Illinois city in the St. Louis Metro with a re-energized downtown
Waterloo has a longstanding history dating back to the 1800s, and more than 200 buildings make up Waterloo’s Historic District. These spaces have come back to life with new businesses starting to occupy them downtown. The small city has a population of around 11,000, offers several outdoor attractions and is only about 25 miles from St. Louis. “I would say the biggest draw is the schools that are right here in our community,” says Amy Hank, a Realtor with Keller Williams Pinnacle who has lived in Waterloo for most of her life. “There’s a lot of community parks, and a brand-new splash pad. In the past few years, many businesses and restaurants have opened downtown. There are lots of community festivals and parades and a lot of family-oriented things going on. But still some bars and nightlife, too.”
Waterloo offers peaceful living with easy access to St. Louis amenities.
Sip on house-brewed ales at Hopskeller’s in historic downtown Waterloo, IL.
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Established houses are still an attraction
There’s a fair share of recently built homes in Waterloo, filling developments like Country Club Hills and Natalie Estates. These properties range between $375,000 and $550,000. But there are also plenty of established homes, dating as far back as the 19th century, that are popular partly because of their location. “The downtown area does have a lot of existing houses, and I find people are really liking moving downtown now, to be right next to restaurants and shopping and everything,” Hank says. “They seem to be selling homes in neighborhoods that are maybe newish homes with bigger yards and selling those to move closer to downtown to be able to walk to things. This is all ages, too. I’m seeing empty nesters and younger people without kids doing this, as well as families with kids.” Some of the city’s older homes are cheaper, too, available for $85,000 to $300,000. Waterloo’s median list price is about $362,500, a mark more than some other cities in the area, including Columbia and Belleville, but still less than the national median.
Step back in time with Waterloo’s well-preserved 19th-century brick Cape Cod homes.
Discover newer custom-built homes offering comfort and privacy in Waterloo, IL.
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Industrial industries play a key role
Monroe County, which Waterloo is the seat of, has companies representing a range of industrial services, from plumbing supplies distribution to printing. Also, Waterloo’s location in relation to St. Louis opens up a job market where major employers include Anheuser-Busch and Boeing. “I would say most people still commute to St. Louis,” Hank says. “I know many people work from home now, too.”
Close to Waterloo, IL, Boeing’s St. Louis headquarters helps shape global aviation.
Waterloo’s location opens up a job market to major employers including Anheuser-Busch.
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W.J. Zahnow Elementary has modern updates
The Waterloo Community School District No. 5 maintains a B-plus rating on Niche. W.J. Zahnow Elementary, one of the system’s three elementary schools, recently received an addition and renovation to accommodate a growing student body in a city whose population has jumped 12% from 2010 to 2020. Gibault Catholic High has a B-plus rating and a 10-to-1 student-teacher ratio.
Athletics at W J Zahnow Elementary School build teamwork, and school spirit in Waterloo, IL.
Gibault Catholic High School in Waterloo, IL offers various clubs and activities for students.
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Waterloo parks have an assortment of amenities
Waterloo has five city parks with varying amenities. Koenigsmark Park has a skate park, while Lakeview Park has a 2-mile trail and three lakes open to fishing. Konarcik Park features an 18-hole disc golf course. A new splash pad opened at William Zimmer Memorial Park in 2024. The Monroe County YMCA, 6 miles away in nearby Columbia, can be an escape from the elements in an area where the weather can vary. “I would say that we experience all the seasons. It’s very hot and humid in the summer, in the hundreds,” Hank says. “We do get snow and ice. But the spring and the fall are both very mild.”
Skaters of all levels enjoy Koenigsmark Park’s smooth ramps and rails in Waterloo, IL.
Konarcik Park's frisbee golf course offers fresh air for all skill levels in Waterloo, IL.
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Waterloo’s downtown maintains its historic character
People here like to spend free time perusing the city’s downtown. Many brick buildings throughout this walkable district date back to the 19th century, and many of them have plaques on their exteriors explaining their history, as part of a project conducted by students at Gibault Catholic High in 2014. The businesses in these buildings include restaurants, bars, breweries, salons, gift shops and more. Downtown Waterloo hosts events including the Porta Westfalica Festival, which happens on the third Tuesday of June and is an immersion in German culture in recognition of Waterloo’s sister city, Porta Westfalica, Germany. The GLOW Lighted Holiday Parade on the Saturday after Thanksgiving is a staple, too. “That has become huge,” Hank says.
Historic brick buildings host charming cafes in walkable Waterloo, IL.
Many restaurants and wine bars in Waterloo, IL, are housed in beautifully preserved brick buildings.
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Monroe Randolph Transit District is a method of transportation
Monroe Randolph Transit District is a public transportation option in the region that provides curb-to-curb rides for $6 per trip, and that has a commuter route to the 5th and Missouri MetroLink station for light rail service to St. Louis. Drivers can take Illinois State Route 3 and Interstate 64 for commutes to St. Louis. They can then continue onto I-44 and I-70 in St. Louis to get to the St. Louis Lambert International Airport, about 37 miles away. Red Bud Regional Hospital, which has an emergency room, is a 14-mile trip to the nearby city of Red Bud on Route 3.
Crime
Crime statistics specific to Waterloo are not readily available. However, according to Monroe County Sheriff data reported to the Illinois Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the area saw a 44% drop in overall offenses reported from 2023 to 2024. Waterloo is the county seat of Monroe.
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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.
