Cedar Rapids, IABest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Surrounded by the scenic landscapes of the Cedar River, Cedar Rapids offers outdoor adventures, affordable housing and excellent schools. The city prioritizes affordability and innovation and emphasizes inclusivity, creating a diverse, tight-knit community.
Cedar Rapids, IA, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Cedar Rapids, IA, blows all preconceived notions about Middle America out of the water. The city weaves its rich ethnic history with a booming technological future and boasts stable and affordable housing prices, making it one of the best places to live in the U.S.
While the area still thrives on the manufacturing and agriculture it was built on, Cedar Rapids has become a technology hub for telecommunications, defense electronics and aerospace-affiliated fields. That thriving economy draws in young professionals who love that the median home cost is just above $170,000.
But new residents stay here because it’s a diverse, welcoming city that embraces its history while being forward-thinking and inclusive. Cedar Rapids has received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index scorecard multiple times, and the city embraces new groups that choose to call it home. All those different cultures bring amazing arts, music and food to the city for everyone to enjoy. Proximity to farmland means eating farm-fresh isn’t a gimmick but a way of life, and the restaurant scene in Cedar Rapids continues to grow with talented chefs making the best of the ingredients at hand. The nearby airport makes it easy to jet off to warmer climates or bigger cities before returning back to the inexpensive, easy-going charm of Cedar Rapids.
Cedar Rapids, IA Quality of Life LivScore
Cedar Rapids, IA Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Transportation
Economy
Cedar Rapids ranks highest for housing, transportation and economy.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids bills itself as the City of Five Seasons, with the extra being time to enjoy the other four seasons. It’s a quaint description of small-city living and enjoying life in the Heartland but also illustrates the changing weather here. Summer is warm and humid, while blustery winters dip into the teens. The average highs and lows are 83°F and 62°F (summer) and 32°F and 15°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Cedar Rapids is on par with the national average of 28 inches.
The average annual rainfall in Cedar Rapids is about 35 inches per year, and the city has an average of 105 rainy days.
Cedar Rapids averages 205 sunny days a year.
There are miles of trails that wind through the city and around it. Lace-up your hiking boots or hop on a bike to explore all the different ways to experience life around Cedar Rapids. When you’ve tired yourself out, relax at a Cedar Rapids Kernels (the high-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins) game. There’s no better way to enjoy a summer night.
Cedar Rapids Weather
205 days
Average Annual Sun
105 inches
Average Annual Rain
28 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Cedar Rapids, IA
The Indian Creek Nature Center has miles of trails and is open year-round. Rent snowshoes or bring cross-country skis in the winter, spend time in the bird room, fish and enjoy the great outdoors right in Cedar Rapids’ backyard.
Kids and adults alike will love getting up close and personal with the animals at the free petting farm at Old Macdonald Farm in Bever Park. Then, cool off at any of the 11 different splash pads in Cedar Rapids when the temperatures heat up.
Czech Village & New Bohemia neighborhoods meet up in The District, and the best place to find small, locally-owned businesses and restaurants is in NewBo City Market.
A good happy hour has to have food and drink specials, and Chophouse does not disappoint. The happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. every day, the sliders are legit, and their 33 different beers on draft are half-off.
The Local and State Economy in Cedar Rapids, IA
Advanced manufacturing, bioscience and food processing are three key industries in Cedar Rapids. Rockwell Collins, an aviation and technology company, and Transamerica, a financial services company, are both headquartered here.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Cedar Rapids is 7%.
Yes, Iowa has a state income tax.
Cedar Rapids residents are in good health and have access to several top-tier providers, including UnityPoint Health, Mercy Medical Center and St. Luke’s Hospital.
There are several smaller colleges and universities in Cedar Rapids, including Kirkwood Community College, Coe College and Mount Mercy University.
Quick Facts About Cedar Rapids, IA
- Median Household Income
- $65,538
- Median Home Value
- $169,569
- Average State Property Tax
- $2,522
- Total Population
- 137,467
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $753
- Average Commute
- 15 minutes
With a diverse economy and affordable housing and a relatively low cost of living, Cedar Rapids had the highest overall score of any Iowa city and is one of the best places to live in the U.S. Read even more about what makes Cedar Rapids a great community and which neighborhood is right for you. Also, read how Iowa is cultivating a creative community.
