Cedar Falls, IA

Cedar Falls, IA

Updated April 30, 2026 · Would You Live There?

Good for now

Verdict

$250K

Median Price

18/100

Walk Score

6.2/10

Schools

30 min

to Des Moines

Score Breakdown

FWalkability
18/100
CSchools
62/100
B-Quietness
70/100
BAffordability
78/100
B+Commute
85/100
ASafety
92/100
WYLT Score68/100

Our Take

Cedar Falls offers affordable homes and solid schools, but you’ll need a car for most errands and the nightlife scene is modest. It’s a quiet place with low flood risk, good for families who don’t mind limited transit.

Map

Loading map…

The Good

  • Affordable median home price relative to income
  • Strong average school ratings for children
  • Low flood risk, safe from major weather hazards
  • Reasonable rental costs for income level

Real Talk

  • !Walkability is poor; you’ll need a car for grocery runs
  • !Transit options are almost nonexistent, limiting public transport access
  • !Nightlife and dining options are limited, not much variety
  • !High reliance on a vehicle increases long-term costs
  • $Higher utility costs for heating during Iowa winters
  • $Potential higher property taxes for homeowners
  • $Car maintenance and insurance add to living expenses

Best For

Families with childrenFirst-time homebuyersRemote workers who can driveStudents at nearby universities

Risk Snapshot

Flood riskLow
Violent crimeLow
Property crimeLow
Air qualityGood
Price volatilityLow

Crime & Safety

Cedar Falls, IA

A

Safety grade

Safety score92 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Low
1.6incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+

57% safer than the national average

🔒Property Crime
Low
9.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+

50% safer than the national average

Verify with real-time data

Rates are estimated from neighborhood characteristics using national FBI baselines. Actual figures vary by block — always verify with local sources before making decisions.

Similar Neighborhoods

Irving
Good for now

Irving

Irving, TX

$235K · 6.8/10 schools

Peoria
Good for now

Peoria

Peoria, AZ

$249K · 7.3/10 schools

Pearland
Good for now

Pearland

Pearland, TX

$289K · 7/10 schools

Philadelphia
Good for now

Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

$269K · 6.9/10 schools

From Residents

🏘

Loading…

Know someone considering this area? Send them this report.

wouldyoulivethere.com/report/cedar-falls-ia-50613

📬

Stay in the loop on Cedar Falls

Get one email when this report refreshes (~every 90 days). No spam.

One email per update · unsubscribe any time