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Gates Park

Gates Park

Neighborhood in Waterloo, Iowa

Black Hawk County 50703

$86,963 Average Value
$106 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

More to come north of downtown Waterloo

Gates Park offers affordability, convenience and the promise of more to come less than 2 miles from downtown Waterloo. “It’s a growing area with a lot of potential,” says Ken Draine, a Realtor with Skogman Realty who has sold in the neighborhood. “By Allen Hospital they put in 20 units of apartments that just got done this year, you’ve got some gyms up there, a new Taco Bell. There’s a new park where they took the swimming pool out and put a whole new park in. They’re not done with it yet, but it’s coming along.” Neighbors here live side-by-side in modest-sized homes, where lawns are adorned with evidence of children’s play. The neighborhood is a quick drive to the area’s major manufacturers, and downtown’s evolving restaurant and entertainment scene is easily accessible.

Convenient commuting to John Deere and other employers

U.S. Route 63 runs along the neighborhood, connecting residents to destinations across the Cedar Valley. “What I tell people is you’re in the center of the job hub; In 2 minutes you can be on your way to work to a lot of different manufacturers,” Draine says. John Deere, a leading Waterloo employer, is 2.5 miles away, and downtown Waterloo is a 1.5-mile drive. Gates Park sits adjacent to Allen Hospital, which Draine says is an asset. Opened in 1925, the facility has an emergency room, as well as a counseling center and several specialty departments. Though most people here drive, the neighborhood has a handful of bus stops on lines 3 and 4.

Gates Park is a quaint neighborhood in Waterloo, Iowa.
Gates Park is a quaint neighborhood in Waterloo, Iowa.
Downtown Waterloo runs along Cedar River and is a scenic area for residents of Gates Park.
Downtown Waterloo runs along Cedar River and is a scenic area for residents of Gates Park.
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Renovations underway at Gates Park's namesake

As of summer 2024, renovations are underway at Gates Park, transforming the park’s neglected pool into a splash pad and playground, and adding an amphitheater, skating rink and soccer fields. In the meantime, neighborhood kids can use the playground and basketball courts at Virden Creek Park, or head to Sullivan Memorial Park’s baseball field and shaded green space. Gates Park Golf Course and Red Carpet Golf Course are also within reach, offering day rates and season passes to play their 18-hole courses.

Gates Park is located in Waterloo, IA.
Gates Park is located in Waterloo, IA.
Gates Park Golf Course is a wonderful and well maintained 18 hole course.
Gates Park Golf Course is a wonderful and well maintained 18 hole course.
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Modest-sized homes under the Waterloo median

Single-family homes typically range between $45,000 and $120,000, below the Waterloo median price. Prices reflect the size and age of the neighborhood’s homes, as there are many two-bedroom bungalows and minimal traditional builds from the 1940s and 1950s. Gates Park’s relative affordability attracts investors and first-time buyers who don’t mind putting in a bit of work to update a house. Homes here are tightly arranged on grassy plots, which neighbors populate with gardens and kids’ bikes and other toys.

Cottages are a common home style in Gates Park.
Cottages are a common home style in Gates Park.
Homeowners in Gates Park take pride in their well-kept front yards and landscaping.
Homeowners in Gates Park take pride in their well-kept front yards and landscaping.
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Chains and local dining along Logan Avenue

The neighborhood has some businesses along Logan Avenue, including a new Taco Bell and East China, a casual stop with weekday lunch specials and boba teas. Other local options include D & K Hickory House, a longtime establishment boasting the best ribs in town, and Flip’s, best known for their catfish and coleslaw. Downtown’s growing restaurant scene is less than 2 miles away, where favorites like Morg’s diner often have a line out the door. All-In Grocers is the closest place to stock up on fresh produce, opened in 2023 by local residents. The store has an attached community center offering after-school programs.

East China is an authentic Chinese restaurant in Gates Park.
East China is an authentic Chinese restaurant in Gates Park.
Starbeck's Smokehouse is known for their brisket sandwiches in Gates Park.
Starbeck's Smokehouse is known for their brisket sandwiches in Gates Park.
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Celebrating Juneteenth at Sullivan Memorial Park

Waterloo’s annual Juneteenth celebration dates back nearly 30 years. In 2024, community members marched from Ferguson Field to Sullivan Memorial Park and watched a proclamation from Mayor Quentin Hart and enjoyed food vendors, live music and kids’ activities.

Buy local goods at Fiesta Latina, an annual event at the Big Guitar Park.
Buy local goods at Fiesta Latina, an annual event at the Big Guitar Park.
See a full live band at Down By The Riverside annual event in Waterloo.
See a full live band at Down By The Riverside annual event in Waterloo.
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Career training for East High students

Kids here begin at Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence, then head to George Washington Carver Academy, both rated a C-minus from Niche. Teens at C-plus-rated Waterloo East High can participate in the International Baccalaureate program, or take courses in nursing, education and other fields at the Waterloo Career Center, which has a partnership with the school.

East High School has 1,022 students in attendance.
East High School has 1,022 students in attendance.
George Washington Carver Academy is a highly rated public school in Waterloo, IA.
George Washington Carver Academy is a highly rated public school in Waterloo, IA.
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Potential flood risk in southern Gates Park

Waterloo has a history of flooding, potentially affecting Gates Park homes that are closer to the Cedar River. The last major flood was in 2008, though the city has since invested $17 million in a stormwater flood pump station.

Kayla Solsbak
Written By
Kayla Solsbak
Chris Jeong
Photography Contributed By
Chris Jeong
Ennis Warlick
Video By
Ennis Warlick

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Luke Bartlett, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Gates Park US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$91,250
Median Single Family Price
$99,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$106
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
Months of Supply
2.00
Median List Price
$105,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
16%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
489
Median Year Built
1945
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
958
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,472
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,128
Median Age
39
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$36,154
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$46,549

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
81%
College Graduates
16.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.6%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
11°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
24''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

48 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

44 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

18 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Reviews

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Gates Park