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On average, homes in Waterloo, IL sell after 111 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Waterloo, IL over the last 12 months is $624,500.
New construction home in the desirable Quail Ridge subdivision, located directly across from Mystic Oak Golf Course. This ranch-style home offers approximately 1,731 sq ft with a split-bedroom floor plan, 3 bedrooms, and 2 full baths. The main living area features an open layout with Coretec LVP flooring and an upgraded electric fireplace with mantel. The kitchen includes quartz countertops, a GE
Extraordinary, custom craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and comfortable living come together in beautiful Waterloo! This impressive home offers a well-designed floor plan with inviting living spaces and quality details throughout. Enjoy the serenity of nature with the pond right in your backyard and the large community pool.The heart of the home provides an effortless flow between the main
Exceptional finishes and thoughtful design define this stunning 5,900-square-foot retreat on 1.3 private, wooded acres in Waterloo's prestigious Sterritts Run Subdivision. Completely remodeled top to bottom, this 6-bedroom, 5-bath home offers refined living inside and resort-style entertaining outside. New LVP and ceramic tile flow throughout, and the redesigned kitchen showcases painted
Just imagine, sitting on the large patio of a .72 acre lot and taking in the evening sunset to the west. Travel inside to the open concept layout with an over sized center island. The center island has provided seating, food prep, and a food buffet simultaneously without disrupting guests during parties. Other details in the main room include a dry bar, gas fireplace with built-in cabinets, and a
Property Highlights:Great Home sitesFull of deer and turkeysWaterloo School District12 min to WaterlooProperties like this 9-acre parcel near Waterloo, Illinois, are rare—especially one full of deer and turkeys. The property has water and electric out on the road and has some great private home sites. The map also shows a potential lake site, and I’ve highlighted some
Located just south of Waterloo in Monroe County, Illinois, this 25.66+/- acre tract offers a development and investment opportunity in an established area with convenient access to Waterloo, the Metro East and the greater St. Louis area. The property is situated adjacent to Oak Valley Estates and has access from Pin Oak Drive, providing an existing connection to the surrounding residential area.
Welcome to 1307 Rachael Lane, a beautifully appointed 4-bedroom, 3-bath home situated on a cul-de-sac and offering impressive living space on two finished levels. The bright, open main level features vaulted ceilings, skylights, rich wood flooring and walls of windows that fill the living, dining and kitchen areas with natural light. The kitchen offers white cabinetry, granite countertops, a
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering approximately 2,076 sq. ft. of comfortable living space in the heart of Waterloo! From the moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the inviting floor plan, impressive vaulted ceilings, and abundance of natural light that create a bright, open atmosphere perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen offers plenty
Back on market through no fault of sellers! Welcome to this stunning 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom home that impresses from the moment you arrive! With its beautiful brick front exterior and thoughtfully manicured landscaping, this property delivers exceptional curb appeal and a warm, welcoming first impression that carries throughout every inch of the home.Step inside and immediately feel at
New construction home in the desirable Quail Ridge subdivision, located directly across from Mystic Oak Golf Course. This ranch-style home offers approximately 1,731 sq ft with a split-bedroom floor plan, 3 bedrooms, and 2 full baths. The main living area features an open layout with Coretec LVP flooring and an upgraded electric fireplace with mantel. The kitchen includes quartz countertops, a GE
Extraordinary, custom craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and comfortable living come together in beautiful Waterloo! This impressive home offers a well-designed floor plan with inviting living spaces and quality details throughout. Enjoy the serenity of nature with the pond right in your backyard and the large community pool.The heart of the home provides an effortless flow between the main
A little character, a great location, and plenty of potential! Located just minutes from downtown Waterloo, this home is ready for its next owner to make it their own.The main level features beautiful hardwood floors, two bedrooms, one full bathroom, a living room, and a kitchen. Head upstairs and you’ll find a third bedroom PLUS a separate loft/bonus area, giving you a little extra space
Looking for a building site for your new home? This lot is 1.38 acres located in New Design Plaza, a country subdivision with easy access to State Route 3. Located within minutes of Waterloo. Your plans-your builder. Plans to be approved by seller. Minimum sq ft. of 1400. Association fee is $45.00 a month covering pumping of individual sewer system & maintenance of community mound system. Public
Discover the perfect setting for your future home on this beautiful 2.86-acre wooded lot in Delmer Meadows on the south side of Waterloo. Situated on a corner, this spacious homesite offers mature trees, privacy, and plenty of room to create the home and outdoor space you've been envisioning. Enjoy the peaceful setting while still being just minutes from everything Waterloo has to offer. Located
Build your dream home on this beautiful 2.99-acre homesite in the highly sought-after Waterloo area. Nestled along Country Club Lane, this spacious parcel offers the perfect blend of privacy, open space, and convenient access to town amenities. Enjoy a peaceful country atmosphere with plenty of room for a custom home. Located within the Waterloo School District and just minutes from shopping,
Rare opportunity for lease of updated sprawling ranch in one of Waterloo's hottest subdivisions, Quail Ridge. Large 3 Car garage. Main level laundry. Super open floor plan with tall vaulted ceilings and lots of natural light. Large functional kitchen with dining island. Dining area off kitchen with large bay windows. Opens up to back patio with large flat yard. Gas fireplace. Tray ceilings in
This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,287 square feet of living space with a comfortable layout and plenty of room to make it your own. The home features a living room with plenty of natural light, updated kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. The home includes two updated full bathrooms.Outside, you'll enjoy a small yard and covered parking. The home
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