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6 Reasons to Move to Cedar Rapids, IA

Looking for a new place to call home? Here's why you should consider relocating to this Midwestern gem in Iowa.

By Rebecca Treon on January 9, 2024

iStock/DenisTangneyJr

Located in Eastern Iowa on the Cedar River, the warm and welcoming community of Cedar Rapids offers endless outdoor recreation opportunities, a thriving craft beer, wine and spirits scene, and plenty of options to further your education. Though it is the second-largest city in Iowa, Cedar Rapids maintains its small community feel. Here are six reasons why it may be the right time to make a move to Cedar Rapids.

1. You Can Afford to Live Here

The city has a typical home price of $180,900 (Zillow, November 2023). If you move to Cedar Rapids, you’ll enjoy great quality of life amenities include museums, two main theaters, 74 parks, four golf courses, six public swimming pools, two major hospitals and Eastern Iowa Airport. Other advantages include top-notch schools, a vibrants arts scene and a pro-business government.

2. You Can Collaborate Here 

Cedar Rapids deploys forward-thinking initiatives when it comes to issues like sustainability. The City of Cedar Rapids’ Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) was approved in fall 2021, fulfilling the goals of the City Council’s Climate Resolution to reduce greenhouse gases, build resilience to climate hazards and support access to basic needs for all residents. Cedar Rapids has committed to becoming a carbon-free community where residents can meet their basic needs within a 15-minute radius by using means such as walking, biking and low-emissions public transit. The city also has committed to ensuring residents have access to green space, healthy food, clean air and water, and being a place where neighbors help each other with community resources. 

Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA
Cornell College

3. Score a Top-Notch Education

The region is home to award-winning colleges and universities including the University of Iowa, Mount Mercy University, Cornell College, Upper Iowa University-Cedar Rapids, Coe College and Kirkwood Community College. Whether taking courses for a certification, getting a bachelor’s degree or going for a master’s degree, Cedar Rapids has numerous options to choose from. 

4. Be in the Middle of it All

Cedar Rapids is in a prime location in the center of it all and is within driving distance to several metros, including Minneapolis, Kansas City, Chicago, Omaha, Milwaukee and St. Louis. The Eastern Iowa Airport offers direct flights to great places such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Nashville, Orlando and Phoenix. 

5. Sip Your Way Through the City

The craft beverage scene in Cedar Rapids is thriving. Breweries like Iowa Brewing, Lion Bridge Brewing and Quarter Barrel are community hubs with events, games and live music. Another brewery, Big Grove Brewery, recently joined the ranks, and just outside of town, residents can also enjoy Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery and Millstream Brewing Co.

6. Explore an Outdoor Oasis 

A move to Cedar Rapids means you’ll be surrounded by great outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, cycling, and activities on the water, too. There are hundreds of miles of trails in the area. Favorite spots include Indian Creek Nature Center, which also offers indoor and outdoor interactive nature exhibits, and the paved 12.6-mile Cedar River Trail, which is popular for people on wheels. Several great parks are right in the city’s backyard, including Rock Island Botanical State Preserve, Palisades-Kepler State Park and Seminole Valley Park. Cedar Rapids also offers a unique vista from the top of Mount Trashmore, a landfill turned recreation area. 

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