5 Reasons to Call Cedar Valley, IA, Home 

Jonathan David Sabin

The Cedar Valley is a scenic region in Northeast Iowa made up of over 250,000 residents and six counties. This gem of a region is home to Waterloo, Cedar Falls and a collection of standout communities, with each one featuring unique assets and amenities that make the area a great place to call home.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking for a more affordable market, or someone who is eager to be a part of a diverse and welcoming community, here are some of the perks of making the move to Cedar Valley.

1) Travel Friendly 

It’s easy to navigate and get around in the Cedar Valley. The average commute in the area is just 17 minutes, compared to a national average of nearly 27 minutes.

Cedar Valley is also within driving distance to major metropolitan areas like Chicago (269 miles), Kansas City (307 miles) and Minneapolis/St. Paul (201 miles). Frequent travelers have access to the Waterloo Regional Airport or the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) in Cedar Rapids, which is the state’s second-largest airport, with nonstop flights to cities across the country on American, Delta, Frontier and United Airlines. 

2) City or Country 

If you move to Cedar Valley, you will find a wide range of housing options to suit any taste. There are downtown lofts at developments, such as Art Bloc in Waterloo, a 72-unit mixed residential and commercial space in the heart of the city’s burgeoning arts district, as well as River Place, high-end contemporary apartments and condos offering the urban lifestyle. Just outside of the downtown core, there are farmhouses with acreages available and rural neighborhoods for those who prefer a more country lifestyle. 

3) Easy on the Wallet 

The Cedar Valley region is known for its affordability, with a cost of living 11% lower than the national average. The average home value in Black Hawk County, which includes Waterloo and Cedar Falls, is $173,000 (Zillow, August 2023) – about 60% of the U.S. average. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is just $850. 

4) Music Everywhere 

The Cedar Valley’s vibrant arts scene includes the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony and Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, an events venue at the University of Northern Iowa that features three concert halls for ballet, music and theater.

The Waterloo Center for the Arts, which includes the RiverLoop Amphitheatre located right beside the Cedar River, has a diverse collection of artwork and presents a number of events, such as concerts, film series, community gatherings and festivals. 

5) Trails to Traverse 

A move to Cedar Valley will get you moving as well. The region is known for being a statewide hub of outdoor activity. The network of Cedar Valley Trails crisscrosses through the region with over 120 miles of paved and mixed-use paths. Another notable amenity is the spectacular Hartman Reserve Nature Center, a 340-acre nature preserve that is dedicated to teaching youth about nature.