$151,806Average Value$144Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Neighborhood's diversity adds to local flavor
West Central is a microcosm of the shifting demographics seen over the last century in Waterloo. From the slow influx of African Americans in the early 20th century to waves of immigration from different parts of the world, West Central has become a welcoming place to those fleeing hardship or simply looking for a better life.
Just 2 miles south of downtown Waterloo, the neighborhood is rich in cultural diversity.
"We have Bosnians, Burmese and Latinos. It's a very mixed neighborhood," says Carol Gustafson, who has lived in West Central for 43 years and served as the head of the West Central Neighborhood Association for years before it disbanded. "Everyone respects each other's properties. People feel safe in their homes," Gustafson says.
Immigrants and refugees have flocked to the area for decades to take jobs with large employers, including the Tyson meat processing plant and John Deere. Most recently, beginning in 2008, Burmese refugees began arriving here after fleeing a decades-long civil war. Bosnians started to resettle here during the Bosnian War in the 1990s.
"I think Waterloo is very welcoming to all, and it's a safe place for people who want to raise their families and have a good quality of life," says Tara Thomas, the city's communications director.
West Central in Waterloo combines historic charm with modern conveniences.
Stroll through tree-lined streets in Waterloo's friendly West Central neighborhood.
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Smaller homes with lower price points attract entry-level buyers, investors
Mature trees shade the streets, many of which have narrow sidewalks. Home styles include early 20th-century cottages, minimal traditional, ranch-style, Cape Cods, condos and townhouses. Most homes range between $125,000 and $200,000 and sell quickly — on an average of 27 days compared to the U.S. average of 43 days.
Most homes are single-story or one-and-a-half stories with two or three bedrooms. Many are under 1,000 square feet, while some larger older homes were built as country homes before the city of Waterloo grew around them. The neighborhood's price points and smaller homes make it an attractive spot for first-time buyers and investors. Many have been renovated with new siding, windows, and light landscaping.
"There are more rentals than in previous years," Gustafson says. "Older people are moving into assisted living and those houses are being sold to individuals who rent them out. But that hasn't affected the neighborhood in a detrimental way. The homes are well maintained, and it's a really nice, quiet neighborhood."
Charming West Central cottages exude character and charm.
Experience West Central’s blend of charm and simplicity with its iconic Cape Cod houses.
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Traditional cevapi at Ajla's Bakery & Grocery
West Central residents can walk to get groceries from Byron Supermarket, Hornbill Asian Market or Hometown Foods. For major grocery shopping, Hy-Vee is just 2 miles away.
Several restaurants offer authentic foods from various cultures, including Bosnian dishes and baked goods Ajla's Bakery and Grocery, the Balkan Cafe and Grocery and Medo's Restorante. People come from far away for specialty items such as cevapi, sandwiches made with fluffy Bosnian bread dipped in veal stock, then grilled and served with little sausages and sour cream.
"It is absolutely fantastic," says Amber Causey, a server at Medo's Restaurant, of the popular dish.
Balkan Cafe offers authentic Eastern European flavors in the heart of West Central.
Hometown Foods offers fresh, local produce right in the heart of West Central.
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Krajiski Teferic festival attracts thousands of Bosnians from throughout the U.S. and Canada
Around 5,000 people come from all over North America to celebrate Bosnian culture and heritage at Krajiski Teferic, an annual festival held in one U.S. or Canadian city annually. Waterloo is hosting the festival in 2025 for the fifth time. The event features traditional music, dance and soccer games at the Waterloo Convention Center, a mile away. It's named after the northwestern Bosnian region called Krajina, the hometown of many of Waterloo's Bosnian population.
West Waterloo High students can apply to an IB diploma program
Children can attend Kingsley Elementary School, which earns a C-plus from Niche, before moving on to Hoover Middle School, which earns a B-minus. High schoolers can attend Waterloo West High School, where they can apply to the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program. West High School earns a B-minus from Niche.
Kingsley Elementary School in Waterloo fosters a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
Students at Hoover Middle School in Waterloo thrive in a welcoming community.
West High School
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Soccer games enliven Miller Park
Miller Park anchors the neighborhood at its south end, where it's common to see lively soccer matches, especially on the weekends. Kids play on the modest playground, and people walk their dogs along the trails. Within a mile, Leavitt Park and Liberty Park offer alternative spaces for walking and playing. The Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course is just a mile away. Rooff Park, which is adjacent to U.S. Route 218, is a mile and a half to the north.
Volleyball games at Liberty Park add excitement to your day out in nature.
The swings at Leavitt Triangle Park keep kids in Waterloo happily entertained.
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Houses of worship support the community, welcome newcomers
West Central's many houses of worship have played a significant role in welcoming new immigrants into the community. Their resources and contacts help ease the transition for incoming residents. Houses of worship in the neighborhood include St. Edward Church, Kimball Avenue United Methodist Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church and Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Islamic Foundation of Iowa is a mile away.
St. Edward Church in West Central offers serene beauty and historical charm in every corner.
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church offers a welcoming space for worship in West Central.
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Proximity to U.S. Routes 63 and 218 simplify commute
The neighborhood is convenient for commuters, with U.S. 218 one mile away and U.S. 63 just to its west. Waterloo's main drag, W. 4th Street, goes straight into downtown 2 miles away. Public transportation is also an option, with several bus stops on main neighborhood streets.
West Central offers easy access to U.S. 218, making commuting a breeze for residents.
West Central offers easy access to public transportation via bus stops along major streets.
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
Gerald Sorensen,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Miller Park
Liberty Park
Leavitt Triangle Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West Central
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Central, Waterloo sell after 24 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in West Central, Waterloo over the last 12 months is $154,700, up 7% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Newly updated Lustron home built with enameled metal featuring large living spaces in this 1,000+ square foot home. A large open living room flows to a formal dining area with an open kitchen featuring quartz countertops. The two spacious bedrooms have generous storage with complementary built-ins. The fenced backyard leads to a detached 2-stall garage with vinyl siding and updated garage doors.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Gerald Sorensen,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
913
Median Age
34
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$64,910
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$62,110
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.6%
College Graduates
20.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.2%
% Population in Labor Force
79.3%
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®
42/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
62/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
20/ 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.
