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.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
Photography Contributed By
Matt Ponstingl
Video By
Jason Jacot
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Waterloo, IL over the last 12 months is $624,500, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Visit the Display Home Open House at 1013 Waymaker Ln, Waterloo, IL. New Construction: Customizable "The Heritage" Plan at Silver Creek Crossing by Quantum Homes, Inc. This is a To Be Built listing, offering you the exciting opportunity to fully customize your new home! With an estimated build time of just 5-6 months, your dream home is within reach. The "Heritage" is a spacious and thoughtfully
This 4-bedroom, 2-bath, 1.5-story home sits on a spacious lot in Waterloo, IL, offering endless potential in a peaceful setting. With plenty of living space and a generous yard, this property is ready for your personal updates and finishing touches. Enjoy the charm of small-town living while being conveniently located near local amenities. Don't miss this opportunity to make this home your own!
***Adjoining 3.64 Acre Parcel with red barn also available for sale with asking price of $99,999 - MLS# 26048788 *** This is an AMAZING opportunity to purchase a home on acreage just on the outskirts of Waterloo! This "convenient country" property offers 3.49 acres of flat and usable ground just minutes from shopping, restaurants, schools, highways and more! If you're looking for more land, you
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
Address: Lots 1 & 2, 000 Kaskaskia Rd, Waterloo, IL 62298Located off Kaskaskia Road, this 13.68-acre property has been surveyed into 2 tracts and is available for purchase as a whole or in separate lots. With Fountain Water District access at the road and just 11 minutes from Waterloo, IL, this land offers a fantastic opportunity for rural living with convenience.Lot Options &
Address: Lots 4-6, 000 Kaskaskia Rd, Waterloo,IL 62298Located off Kaskaskia Road, this 25.83-acre property has been surveyed into 3 tracts and is available for purchase as a whole or divided. With Fountain Water District access at the road and just 11 minutes from Waterloo, IL, this land offers a fantastic opportunity for rural living with convenience.Lot Options & Pricing:
Large residential building lots situated on Legacy Drive in Waterloo, Illinois. The perfect blend of being close to the center of town while still tucked away from crowds and busy streets.Lot 16 is available, a spacious +/- half-acre lot located on the left side as you enter the development.The location boasts excellent proximity to key areas:• Waterloo Square: A short 5-minute drive
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
Welcome Home! This move-in ready all brick home boasts 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. Located in Waterloo School District and one block away from Gibault Catholic High School on a large 0.41 acre lot, this lovely home features vaulted ceilings in an oversized family room. This residence offers a pleasant mix of unparalleled elegance and modern conveniences perfect for creating lasting memories. The
NEW ROOF being installed in August! Welcome to Quail Ridge Neighborhood where everyone desires to relax and unwind in this serene atmosphere. A rich advantage of this community boasts fishing opportunities in multiple lakes. Make a splash this summer in the heart of this delightful subdivision where the pool house leads to the community pool. Spectacular corner lot with a well maintained yard.
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
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,
Looking for a building site for your new home? This building site consists of 1.377 acres in New Design Plaza, a country subdivision with easy access to State Route 3 and located within minutes of Waterloo. Your plans-your builder. Plans to be approved by seller. Minimum 1400 sq. ft. Association fee is $45.00 a month covering pumping of individual sewer system & maintenance of community mound
This is a really nice 4 Br, 3 Bath ranch home with attached 2 car garage. This home has a spacious floor plan with vaulted ceiling in LR & Kitchen. Kitchen walks out to semi covered deck and nice yard. Laundry on main level. Master has large walk in closet and double vanity in bathroom. Lower level has vinyl plank flooring, 2 egress windows, a large family room, bedroom and 3rd bath and is
Recently updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath main-level apartment featuring a spacious living room and updated kitchen with gas stove, dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator included. Durable laminate flooring throughout. Shared coin-operated laundry available in the common area basement.Pets are negotiable and subject to screening, approval, and applicable pet requirements. Renter's insurance
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.
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.
