Why Live in Southwest Area
The Southwest Area neighborhood in Cedar Rapids, nestled between the Cedar River and Prairie Creek, is a rapidly growing community known for its lower-than-average real estate prices and central location. The neighborhood features a mix of home styles, including Craftsman, Cape Cod, bungalows, split-levels, and ranch-style homes, primarily built in the 1950s and 60s, with newer developments emerging on the outskirts. The area is largely residential, with homes arranged in grid patterns connected by sidewalks. Street parking is common in older sections, while driveways and garages are more prevalent in newer areas. Jones Memorial Park, one of the largest public parks in Cedar Rapids, spans 236 acres and includes basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, as well as baseball and soccer fields. Mount Trashmore, a former landfill, now offers walking and biking trails with panoramic views. The neighborhood's proximity to Interstate 380 provides easy access to Iowa City and downtown Cedar Rapids, just two miles north, while the East Iowa Airport is seven miles southwest. Public transportation is accessible via the CRT bus line. Nearby Czech Village and New Bohemia, collectively known as "The District," offer shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, including annual events like Houby Days and St. Joseph's Day. While the area is safer than the national average, it is prone to flooding, particularly near the Cedar River, prompting the city to implement interim flood management measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwest Area a good place to live?
Southwest Area is a good place to live. Southwest Area is considered somewhat walkable and bikeable with minimal transit options. Southwest Area has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 5.1 people per acre and a median age of 39. The average household income is $65,192 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 18.5% of residents. A majority of residents in Southwest Area are home owners, with 37.1% of residents renting and 62.9% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Southwest Area can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Southwest Area neighborhood guide.
Is Southwest Area, IA a safe neighborhood?
Southwest Area, IA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 6 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Southwest Area?
The median home price in Southwest Area is $170,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $34,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $880 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $38K a year to afford the median home price in Southwest Area. The average household income in Southwest Area is $65K.
What are the best public schools in Southwest Area?
The best public schools that serve Southwest Area are:
What are the best private schools in Southwest Area?
The best private schools that serve Southwest Area are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Southwest Area, Cedar Rapids, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Southwest Area, Cedar Rapids, IA?
Home Trends in Southwest Area, IA
On average, homes in Southwest Area, Cedar Rapids sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Southwest Area, Cedar Rapids over the last 12 months is $170,625, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$170,625
Median Single Family Sale Price
$170,625
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$81,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$133
Number of Homes for Sale
7
Last 12 months Home Sales
114
Median List Price
$170,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-2%