It’s a good idea to get to know a place when you decide you want to move there. However, sometimes a trip or extended stay is not always possible.
Money and time can put a damper on test driving a new city. Luckily, there are plenty of online guides that can give you a hand.
Iowa may initially seem like a less-than-ideal place to live; however, you would be surprised at how much the state has to offer.
Cedar Falls, IA is a quaint town in northern Iowa with a lot to offer. It is the perfect destination for raising a family or getting on your feet in early adulthood.
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Cedar Falls, IA Cost of Living
Cedar Falls’ cost of living is great! It is 20% lower than the national average. Utilities are 11% lower.
Average apartments in Cedar Falls, IA, rent at about $980 a month. This is comparable to other communities. Apartments for rent can range from student housing to apartments that house families.
Houses for sale in Cedar Falls, IA, typically cost around $319,910. These houses range from townhomes to large-family homes.
Houses for sale in Cedar Falls, IA can also greatly vary in price. Many of the neighborhoods around Cedar Falls are labeled as trailer park neighborhoods, so in some areas, a home may be cheaper than others.
Groceries are also affordable in Cedar Falls with a 7% lower average than that of the United States. There is a housing vacancy of 1.8% and a renting vacancy of 4.9%, which means there is a sizable market to explore as well.
Cedar Falls Jobs
Jobs in Cedar Falls are also accessible. The average wage is $18.30 and the average annual income is $50,880. This is a good wage for an extremely good cost of living.
Unemployment is at 2.5%, which is 1% lower than the national average.
Most Cedar Falls jobs involve retail, healthcare, or education since the University of Northern Iowa is in Cedar Falls. There are also plenty of jobs in the surrounding suburbs if there isn’t work directly in Cedar Falls.
Cedar Falls Suburbs
The population of Cedar Falls, IA, is 40,388. If that seems a little too populated for you, you can explore the suburbs.
It is important to note that Cedar Falls has many sectors of the city that can meet your needs, so the suburbs may not be necessary. However, many people live in the suburbs and work in the city, but the ‘burbs still have plenty to offer.
Waterloo
While not actually a suburb of Cedar Falls, it is located right next to the city. Waterloo has a population of 66,941. If there are no houses for sale in Cedar Falls, IA, then you can definitely look here.
The city has an arboretum, a theme park, a water park, and plenty of things to do.
Nature lovers will enjoy Waterloo for its many parks. There’s access to lakes, trails, and pavilions.
There are also many restaurants in the city to meet any craving that you might have. The most popular is Morgs Diner, which is a hot spot for breakfast.
Because Waterloo is located right next to Cedar Falls, their stats for employment and housing remain the same.
Hudson
Hudson is a small suburb of Cedar Falls. It has a population of 2,615 residents. This gives the area a small-town feel.
There is little crime, and it has a great cost of living. However, many things you will need like groceries and entertainment will require about a 20-minute trip to Cedar Falls. This can be slightly tricky, but if you’re looking for privacy, this is your spot. You also will likely not be hard-pressed to find houses for sale.
Evansdale
Evansdale is larger than Hudson with a population of 4,599.
There is little crime, and the community is relatively close-knit. It takes about 20 minutes to drive to Cedar Falls from Evansdale, but it provides a less quiet environment than Hudson.
It has a low cost of living and most homes cost about $110,000. It has many of the same attractions that Waterloo offers since they are closer than Evansdale to Cedar Falls.
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Education in Cedar Falls, IA
Schools in Cedar Falls, IA, tend to get positive reviews. There are plenty of elementary schools, four middle schools, and two high schools. This is due to the community being somewhat small. If none of the schools meet your needs, you can always check out Waterloo schools.
Elementary Schools
Most elementary schools in Cedar Falls, Iowa, have a four-to-five-star rating.
The children who attend these schools have all of their needs met. There are also a lot of options for a parent.
There are private schools, Lutheran schools, and Montessori schools. Whatever needs you may have for your elementary-aged children, they will definitely be met in Cedar Falls.
Junior High
Cedar Falls has four Junior Highs. Two of which are schools that teach K-9 and K-12. St. Patrick and Valley Lutheran have five stars in terms of rating and seemed to be considered a reliable source of education that supports its attendees.
Holmes Junior High has a four-star rating and seems to follow the previous two schools’ pattern of support.
However, Peet Junior High received two stars. The reviews mention bullying from students and teachers. The test scores and other educational rankings are also lower than the previous three schools. While it may be a great fit for your child, the reviews are something to keep in mind.
High School
There are two high schools in Cedar Falls: Cedar Falls High School and Valley Lutheran.
