Sandwiched between the Waterloo Riverfront Stadium and the International Paper Company container plant, Riverfront is a residential neighborhood just north of the Cedar River. Like the rest of Waterloo’s east side, Riverfront has met and overcome racial disparity and economic hardship challenges since the Great Migration in the 1920s and 1930s. Residents and civic leaders have worked together over the decades to build community and improve everyday life.
“So many positive changes have taken place. It’s time to change the narrative,” says Riverfront resident Joshalyn Johnson, whose family has lived in Waterloo for six generations.
“The infrastructure on the north end was all dilapidated, and now you see all kinds of improvements and many more Black businesses downtown,” she says.
Waterloo’s east side, including Riverfront, is experiencing a renaissance, which has real-life benefits for everyday residents, including a new, community-oriented grocery store.
Nestled by the Cedar River, Riverfront is a perfect balance of community and nature.
American Foursquares in Riverfront add a touch of historic elegance to the neighborhood.
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Smaller homes attract first-time buyers, investors
Housing styles include ranch-style, Dutch Colonial, Cape Cod and New Traditional. Price points attract entry-level buyers and investors.
Most homes sell for between $100,000 and $125,000. It’s possible to see a few listings starting at $75,000 and even fewer for over $125,000.
Homes typically sell after 19 days, compared to the U.S. average of 43 days.
Riverfront’s mix of housing styles creates a unique and inviting community.
Cozy ranch homes in Riverfront offer simplicity and comfort in a peaceful setting.
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Cedar River Exchange Park offers boat ramp, disc golf and "trike track"
Riverfront is within a mile of several parks and recreation amenities. Residents can walk to the expansive Cedar River Exchange Park on the Cedar River. A boat ramp offers access to the river, where people can fish. The park also includes disc golf, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, sand volleyball and a colorful Trike Track where toddlers can drag-race on their tricycles. The Cedar Valley Lakes Trail runs east and west at the bottom of the park, providing beautiful views of the lake and boathouse.
"It has a nice little lagoon where the kids can fish," Johnson says.
Right next door is the Waterloo Riverfront Stadium, home to the Waterloo Bucks baseball team. The team plays for the Northwoods League, a collegiate summer baseball league. On Friday nights, games conclude with a fireworks show.
The Joe Staub Memorial Field sports facility beside the stadium features baseball diamonds for practice and games. It's also a favorite spot for fishing. A revamped 8,500-square-foot skate park accommodates BMX bikes, rollerblades and sports wheelchairs.
Other attractions within a mile include Cedar Bend Park, the Hoing-Rice Softball Complex, which is open only for league events, and the Sunrise Children's Zoo.
Fishing at Cedar Bend Park is a relaxing escape for Riverfront’s outdoor enthusiasts.
Basketball games at Riverfront Sports Park bring neighbors together for fun.
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All-In Grocers offers fresh food and community support
In October 2023, All-In Grocers opened its doors to the community one mile from the Riverfront. The All-In Grocer takes its name seriously, embracing the community with needed services like after-school programs, community gathering space and employment opportunities for the formerly incarcerated. By the time the Logan Avenue Hy-Vee closed nine months later, after 50 years, All-In had already woven itself into the fabric of the community. The adjacent Grandma's Hands restaurant has served down-home soul food since that day.
Riverfront is within half-a-mile of several other restaurants along Broadway Street, including Tortas y Tacos DelValle for authentic Mexican fare and Flip's, which serves burgers and Polish sausage. D & K Hickory House is a favorite spot for BBQ ribs. When people stop for gas and milk at Kwik Star, "pizza is ready and hot when you walk in," Johnson says.
Riverfront’s Kwik Star is the convenient go-to for groceries and essentials.
For unbeatable BBQ, Riverfront neighbors head straight to Flip’s.
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Drill teams from across the U.S. compete at North End Arts and Music Fest
Johnson says the area now takes the time to celebrate community. She and a co-host discuss these events on their Facebook Live North End Update every Friday at 4 p.m.
"We have art festivals and music and good, fun people," Johnson says.
One popular neighborhood event is the North End Arts and Music Fest, where bands perform, and drill teams from all over the country compete.
From festivals to food trucks, Downtown Waterloo keeps Riverfront connected to the city.
Fresh finds and friendly faces await Riverfront residents at Cedar Falls Farmers Market.
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Waterloo East students can apply to IB diploma program
Children can attend Lincoln Elementary School before moving to George Washington Carver Academy for middle school. Both schools earn a C-minus from Niche. High schoolers can attend Waterloo East High School, where they can apply for the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program. East High School earns a C-plus from Niche. Waterloo Community Schools is the only Iowa school district with a districtwide IB program.
Lincoln Elementary provides a strong educational foundation for Riverfront kids.
George Washington Carver Academy inspires and nurtures Riverfront’s young learners.
East High School prepares Riverfront teens for bright futures with strong academics.
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U.S. Routes 63 and 218 within 3 miles
Riverfront is within 3 miles of U.S. Routes 63 and 218, making commuting easy. Public transportation is also an option, with numerous MET bus stops in and around the neighborhood.
The aerial view of Riverfront showcases its picturesque charm along the river.
Riverfront’s riverside location adds a unique charm to its peaceful streets.
Riverfront’s bus system keeps the neighborhood connected and accessible.
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Written By
Anne Amoury
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Video By
Amon Parson
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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
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Parks in this Area
Cedar Bend Park
Big Guitar
Lincoln Park
Sullivan Memorial park
Gates Park
Longfellow Park
Joe Straub Memorial Field
Veteran's Memorial Hall and Soldiers/Sailors Park
RiverLoop Amphitheatre & Expo Plaza
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Riverfront
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Riverfront, Waterloo sell after 12 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Riverfront, Waterloo over the last 12 months is $83,738, down 4% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$87,450
Median Single Family Price
$87,450
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$104
Last 12 months Home Sales
18
Median List Price
$87,450
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-6%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
523
Median Year Built
1924
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
962
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,658
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
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Reach out to
Angie Andersen,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,282
Median Age
34
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.6%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$38,601
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$49,014
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
85.8%
College Graduates
10.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.5%
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®
43/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
39/ 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.
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.
