Student Housing in Cedar Falls, IA
Student Housing in Cedar Falls, IA
$460/unit
Fees may applyHillcrest Park Apartments-Student Housing
$1,800/unit
Fees may applyHuge 4 bedroom House with large garage
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About Student Housing in Cedar Falls
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.
Best Neighborhoods for Students in Cedar Falls
College Hill
Directly adjacent to the UNI campus, the most popular area, with walkable access to restaurants, coffee shops, and retail.
Central Cedar Falls
Quiet residential streets with single-family homes and duplexes at moderate rents.
Waterloo
A few miles away, with a broader range of apartment types at lower cost for students willing to commute.
Cedar River and Downtown
A more urban neighborhood feel near parks and the riverfront in downtown Cedar Falls.
Getting Around Cedar Falls as a Student
Here's what you need to know about getting around Cedar Falls.
Public Transit
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.
Walking and Biking
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Student Housing in Cedar Falls
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.
The area near UNI's campus is quite walkable and bikeable, and MET Transit buses connect Cedar Falls to Waterloo and key parts of the metro area. Many students manage day-to-day needs without a car, though having one makes reaching destinations outside Cedar Falls more convenient.
Cedar Falls and Waterloo are neighboring cities that together form the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area, but they have distinct characters. Cedar Falls is smaller, more residential, and home to UNI, giving it a college-town feel, while Waterloo is the larger city with more industrial and commercial activity.
Rent in Cedar Falls is relatively affordable compared to many college cities, with one-bedroom apartments typically ranging from around $700 to $1,100 per month near campus. Shared housing in the College Hill area can bring per-person costs down further for students on a budget.
Cedar Falls consistently ranks as one of Iowa's safer cities, and neighborhoods near the UNI campus are generally considered safe for students. As with any city, students are encouraged to take standard precautions and familiarize themselves with their specific neighborhood.
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