Amy Wienands Real Estate is committed to helping clients buy and sell homes in Waterloo, Iowa. Waterloo is the state's eighth-largest city with a population of 67,798, and it's located in Black Hawk County along the Cedar River. The city is best known for having a rich history and an ethnically diverse population, as well as being extremely family-friendly, offering lots of parks and community festivals throughout the year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median age of Waterloo residents is 36.6 and about half the population is comprised of families with minor children.
Single-family homes make up the vast majority of Waterloo's housing stock, accounting for over two-thirds. Two- and three-bedroom multi-level homes are the most popular, and Waterloo has a significant number of historic homes built between 1940 and 1969. Some of the hottest Waterloo neighborhoods include Gilbertville/Raymond, Hilltop, Church Row Historic, Orange, and Castle Hill.
Because Waterloo is historic, there are a variety of architectural styles when it comes to homes. While over 40% of the city's homes were built between 1940 and 1969, nearly one-quarter are older than 1939. Single-family homes account for nearly 70% of Waterloo's houses and the remainder are a mix of townhomes, apartments, and mobile homes. More than 72% of homes are two- and three-bedrooms, while four- and five-bedroom homes account for another 13%. There is a mixture of single- and multi-story homes, most homes have garages, and square footage varies quite a bit depending on when the house was built.
One big draw to Waterloo is the affordable cost of living. Although the real estate market is considered "Very Hot," average housing prices are substantially lower than they are nationally. The median property value is currently $103,676, which represents a steady 1.5-3% year-over-year increase for the last several years.
In other cost-of-living aspects, Waterloo falls below the national average as well. According to BestPlaces.net, the overall cost of living in Waterloo is 74.5, measured against 100 nationally. Specifically, utilities, transportation, and grocery costs are lower in Waterloo than the rest of the country.
Waterloo residents enjoy having particularly short commutes, whether it's to work or to local family attractions. This is largely because several major highways connect Waterloo to other parts of Iowa, as well as the rest of the Midwest. Attractions such as the Lost Island Waterpark and Waterloo Center for the Arts, which houses the Phelps Youth Pavilion and hosts many family-friendly events throughout the year, are just minutes away from anywhere within the city. Highway 380 directly links Waterloo to Cedar Falls, making destinations including Black Hawk Park and Cedar Bend County Park easily accessible.
Waterloo has several well-rated schools that serve the many families that choose to live here. Top schools include:
If you're looking for one of the best realtors in Waterloo IA, look no further than Amy Wienands Real Estate. Our agency obsessively focuses on clients' needs and we will work tirelessly to connect you with your dream home. Contact us today to find yours!