Where to Find a Great Home in Cedar Rapids, IA

This city in Eastern Iowa has a wide variety of houses to fit your needs and budget.

By Joe Morris on January 9, 2024

Justin A. Torner

Newcomers and longtime residents alike delight in the many different faces that Cedar Rapids shows off – especially its homes and neighborhoods. From spanking-new and modern to historic and stately, this community has plenty to offer anyone who’s looking for the right spot to call home in Cedar Rapids. 

“Anywhere you go, you’ll find nice people and affordable options for any budget,” says Raymond Siddell of the Keller Williams Legacy Group real estate agency. 

Here are a few neighborhoods to check out on your home search, depending on what you consider to be on your must-have list. 

If You Love Walkable Areas 

Like the idea of completing your errands by foot or being able to walk to a fun bar or bistro? Then Downtown Cedar Rapids-adjacent areas like The District, which includes New Bohemia and Czech Village, just a few blocks south of the city center, are the spots for you. Both are booming, Siddell says, and “the city and developers are working on ways to preserve the buildings that are there, to repurpose them into lively commercial and residential spaces.” 

If You Prefer Modern 

The Banjo Block area, named for the former Banjo Refrigeration Equipment Co., will add some vibrancy to downtown with Annex on the Square, a $49 million mixed-use redevelopment. It will join Kingston Village on the Cedar River’s west side, which is growing with housing options and a brewery. Couple those with newer condos and apartments going up around town, and someone looking for all the “mod cons” is spoiled for choice. 

If You’re After Historic Charm 

Historical homes are plentiful on the area’s southeast and northwest sides, and areas such as Bever Park and Wellington Heights are particularly popular. Even better, the availability of historic preservation tax credits makes necessary safety and other upgrades more affordable. 

Cedar Rapids is justifiably well known for its parks and green spaces all around town. That means homebuyers can find areas for walking, biking and other recreation pretty much wherever they choose to settle. 

“Cedar Rapids has a lot of different styles of properties,” Siddell says. “And more than anything, it’s one big, friendly community, which makes it a great place to live.”