Located in the state of Iowa, Waterloo is a mid-sized city with a population of 68,357 residents. 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. Not a fan of sitting in traffic? One big advantage of living in Waterloo is the reasonable commute times to work. With an average one way commute time of 15 minutes, getting to work is faster than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Waterloo can be a great experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Iowa, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Waterloo and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.
The livability score in Waterloo is 81/100 and the city is ranked in the 96th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Waterloo could be a great choice! Waterloo also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Waterloo ranks well for amenities (B+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Waterloo. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: crime (F) and employment (D).
Based on the proximity of local amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, shops, etc., Waterloo has received a higher than average score for its local amenities. If you’re planning on relocating and making this area your permanent home, it’s nice to know that there is an ample amount of amenities and things to do within walking distance or a short drive. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Lost Island Water Park, Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, and Waterloo Center for the Arts.
Finding affordable real estate and apartments for rent in Waterloo can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Waterloo is actually affordable. The median home price for Waterloo homes is $106,800, which is 19.6% 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 2.4, which is 0% lower than the Iowa average.
| 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% |
| Walk | Bike | Compact | Car | S.U.V. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | |||||
| Duration | |||||
| Cost/Month |
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