Why Live in Walnut
Walnut is a small neighborhood in Waterloo, situated on the northeast side of the Cedar River within the historic Black Triangle. This community, home to about 600 residents, is known for its rich history and ongoing efforts to overcome past racial injustices and economic disparities. The neighborhood features a mix of early 1900s homes, including minimal traditional, ranch, Queen Anne, Four-Square, and Second Empire styles, alongside a few new builds. Community events are a staple, with Harvest Vineyard Church hosting activities like the Walnut Neighborhood Cleanup and Christmas in Walnut. Residents enjoy local dining options such as Sookie’s for breakfast and Chucksters for soul food, while downtown Waterloo, just half a mile away, offers a variety of restaurants including Jamison’s Irish pub and El Patron. Walnut is bordered by Sullivan Memorial Park, which provides recreational facilities like a playscape, baseball diamond, and picnic areas. Despite its proximity to downtown, the neighborhood lacks robust public transit options, with buses stopping early in the evening. The area has a lower crime rate compared to the national average. While many residents are renters, the city is working to increase homeownership through programs like the Waterloo Downpayment Assistance program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Walnut a good place to live?
Walnut is a good place to live. Walnut is considered somewhat walkable and bikeable with some transit options. Walnut has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 7.0 people per acre and a median age of 41. The average household income is $29,707 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 11.7% of residents. A majority of residents in Walnut are renters, with 90.7% of residents renting and 9.3% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Walnut can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Walnut neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Walnut?
The median home price in Walnut is $84,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $17,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.26%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $420 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $18K a year to afford the median home price in Walnut. The average household income in Walnut is $30K.
What are the best public schools in Walnut?
The best public schools that serve Walnut 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 19:1 and an average review score of 3.5.
- Becker Elementary School has a C- Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 13:1.
What are the best private schools in Walnut?
The best private schools that serve Walnut are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Walnut, Waterloo, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Walnut, Waterloo, IA?
Are home prices dropping in Walnut?
Yes, home prices in Walnut are down 58% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Walnut, IA
On average, homes in Walnut, Waterloo sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Walnut, Waterloo over the last 12 months is $72,500, down 47% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$72,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$80,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$61
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
2
Median List Price
$84,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
9%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-47%