Living in Waterloo

Waterloo is the smallest of the three cities in the Waterloo Region but punches well above its weight. With a population of over 150,000 (including a large student population), the city is known for its tech industry, two major universities, and one of the most active uptown cores in southwestern Ontario.

Waterloo sits directly north of Kitchener and the two cities share a border along King Street. They are often referred to together as "KW." Cambridge is about 20 minutes south by car.

Popular Neighbourhoods

Laurelwood is one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods for families in Waterloo. It is in the southwest part of the city and is known for highly rated schools, quiet streets, and nearby trails at the Laurel Creek Conservation Area. Homes here are mostly newer builds with a mix of detached houses and townhomes.

Beechwood is an established neighbourhood with a mix of classic and modern homes. Some sections of Beechwood include access to neighbourhood pools and tennis courts, which makes it popular with families. The area is close to the University of Waterloo and has good elementary school options nearby.

Eastbridge is on the northeast side of the city, bordering the Grand River. It has modern housing, good schools, and low crime rates. Families like it for the green space and the easy access to trails along the river. It is also close to Conestoga Mall for shopping and errands.

Vista Hills is a newer development on the west side of Waterloo with modern homes and family-oriented planning. It has its own public school and is surrounded by parks and walking trails. For families buying new construction, Vista Hills is one of the more popular options in the city.

Uptown Waterloo is the commercial and cultural centre of the city. It has restaurants, shops, a farmers market, and the Waterloo Public Square. Housing in and around Uptown is a mix of condos, older homes, and some newer townhome developments. It is not the typical choice for families needing a large detached home, but it is worth knowing about for its amenities.

Schools

Waterloo has strong school options across both the public and Catholic boards. Some of the well-known schools include Laurelwood Public School, Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary School, St. David Catholic Secondary School, and Waterloo Collegiate Institute. The University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University are both located in the city, which contributes to the educated, research-driven culture of the area.

Parks and Recreation

Waterloo has excellent parks and outdoor space for a city its size. Waterloo Park is right next to Uptown and includes a playground, a small zoo, trails, and event space. Laurel Creek Conservation Area offers camping, swimming, kayaking, and hiking. RIM Park is a large recreation complex on the north end with an indoor pool, fitness centre, sports fields, and programs for kids year-round. The city also connects to the regional trail system along the Grand River.

Getting Around

The ION light rail runs through the centre of the city from Conestoga Station in the north to Fairway Station in Kitchener. Highway 85 connects Waterloo to Highway 7/8 and eventually the 401 for anyone heading to Cambridge or the GTA. Grand River Transit covers the rest of the city with bus routes. Most family neighbourhoods in Waterloo are designed for cars, with wide streets and plenty of parking.

Have questions about Waterloo? Call or text 647-371-1865.