Cedar Rapids, IA, known as 'The City of Five Seasons,' offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and modern urban amenities. Located in Linn County, Cedar Rapids is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Iowa City (28 miles) and Waterloo (55 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Cedar Rapids' blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Cedar Rapids is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, the historic Brucemore Mansion, and the scenic Indian Creek Nature Center. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful NewBo City Market to the bustling Lindale Mall, known for its shopping and dining. Cedar Rapids' dining scene is diverse, offering everything from Midwestern cuisine to international dishes.
Annual events such as the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival and the NewBo Arts Festival highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Cedar Rapids' rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Coe College and Mount Mercy University contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Cedar Rapids is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and the Paramount Theatre are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Cedar Rapids provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Cedar Rapids’ community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Cedar Rapids Kernels (MiLB) and the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Cedar Rapids include healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with significant employers such as Rockwell Collins and Mercy Medical Center driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and bike-sharing programs, making it easy to navigate the area.
Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa is a medium-sized city with a population of 133,125 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (83% White). Given that fact, Cedar Rapids could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Cedar Rapids is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 18 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, you can easily compare the best places to live in Cedar Rapids and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Cedar Rapids to Iowa and the national average.
Using data and statistics Cedar Rapids has received a livability score of 74/100. This score is ranked in the 88th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we check out each of the categories on their own, we see that Cedar Rapids ranks well for amenities (B-), cost of living (A+), education (B) and housing (A-).
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Cedar Rapids, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.71% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Cedar Rapids market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Cedar Rapids real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Cedar Rapids. The median home price for Cedar Rapids homes is $144,500, which is 8.8% higher than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Cedar Rapids, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 0% lower than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Cedar Rapids | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.6% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.4% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.5% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.0% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.9% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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