Been meaning to ask this. We have two kids and Poverty rate is 11.5%, which is around average. With a population of 66,947, Waterloo is a smaller city. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Any help is appreciated. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
9 upvotes
5 Replies
Cooper White
Bought a house here in 2023 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
37 upvotes
Wyatt H.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
33 upvotes
Ezekiel Morgan
I've lived in Old Town for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The traffic scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Alexa R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 50, moved here 5 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Miami, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
25 upvotes
real_everett35
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Nashville it's average.
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