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.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Waterloo is a small-sized city located in the state of New York. The city has a population of 4,839 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (98% White). Given that fact, Waterloo could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Waterloo. With an average one way commute time of only 21 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Waterloo is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in New York, 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, commute, education, employment, 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 New York and the national average.
The livability score in Waterloo is 73 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 83rd percentile of all cities across America. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Waterloo has higher than average rankings for the following: cost of living (A+), employment (B-) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Waterloo ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F) and crime (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Waterloo has an unemployment rate of 2.3% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Finding affordable real estate and housing 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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Waterloo. 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 Waterloo are affordable. The median home price for Waterloo homes is $164,003, which is 67.4% lower than the New York 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 1.9, which is 66.1% lower than the New York average.
| Statistic | Waterloo | New York | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 33min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.3% | 53.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 2.2% | 6.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.2% | 28.0% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.9% | 6.3% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.0% | 4.0% | 4.6% |
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