Discover an Idyllic Life in Cedar Rapids, IA
Residents here enjoy a perfect blend of big-city amenities and small-town charm.
When Anthony Betters Jr. moved from Texas to Cedar Rapids six years ago, he discovered an innovative and welcoming community in America’s friendly Heartland.
Cedar Rapids, Betters says, has a vibrant culinary scene, with delicious local and international fare as well as one of the Midwest’s largest farmers markets that he likes to visit on Saturdays. Splash pads, parks (there are more than 70 to choose from!), sports leagues and an extensive trail system all add to the region’s appeal for young families, says Betters, who lives in Cedar Rapids with his partner, Cynthia, and their three children.
For those looking for a dynamic city to put down roots, raise a family, launch a business or enjoy retirement, this city hits the sweet spot. Here’s a glimpse at life in Cedar Rapids.
In This Article
Life in Cedar Rapids: Meet “Iowa Nice”
The region of 276,000 residents boasts big-city amenities like fine dining, a burgeoning brewery scene, award-winning wineries, concert and event venues, and top-notch health care, yet retains a small-town spirit with friendly neighbors. Here, the term “Iowa nice” proves true.
“The feeling of community and the welcoming nature of residents fosters a warm and friendly environment,” says Betters, engagement manager at New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative, which helps build partnerships and entrepreneurial programming in other Iowa communities. He also hosts a podcast about all of the innovation taking place in Iowa.
“The business community is extremely welcoming. It’s a big enough community to make great connections, but it’s still small enough to allow for collaboration.”
Melissa McCarville, Alliant Energy
Connectivity in Every Sense
In addition to Fortune 500 companies, the Cedar Rapids region has a strong startup culture.
People who are looking to launch or grow their careers will find job opportunities spanning a number of industries including space and aviation, educational technology, bioscience, agriculture, and food processing.
Local business incubators help entrepreneurs reach their next stages, and fast, reliable internet, coworking spaces and hip coffee shops attract remote workers.
“The business community is extremely welcoming,” says Melissa McCarville, senior communications partner with Alliant Energy. “It’s a big enough community to make great connections, but it’s still small enough to allow for collaboration.”
Your Dollars Go Further Here
McCarville grew up in Cedar Rapids and decided to move back to Iowa with her husband after living and working in Chicago.
The couple, who now has three children, wanted to raise their kids in Cedar Rapids and knew their dollars would stretch much further in Eastern Iowa.
“The cost of living is extremely reasonable,” says McCarville, who estimates they were able to get three times the amount of space (and a backyard) compared to what was available at the same price point in the Chicagoland area.
Typical home values in Cedar Rapids are about $180,900, according to Zillow (November 2023), which is far below the national average of $348,000.
Short commutes under 20 minutes are another huge livability perk that residents who move from major metro areas tend to enjoy.
Quality education is also a draw for families. Not only does Cedar Rapids have great public schools, but residents in the region have access to top-notch colleges, universities and community colleges.
In fact, there are more than 20 institutions within a 100-mile radius of Cedar Rapids, providing residents with an opportunity to pursue a degree, learn a new trade or tune up their skills to take their careers to the next level.
Culturally Rich Communities
Tim Charles
Tim Charles, who recently retired from his position as president and CEO of Mercy Medical Center, says newcomers will quickly discover that life in Cedar Rapids means enjoying a community is culturally rich.
A midsize city, Cedar Rapids has its own symphony, Orchestra Iowa, as well as the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and a variety of other venues that enhance the dynamic cultural scene, Charles points out.
What impressed Charles when he first moved to the area two decades ago from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex was the high degree of humility among accomplished Iowans.
Cedar Rapids, he says, shrugs pretense and is a comfortable place to live.
Locals don’t have to spend time waiting in lines or stuck in their cars for long commutes and can simply enjoy their downtime and community treasures. “There’s a lot of richness here,” Charles says.
Young Professionals Find Support
A pair of initiatives are in place for young professionals to get connected in the community and become involved with programs that make Cedar Rapids a better place.
ImpactCR is a program overseen by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance that involves young professionals ages 20 to 40 who can meet, mingle, connect and engage with one another at a variety of events. The get-togethers create opportunities for learning and development, supporting civic engagement, and cultivating the future business and community leaders of Cedar Rapids.
The Board Orientation & Leadership Development program, known as BOLD, is a United Way of East Central Iowa program that inspires and equips young professionals with fundamental skills to serve on various boards throughout the community.
The BOLD series features six 90-minute workshops held January through June, led by nonprofit and community leaders. Those leaders teach young professional participants about the fundamentals of board operations, including developing organizational strategies, understanding legal and fiscal responsibilities, and asking for contributions from donors.
Nicole Schroeder, marketing director at Cedar Rapids-based Wired Production Group video production company, went through the BOLD program and has attended several ImpactCR events.
“I like being involved in the community and extracurricular activities – that keeps me happy,” Schroeder says. “Today, I’m active with the Economic Alliance in their Ambassador program to welcome new members and businesses to Cedar Rapids.”
Schroeder has been to more than 40 ribbon cuttings and six groundbreakings since getting involved with the program.
“I’m super passionate about Cedar Rapids, where young professionals have access to sporting events, hiking and biking, festivals, live bands, a great downtown vibe, and many other activities,” she says. “I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids and will always live here.”
– Staff Writer Kevin Litwin contributed to this article.
Get to Know Cedar Rapids
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