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.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Waterloo, New York is a smaller city with a population of 4,707 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Waterloo is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Waterloo is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 21 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Waterloo, New York could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Waterloo and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, cost of living, education and other important metrics.
With a livability score of 73 out of 100, Waterloo is ranked #4,532 in the United States and #291 in New York. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Waterloo ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A-). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Waterloo. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F).
The Waterloo unemployment rate of 2.24% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Waterloo apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Waterloo is actually affordable. The median home price for Waterloo homes is $91,400, which is 68.1% 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 1.6, which is 66% 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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