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West Central

West Central

$161,596 Average Value
$159 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

West Central's historic charm and parks-rich lifestyle

West Central is one of Waterloo's oldest neighborhoods, and that history shows in its architecture and tree-shaded yards. The area has a strong residential feel, with many homes featuring front porches and mature landscaping. Community life centers on local parks and green spaces. The neighborhood's established character and access to outdoor amenities give it a distinct identity within Waterloo.

West Central in Waterloo combines historic charm with modern conveniences.
West Central in Waterloo combines historic charm with modern conveniences.
Stroll through tree-lined streets in Waterloo's friendly West Central neighborhood.
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.

Charming West Central cottages exude character and charm.
Charming West Central cottages exude character and charm.
Experience West Central’s blend of charm and simplicity with its iconic Cape Cod houses.
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.
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.
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.
Kingsley Elementary School in Waterloo fosters a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
Students at Hoover Middle School in Waterloo thrive in a welcoming community.
Students at Hoover Middle School in Waterloo thrive in a welcoming community.
West High School
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.
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.
The swings at Leavitt Triangle Park keep kids in Waterloo happily entertained.
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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 U.S. 218, making commuting a breeze for residents.
West Central offers easy access to public transportation via bus stops along major streets.
West Central offers easy access to public transportation via bus stops along major streets.
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Anne Amoury
Written By
Anne Amoury
Elie Karam
Photography Contributed By
Elie Karam
Ennis Warlick
Video By
Ennis Warlick

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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

Parks in this Area

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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 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
400
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Median Year Built
1947
Months of Supply
6.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,133
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,334
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
714
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
626
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Open Houses

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
1
Median Rent
$625
Median Condo Rent
$625
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$625

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
$79,597
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
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
11°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
24''

Area Factors

Fairly bikeable

Bikeability®

50 / 100

Fairly walkable

Walkability®

50 / 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

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
West Central