringing it back.”
The church conducts several community outreaches throughout the year, including a neighborhood Prayer Walk, Walnut Neighborhood Cleanup and National Nite Out, an annual summer potluck.
They also partner with Orchard Hill Church, the Walnut Neighborhood Association and the Boys and Girls Club to host Christmas in Walnut. While breakfast and kid's crafting are headlining events, the highlight of the day is the Christmas Store, where parents and guardians can purchase toys for up to 80% off their retail value. The money raised at the store is poured right back into the community and is distributed among schools and non-profits.
Formed and Made Market showcases Waterloo’s vibrant artisan community near Walnut.
Locals grow produce and flowers at the Grace Gardens in Walnut.
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Downtown Waterloo and U.S. 63
Walnut’s proximity to the rapidly growing downtown has made it attractive in recent years. Just a half mile north of the expanding commercial district along Fourth Street, residents can walk, bike or drive into downtown in a breeze. U.S. Highway 63 borders this neighborhood to the west and directly merges into Leo P. Rooff Expressway, providing an easy start to every commute. But for all it offers, this community lacks public transit options. “They need more public transportation,” Shavers says. “Even though there are buses, they stop running pretty early, so we’re working on that as well.”
Walnut has access to US Highway 63.
Walnut commuters can travel by MET bus in Waterloo.
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All-in Grocers, local restaurants and downtown dining
All-in Grocers is a testament to the renaissance the northeast side is undergoing. When it opened its doors in October of 2023, the supermarket/laundromat/restaurant brought a sense of hope and pride to the community, which was largely a food dessert for over 50 years. Hometown Foods is another locally owned supermarket and is about 2 miles south of Walnut. It's mostly known for its extensive selection of international ingredients.
Residents can grab takeout from restaurants within the neighborhood or make a quick trip downtown. Options in the neighborhood include breakfast staples at Sookie’s and an eclectic soul food menu at Chuckster's. Rib tips, fried fish, and Polish sausage are just a few menu favorites from the carryout restaurant.
Downtown, longstanding and newer establishments draw people from across the Cedar Valley.
“We have places like Jameson’s, a traditional Irish pub that’s been around for like 20 years. People travel from all over to come visit Jameson’s,” says Jessica Rucker, executive director at Main Street Waterloo. “We have Screaming Eagle, which has been around for a lot of years, and that was one of our game changers in getting people to come back into downtown. We’ve got El Patron that's got some of the best margaritas and queso around. When it comes to food, we don’t have just one type of restaurant, you can get whatever you’re craving.”
Hungry Charlie's Lunchbox is minutes away from Walnut and serves up classic hotdogs.
Sookie's in Walnut is a local favorite for home cooked meals right in the neighborhood.
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Accessibly priced, 1900s and 1910s homes
Homes built in the early 1900s and 1910s line the roads of Walnut. A few new builds are also present, but they're not very common. Classic architectural styles, including minimal traditional, ranch, Queen Anne, Foursquare and even a few Second Empire-influenced options fill the community. There’s a mix of fixer-uppers, empty lots and newly renovated homes, all side by side, showcasing a glimpse into Walnut’s harsh past paired with its promising future. Home prices start as low as $20,000 and climb to $225,000.
Shavers says that while a large percentage of residents are renters, the city is working to increase the number of owners.
The Waterloo Down Payment Program was designed to reach “non-traditional” first-time homebuyers, namely those with a low to moderate income. “We can build affordable housing apartments, which we are working on, but we really want to increase homeownership rates,” she says. “Let’s get some money in here so that you can own your own home.”
The program is intended for people who rely on the help of Section 8. Applicants can receive up to $5,000 toward closing costs and will receive mandatory homebuyer education courses to help them through the process.
Well maintained Victorian style homes are common in Walnut.
Walnut homes include minimal gothic revival homes.
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Cunningham School, Carver Academy and East High
Elementary kids attend the C-minus-rated Cunningham School for Excellence, which is less than a mile east of Walnut and can be reached in 5 minutes by car. George Washington Carver Academy is about a mile and a half north and serves sixth through eight graders. It also has a C-minus rating. Waterloo East High School, which has a C-plus, is the last step. Located on Walnut’s eastern border, the high school is within walking distance and can be reached in 10 to 15 minutes on foot. East High offers over 30 extracurricular activities, including a French Movie Club, robotics and eSports.
Lowell Elementary is a public school in Waterloo, with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1.
East High School is a public school in Waterloo with about 1,022 students in grades 9-12.
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Sullivan Memorial Park
Sullivan Park borders Walnut to the north and offers a playscape, baseball diamond, basketball court and shaded picnic area. It’s the go-to spot for community gatherings and after school recreation.
Walnut athletes can play some baseball at Sullivan Memorial Park.
Walnut residents can enjoy a day of fishing at Cedar Bend Park.
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
Karmen Schwake,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Cedar Bend Park
Boys & Girls Club
Highland Park
Lincoln Park
Sullivan Memorial park
Lafayette Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Walnut
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
9
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
8
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Walnut, Waterloo sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Walnut, Waterloo over the last 12 months is $153,866, up 56% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$136,700
Median Single Family Price
$136,700
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$122
Last 12 months Home Sales
3
Median List Price
$159,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
39%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
72
Median Year Built
1905
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,439
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,151
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Karmen Schwake,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
407
Median Age
41
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$18,020
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$29,707
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.6%
College Graduates
11.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.8%
% Population in Labor Force
36.7%
Significantly below 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
Bikeable
Bike Score®
68/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
70/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
36/ 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.
