Why Live in Unity
Unity, a newer neighborhood in Waterloo, exudes a sense of community reminiscent of earlier times. Located near the historic Black Triangle, Unity is known for its friendly atmosphere where neighbors are familiar with each other. The neighborhood features numerous churches, such as the century-old Union Missionary Baptist Church, which actively participate in community activities. Residents often shop at All in Grocers on Franklin Avenue, a multifunctional space that includes a laundromat, community center, and soul food restaurant. Downtown Waterloo, undergoing a renaissance, is a short drive away, offering a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including popular restaurants like Screaming Eagle, Morg’s, and Jameson’s.
Unity's streets are lined with diverse mid-20th century single-family homes, including ranch, colonial revival, shotgun, and four-square styles, with an average build year of 1941. The neighborhood features larger lot sizes and many homes with one or two-car garages. While Unity is primarily car-dependent, with US-63 about a mile west, it lacks public transit and bike lanes, contributing to its quieter environment despite occasional noise from a nearby railroad track.
For recreation, residents frequent Ferguson Fields Park, which offers playscapes, basketball courts, and a picnic pavilion. Gates Park, a short drive north, features a waterslide and an 18-hole golf course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Unity a good place to live?
Unity is a good place to live. Unity is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with minimal transit options. Unity has 3 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 4.3 people per acre and a median age of 34. The average household income is $44,665 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 10.3% of residents. A majority of residents in Unity are home owners, with 45.6% of residents renting and 54.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Unity can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Unity neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Unity?
The median home price in Unity is $224,500. If you put a 20% down payment of $44,900 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,160 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $50K a year to afford the median home price in Unity. The average household income in Unity is $45K.
What are the best public schools in Unity?
The best public schools that serve Unity 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.
- Highland Elementary School has a C Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 13:1.
What are the best private schools in Unity?
The best private schools that serve Unity are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Unity, Waterloo, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Unity, Waterloo, IA?
Are home prices dropping in Unity?
Yes, home prices in Unity are down 10% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Unity, IA
On average, homes in Unity, Waterloo sell after 96 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Unity, Waterloo over the last 12 months is $319,990, down 25% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$319,990
Median Single Family Sale Price
$319,990
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$1,116,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$257
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median List Price
$224,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-25%