What to know when moving to Waterloo, NY
Waterloo at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 32% of residents are renters and the median household income is $63,915.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $926, making it relatively affordable.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 10.8%, some residents may face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 0.8% of residents use public transit, making it a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $926/month in rent to find a suitable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Waterloo is characterized by a relatively low education rate, with only 20.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area has a modest median household income of $63,915, with 32% of the population renting their homes. Additionally, the community has a significant reliance on cars, as just 0.8% of residents commute via public transit.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer urban areas with robust public transportation options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $926, which is affordable for many.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $118,600, indicating a reasonable entry point for homebuyers.
- Education level is relatively low, with only 20.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
- The poverty rate stands at 10.8%, which may impact community resources.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
New York state shows a mixed picture of crime rates compared to the national average.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 454.9 per 100,000, which is 39.8% higher than the national average of 325.3.
- Property crime: At 1,816.5 per 100,000, New York's rate is 17.4% higher than the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 34.5% since 2022, now at 2.7 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for New York).
Schools & Higher Ed
Waterloo residents have access to a range of nearby colleges and universities across several counties.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 5
- Nearby notable schools include:
- Northeast College of Health Sciences in Seneca Falls
- Hobart William Smith Colleges in Geneva
- Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing & Health Sciences in Geneva
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Waterloo is home to several parks and outdoor spots perfect for outings.
- Seneca Lake State Park: 4.5 stars from 1,400 reviews
- Women's Rights National Historical Park: 4.6 stars from 1,243 reviews
- Cayuga Lake State Park: 4.4 stars from 1,203 reviews
- It's A Wonderful Life Museum: 4.5 stars from 384 reviews
Source: Google Places API.