Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Cedar Falls, Iowa is a moderately-sized city with a population of 42,150 people. The majority of Cedar Falls residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. With an average age of 27 years old, Cedar Falls could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. In Cedar Falls, only 47% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Cedar Falls is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Cedar Falls, Iowa could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Cedar Falls, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, education and more.
With a livability score of 81/100, Cedar Falls is ranked #1,354 in the United States and #48 in Iowa. Based on this score, Cedar Falls would be considered a very livable city! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Cedar Falls has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (B), cost of living (A+), education (A+), employment (B) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Cedar Falls does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Cedar Falls schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 81%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Cedar Falls an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Cedar Falls excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Cedar Falls. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Cedar Falls are affordable. Median real estate prices in Cedar Falls come in at $373,379, which is 55.6% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Cedar Falls, the home price to income ratio is 3.9, which is 30% higher than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Cedar Falls | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.8% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.8% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 7.2% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.1% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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