Cedar Rapids, IA
Why You’ll Love Living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The beautiful city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, offers an enviable lifestyle that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere. From a historic district that celebrates its rich Czech history to the Muslim Cultural Center that opened in a 1934 mosque, cultures of all kinds are woven throughout the area’s tapestry, exuding a welcoming vibe to all who enter. This is just one reason people continue to make the move to Cedar Rapids. Other reasons? Recent revitalizations, top education programs, a thriving insurance and finance sector, and the MedQ — a one-stop shop for residents’ health and wellness needs. Plus, the city’s vibrant cuisine scene, shopping centers, performance venues and 74 parks keep residents active, happy and entertained.
Thinking of moving to Cedar Rapids, IA? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Cedar Rapids, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Cedar Rapids, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Cedar Rapids, IA, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Cedar Rapids, IA, is one of the best places to live in the U.S. and the second-largest city in the state. It earns that esteemed ranking because of its affordability, inclusivity, innovation — and a whole lot more. The Cedar River, which anchors this city of nearly 138,000, allows residents to stretch their legs at nature centers, parks and on the water.
Cedar Rapids is welcoming and diverse and embraces its long history. In fact, the city has scored a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index scorecard numerous times. That diversity shines through with the incredible dining, music and arts available across the city, including downtown’s Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.
The city’s manufacturing and agricultural base remain strong, but it has also become a technology hub for defense electronics, aerospace and telecommunications. And even with those high-end jobs, the median home cost is only about $205,000.
Finally, the community’s proximity to farmland means that fresh food is abundant and readily available to the creative chefs who serve up locally grown fare on their menus. And if residents crave a change of scenery, the nearby Eastern Iowa Airport makes it a piece of cake to get away before coming home to the ease that is Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids, IA Quality of Life LivScore
Cedar Rapids, IA Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Transportation
Health
Cedar Rapids ranks highest for housing, transportation and health.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids bills itself as the City of Five Seasons, with the extra time spent enjoying the other four seasons. This is a quaint description of living in a small city and enjoying life in the Heartland, but it 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 29 inches yearly.
The average annual rainfall in Cedar Rapids is about 36 inches per year.
Cedar Rapids averages 204 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.
Things To Do in Cedar Rapids, IA
The Indian Creek Nature Center has miles of trails and is open year-round. In the winter, rent snowshoes or bring cross-country skis. For the rest of the year, visitors can 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. When the temperatures heat up, cool off at any of the 11 different splash pads in Cedar Rapids.
Cedar Rapids is one of only three cities in the world with government buildings on an island. The other two cities are Osaka, Japan, and Paris, France.
Czech Village and New Bohemia neighborhoods meet in The District, and the best place to find small, locally-owned businesses and restaurants is NewBo City Market.
Cobble Hill Eatery and Dispensary on Second Street is a locally-owned and operated contemporary American restaurant boasting everything from seriously delicious craft cocktails to decadent starters and even tastier entrees. Seasonality and availability drive the menu, so don’t be surprised when the offerings change.
Local arts and culture enthusiasts cite the Paramount Theatre as one of the best places to catch a show in Cedar Rapids. Located downtown, this historic theatre boasts stunning architecture and a phenomenal list of Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances, and more. Recently, the Paramount underwent a $35 million renovation.
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 2024, 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.
Several smaller colleges and universities are in Cedar Rapids, including Kirkwood Community College, Coe College and Mount Mercy University.
Weather in Cedar Rapids, IA
Average Temperatures
60 high / 39 low
Average Annual Rainfall
36 in
Average Annual Snowfall
29 in
Quick Facts about Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Median Home Value
- $169,677
- Median Property Tax
- $2,703
- Total Population
- 137,532
- Average Commute
- 15 min
- Median Household Income
- $70,742
- Median Monthly Rent
- $717
Map of Cedar Rapids, IA
Experiences & Adventures in Cedar Rapids, IA
Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Cedar Rapids Arts Scene
Residents don’t have to venture far for live entertainment, art attractions and immersive history in Cedar Rapids.
Ready to Travel? Book a Flight from Cedar Rapids, IA
The new and improved Eastern Iowa Airport offers nonstop flights to nearly two dozen destinations.
Explore These Fun Outdoor Activities in Cedar Rapids, IA
Traverse the trails, swim the river or play ball in a region that invests heavily in outdoor recreation infrastructure.
Food Scenes in Cedar Rapids, IA
Feast on Fabulous Farm-to-table Fare in Iowa
A rich, agricultural heritage provides restaurants with fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy!
Hungry? Where to Eat in Cedar Rapids
Sip and savor the flavors of local and international cuisine.
Cedar Rapids, IA Is Feeding the World
Enjoy that bowl of cereal this morning? There's a good chance it came from this city in Iowa (along with other delicious treats you love!)
Healthy Places in Cedar Rapids, IA
What Powers the MedQuarter’s Success? Its People
Meet four medical professionals who help this unique medical district provide top-notch health care in Cedar Rapids, IA.
How to Have Fun and Stay Fit in Iowa
Countless recreation activities allow residents to stay active year-round.
Meet MedQ: 10 Things to Know About This Unique Medical District
Here, you can go to the dentist, see a specialist, get adjusted by a chiropractor – the list goes on and on for this downtown district of health care providers in Cedar Rapids, IA
Make Your Move to Cedar Rapids, IA
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Cedar Rapids, IA: Where to Live Now
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Education, Careers and Opportunity in Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids Schools and Programs Fuel Future Careers
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Cedar Rapids Companies Play Global Roles
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Cedar Rapids, IA: Love Where You Live
Renewal Runs Through Downtown Cedar Rapids
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