Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Employment
This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.
Waterloo, Iowa is a medium-sized city with a population of 70,052 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Waterloo is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Waterloo will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Waterloo is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, commute, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Waterloo and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Waterloo to Iowa and the national average.
Waterloo, IA receives 80/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #51 in Iowa and #1,389 in the USA. This is a phenomenal score, as Waterloo ranks well in multiple categories! Waterloo has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Waterloo has higher than average scores for the following: amenities (B+) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Waterloo, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F) and employment (D-).
If you're living in Waterloo, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Waterloo an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Waterloo are: Lost Island Water Park, Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, and Waterloo Center for the Arts.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Waterloo market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Waterloo is real estate affordability. The median home price for Waterloo homes is $206,637, which is 13.9% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Waterloo, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 0% lower than the Iowa average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Waterloo | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.2% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 13.8% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.5% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.4% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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