Good Shepherd, Waterloo,IA

If you’re considering a move to the southeast part of Waterloo, IA, the Good Shepherd neighborhood offers a welcoming community vibe with plenty to enjoy. Known for its peaceful streets and family-friendly atmosphere, this area is ideal for those looking to settle into a neighborhood where neighbors know each other and local parks provide great spots for weekend relaxation. One of the standout attractions in Good Shepherd is the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, a hub for community activities and events. Nearby, residents can also take advantage of the beautiful local green spaces that offer walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for children, making it a wonderful spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Good Shepherd’s location is especially convenient for those who want easy access to the heart of the city—Downtown Waterloo is just a short drive away, about 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. This proximity means you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a quiet, suburban feel at home and the vibrant energy of downtown when you want to explore dining, shopping, or entertainment options. Downtown Waterloo boasts a variety of restaurants, art galleries, and cultural events, including the popular Cedar Valley Blues Festival and the Black Hawk Children's Theatre. This balance makes Good Shepherd a sweet spot for anyone who wants to stay connected to city life without sacrificing tranquility.

Beyond its convenient access and community spirit, Good Shepherd also benefits from local schools and convenient amenities. Families will appreciate the neighborhood’s access to quality schools within the Waterloo Community School District, which adds peace of mind when it comes to education. Additionally, there are several grocery stores, coffee shops, and small businesses nearby, ensuring that everyday needs are met without a long commute. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a slower pace while still having city conveniences close by, Good Shepherd in Waterloo offers a comfortable and charming place to call home.

21% of the Good Shepherd population aged 16 and up are married, which is in line with national averages. This balance suggests a neighborhood with a healthy mix of families, couples, and single residents, creating a well-rounded community dynamic. You are likely to find a blend of stability and social variety, appealing to both long-term homeowners and younger professionals alike.

With only 21% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Good Shepherd demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 747 residents, Good Shepherd is notably smaller than many other Waterloo neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

With a lower than average population density of 112 people per square mile, Good Shepherd offers a more open and spacious environment compared to many other Waterloo neighborhoods. This often means quieter streets, less congestion, and a relaxed atmosphere — all while still providing access to the amenities and conveniences of city living.

Home to a population with a higher-than-average age of 46, this area offers a calm and refined atmosphere shaped by experience and tradition. The neighborhood’s more mature demographic fosters a strong sense of community, a relaxed pace of life, and an environment that’s both welcoming and well-established — making it an especially appealing choice for retirees seeking comfort, stability, and connection.

The Good Shepherd crime map offers a clear, data-driven look at how crime is distributed throughout the neighborhood, using block group data to highlight both safer areas and potential hot spots. The color-coded map makes it easy to see where crime is more concentrated and where it occurs less frequently, helping residents and prospective buyers better understand local safety patterns. It’s important to note that darker or red zones on the map don’t necessarily mean those areas are unsafe — locations near busy transit hubs, shopping districts, or popular attractions often show higher activity simply due to larger crowds and increased foot traffic.

Housing trends offer valuable insight into the accessibility and character of a neighborhood. In Good Shepherd, the median home price is $129,525, which is less than many surrounding areas. This affordability makes it an attractive option for first-time buyers, young families, or anyone looking to enter the housing market without a significant financial barrier. Looking at appreciation rates and past market trends in Good Shepherd can offer valuable insight into the neighborhood’s investment potential. Understanding how home values have changed over time helps buyers gauge future growth, assess long-term stability, and make more informed real estate decisions.

The median rent is around $861, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

School ratings in Good Shepherd combine factors like student performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores to provide a clear picture of overall educational quality. The use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores adds valuable context by offering a consistent national benchmark to see how local schools compare on a broader scale. Additionally, understanding the overall education level achieved by residents in Good Shepherd can give insight into the community’s priorities and opportunities, helping families make more informed decisions about where to live and how well local schools may support long-term student success.