Highland, Waterloo,IA

If you're considering a move to Waterloo, IA, the Highland neighborhood in the southeast part of the city offers a wonderful blend of community charm and convenient amenities. Known for its friendly atmosphere and well-maintained homes, Highland is perfect for families, first-time homeowners, or anyone looking to enjoy a welcoming neighborhood vibe. You'll find plenty of green spaces and local parks, making it ideal for outdoor activities and weekend strolls. Residents often appreciate the quiet streets that still provide easy access to the excitement and resources of the larger city.

One of the standout attractions in Highland is the Highland Community Center, which hosts a variety of events, classes, and activities for people of all ages. Whether you're interested in fitness programs, arts and crafts, or social meetups, this community hub is a great place to get involved and meet your neighbors. Additionally, Highland is home to several local eateries and shops that give the area a unique, small-town feel while maintaining the convenience of urban living. For families, the neighborhood's proximity to quality schools and recreational facilities adds to its appeal, making it a practical choice for those with children.

Despite its peaceful and residential feel, Highland is just a short drive from Downtown Waterloo, making commuting and weekend city adventures hassle-free. Within about 10 to 15 minutes, you can enjoy all that the downtown area offers, including cultural attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues. This accessibility means you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the quiet comfort of a close-knit neighborhood and the vibrant energy of a busy city center. For anyone relocating to Waterloo, Highland offers a balanced lifestyle that's both convenient and community-oriented.

About 36% of the Highland population aged 16 and older are married, which is notably lower than average. This could suggest a community with a younger, more transient population—perhaps made up of students, professionals, or renters. It may also reflect a neighborhood that attracts singles or couples without children, contributing to a more independent, urban lifestyle.

With only 13% 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.

Highland 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 437 residents, Highland 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 1,707 people per square mile, Highland 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 49, 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 Highland crime map provides an in-depth look at crime rates throughout the community, using block group data to reveal both safer pockets and places with more frequent incidents. By visualizing these patterns, the crime map helps residents and newcomers alike better understand the dynamics of neighborhood safety. It’s worth noting that higher-crime areas on the map aren’t always indicative of danger — spots near busy commercial centers, transportation hubs, or popular attractions may naturally show more reports due to increased activity.

Housing trends offer valuable insight into the accessibility and character of a neighborhood. In Highland, the median home price is $109,300, 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 Highland 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 $1,125, 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 quality plays an important role in shaping the overall appeal of a neighborhood like Highland. Ratings based on student achievement, graduation rates, and standardized tests — supported by national benchmarks like the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) — help paint a clearer picture of how local schools perform. Additionally, understanding the education levels of residents in Highland offers valuable context about the community’s emphasis on learning and opportunity, helping families make confident decisions about where to settle and invest in their children’s future.