Why Live in Common Grounds
Common Grounds in Waterloo is a neighborhood characterized by its strong sense of community and cultural diversity. Residents actively participate in local houses of worship and nonprofits, fostering a close-knit environment. The area features affordable homes, typically two-bedroom bungalows and Foursquare styles built between 1900 and 1950, attracting families, first-time homebuyers, and investors. Practical amenities include quick commutes to downtown Waterloo, just a mile away, and major employers like John Deere. Dining options are plentiful, with local favorites such as D & K Hickory House for ribs, Park Road Inn, and Tortas y Tacos DelValle for takeout. Downtown eateries like Morg’s diner and Screaming Eagle bar are also nearby. Sullivan Memorial Park is a central recreational spot with a baseball diamond, playground, and picnic areas, and it hosts annual events like the Juneteenth celebration and the Back to School Bash. Scenic river views and outdoor activities are accessible at Joe Staub Memorial Field and Cedar Valley Lakes Trail. The neighborhood is served by U.S. Route 63 and bus line 3, facilitating easy commutes. Despite its many positives, parts of Common Grounds are at an elevated flood risk, particularly near Cedar River. The area is also home to the recently opened All-In Grocers, which includes a community center offering various support programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Common Grounds a good place to live?
Common Grounds is a good place to live. Common Grounds is considered somewhat walkable and somewhat bikeable with minimal transit options. Common Grounds has 2 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 6.3 people per acre and a median age of 33. The average household income is $38,933 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 11.8% of residents. A majority of residents in Common Grounds are renters, with 56.3% of residents renting and 43.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Common Grounds can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Common Grounds neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Common Grounds?
The median home price in Common Grounds is $591,700. If you put a 20% down payment of $118,300 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,060 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $131K a year to afford the median home price in Common Grounds. The average household income in Common Grounds is $39K.
What are the best public schools in Common Grounds?
The best public schools that serve Common Grounds are:
- West High School has a B- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 17:1 and an average review score of 3.5.
- East High School has a C+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 17:1 and an average review score of 3.5.
- Becker Elementary School has a C- Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 14:1.
What are the best private schools in Common Grounds?
The best private schools that serve Common Grounds are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Common Grounds, Waterloo, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Common Grounds, Waterloo, IA?
Home Trends in Common Grounds, IA
On average, homes in Common Grounds, Waterloo sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Common Grounds, Waterloo over the last 12 months is $789,400, up 250% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$789,400
Median Single Family Sale Price
$571,200
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$289
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
9
Median List Price
$591,700
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
250%