Valley Lutheran remains at its five-star rating.
Cedar Falls High School sits at a four-star rating. They score above average in preparing high schoolers for college and 85% of their graduates attend college. Their scores on standardized tests are also high. The reviews are overall positive as well.
Universities
The University of Northern Iowa is located in the heart of Cedar Falls. It is the 5th largest university in Iowa. The University of Northern Iowa is a public university and has an enrollment of 12, 692.
They have expanded their curriculum with new general education requirements. They are also planning on adding a bachelor’s in nursing in 2024.
The University of Northern Iowa’s biggest draw is its education program with that making up the bulk of the student body. However, UNI offers a plethora of majors outside of education including business, psychology, and mathematics.
At the University of Northern Iowa, the tuition for Freshmen and Sophomores is $18,754 (Iowa Resident) and $29,908 (Non-Iowa Resident). For juniors and seniors in the college of business of the University of Northern Iowa, it is $20,597 (Resident) and $31,751 (Non-Resident).
Cedar Falls, IA, Things To Do
There are quite a few things to do in Cedar Falls despite it being a small town in Iowa. There is almost something for everyone who may travel or move there.
Attractions also make a great resource for Cedar Falls jobs.
If there’s not something directly in Cedar Falls, Waterloo is also a great place to check out for activities or any kind of amusement.
Main Street
One big thing to do in Cedar Falls is to hit up Main Street. This is where many of the shops and restaurants are.
There are also many pieces of art on this street that can allow for an interactive experience. Main Street also adds a flair of the past with its building styles, which can make it a sightseeing experience as well.
You may be able to find houses for sale in Cedar Falls, IA, around this area, but keep in mind that it is highly sought after.
Big Woods Lake
This one is for nature lovers. Big Woods is a large park. There is a lake that people will kayak or use recreationally. There are also plenty of trails and places to explore in the park.
This is a hotspot for the people who live there. It’s a great place to get some exercise or simply be outside.
Ice House Museum
Something that appeals to the unusual but educational is the Ice House Museum. This museum shows how ice has been used throughout time.
One example is the evolution of ice boxes with examples. This can be a good activity for any history lovers who visit Cedar Falls.
Cedar Falls, IA Restaurants
With all that there is to do in Cedar Falls, you’ll likely work up an appetite. Lucky for you, the town also comes with plenty of places to eat. Whatever craving you might have, Cedar Falls is likely to supply it. Restaurants are also great opportunities for jobs in Cedar Falls.
Montage
If you’re looking for something high-end for dinner or date night, Montage is the restaurant to visit.
They specialize as a steakhouse and seafood restaurant but can meet vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dietary restrictions. They also have shared plates. You can make online reservations as well as over the phone.
Whiskey Road
If you’re looking for a new-age American bar then this is your spot. They have almost any food you could want from salads and open-face sandwiches to donuts and pickle fries.
There is something for everyone at Whiskey Road. It is also a great place to catch a game or go out with friends. Their drink menu is relatively extensive and can meet almost any occasion.
J’s Homestyle Cooking
If you’re looking for something quaint with a small-town feel, J’s is the place for you.
Like many diners, they serve breakfast all day. Their breakfast is popular. The breakfast burrito is considered to be one of their best items. Their friend chicken and dinner service are also popular.
The staff is known for being extremely friendly and efficient. J’s is comparable to a Sunday morning at your grandparents.
The Brown Bottle
The Brown Bottle is a highly-rated Italian restaurant in Cedar Falls, IA.
They have a menu for almost any occasion. Dine-in, order-in, take and bake, and parties. There is nothing that The Brown Bottle isn’t prepared for.
They also have gluten-free options for all pasta lovers who have dietary restrictions. While on the pricier side, this place is worth a try for a night on the town.
Now You’re Ready For Your Move
Now that you have the ins and outs of Cedar Falls, you’re ready to make the big leap.
Next comes budgeting, house searching, and packing. While it may feel overwhelming, rest easy knowing that you’re moving to a safe place with plenty of entertainment and opportunity. Good Luck!
FAQ’s
If you’re still unsure, it would be best to dedicate the time and funds to paying the area a visit. If you’re not a risk taker, this article can serve as a travel guide rather than a tour itself.
Yes! It is generally best practice to live on or very near campus when attending university. This can save time and money with things like the commute. It also enables you to take advantage of University resources.
Maura De Cicco attends the University of Iowa as a Journalism and Anthropology student. She plans to pursue a strategic communications track when it comes to writing, and an archaeology track when it comes to Anthropology.
