Moving to Cedar Rapids, IA? Find Out Which Neighborhood Is Right for You
Cedar Rapids is a metropolitan area where downtown lofts, historic homes and modern architecture combine to create eclectic neighborhoods for any growing family or young professional. And as far as home prices go, there is no better place to get more for your buck, whether you rent or buy.
The Cedar Rapids metropolitan area offers a variety of communities to suit different lifestyles and preferences. From the vibrant city of Cedar Rapids to the charming towns of Marion, Hiawatha, Fairfax and Robins, discover the perfect place to call home in Linn County.
In This Article
1. Cedar Rapids
With a population of nearly 140,000, Cedar Rapids is easily the biggest and most urban city in Linn County. It’s known for its rich diversity, with multiple cultures represented through food, music, events and more. The city is also an incredibly affordable place to live, with an average home price of around $193,000, according to Zillow. That, combined with top-rated schools, makes it an ideal place to raise a family. Factor in the abundance of parks and trails, a stunning historic downtown and plenty of community events and festivals throughout the year, and it’s easy to see why so many people call Cedar Rapids home.
2. Marion
The second-largest city in Linn County with a population of over 41,000, Marion might be the perfect size for those looking for the sweet spot between big cities and small towns. Located just outside Cedar Rapids, Marion offers proximity to urban amenities but a quieter day-to-day living experience. The town has plenty of its own amenities to appeal to residents, though: 15 parks, three golf courses, an annual arts festival, a plethora of restaurants and “Uptown,” an Iowa Main Street District for shopping, to name a few.
3. Hiawatha
A suburb of Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha boasts a small but mighty population of 7,200. Thanks to a highly proactive parks and recreation department, there’s no shortage of fun events and activities throughout the year for all ages. The community calendar is chock full, from sports leagues to concerts in the park to movies under the moon. Hiawatha has its own farmers market, which operates on Sunday mornings from May through October. And each year, there’s the Hiawatha Fun Fest, the city’s premier family-friendly festival.
4. Fairfax
The smallest of them all, Fairfax is a rural city through and through. With just 2,800 residents, Fairfax is all about the small-town experience. Neighbors know each other; kids can ride their bikes around town, and it feels like a tight-knit community. This unity is most apparent at the annual Fairfax USA Days, the city’s summer celebration that includes a parade, carnival and fireworks. It’s also a very bike-friendly city, with many bike lanes and considerate drivers who happily share the road. Incredible safety stats, affordable housing costs and a strong community spirit make Fairfax ideal for those drawn to small towns.
5. Robins
Yet another suburb, Robins, is on the smaller side, with a population of 3,300. The city definitely offers a more intimate feel, though the average home value in this area is $386,000, with 92% owning their own homes. Citizens of Robins are involved in their community, and many members volunteer with the Robins Civic Club, attending city council meetings or supporting local businesses at the Robins Farmers Market. Overall, Robins is a quiet, safe place to live – and just a short drive to metropolitan Cedar Rapids.