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Cedar Falls is a city of approximately 40,000 residents in Black Hawk County in northeastern Iowa, situated along the Cedar River adjacent to the larger city of Waterloo. Together, Cedar Falls and Waterloo form a metropolitan area of roughly 170,000 people. Cedar Falls is home to the University of Northern Iowa and is characterized by a walkable, bikeable campus-adjacent layout with a strong College Hill commercial district. The city offers a classic college-town atmosphere with local dining, arts, and community events, and is consistently recognized as one of Iowa's most livable cities.
Directly adjacent to the UNI campus, the most popular area, with walkable access to restaurants, coffee shops, and retail.
Quiet residential streets with single-family homes and duplexes at moderate rents.
A few miles away, with a broader range of apartment types at lower cost for students willing to commute.
A more urban neighborhood feel near parks and the riverfront in downtown Cedar Falls.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Cedar Falls.
Cedar Falls and Waterloo are connected by MET Transit, the Metropolitan Transit Authority serving the metro area, which runs buses between the two cities and through key corridors near UNI's campus. Bus service is particularly useful for students without cars who need to travel between Cedar Falls and Waterloo for shopping or employment. Riders should note that service frequencies are modest and evening and weekend schedules are limited, so route planning in advance is recommended.
Cedar Falls is one of the more bikeable and walkable small cities in Iowa, with flat terrain and a network of trails and bike-friendly streets near UNI's campus. The College Hill area adjacent to campus is highly walkable, with restaurants, shops, and services within easy reach on foot or by bike. Many UNI students go car-free during the academic year for day-to-day needs, though a car or transit access is helpful for reaching destinations outside the immediate campus area.
Parking is readily available throughout Cedar Falls, with ample street parking and surface lots in most neighborhoods. Most off-campus rental properties near UNI include off-street parking for tenants. Driving is the most practical option for reaching destinations in Waterloo or elsewhere in the metro area, and students with cars will find getting around the broader region straightforward.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Cedar Falls has a welcoming, small-city college-town atmosphere anchored by the University of Northern Iowa's large student population. The College Hill district adjacent to campus offers dining, shops, and entertainment within walking distance, giving the city a lively student-friendly feel.
Browse student housing near each Cedar Falls-area university.