Cedar Rapids

Cedar Valley, a neighborhood on the Cedar River, boasts a convenient location, forests and lots of open space. Yet the population dwindled in the past 15 years, and the community is still in recovery mode from a natural disaster. In June 2008, the Cedar River reached its highest level in Cedar Rapids history, causing more than 10 square miles of the city to be inundated by floodwaters. Statewide damage was estimated at $10 billion. Following the disaster, the city created a Voluntary Property Acquisition process to reduce the loss of life and property in future disasters. Cedar Valley, also known as Rampot, was severely affected, and many residents took advantage of the acquisition program and left. The neighborhood’s current flood risk is moderate; however, Cedar Valley did not receive flood protection.The neighborhood features acres of open space where demolished homes used to be. “I would say what continues to bring people to the area is the location and natural setting,” says Cory Rath, a Realtor with Keller Williams Midwest Partners, who lives nearby and sold dozens of homes in the area. “It’s only five minutes to NewBo Market, where residents do a lot of their shopping.” While 10% of the community is residential, the rest is acres of forest and green spaces. The major recreation attraction is Prairie Park Fishery, which provides amenities for fishing, ice fishing, picnicking, paddle sports, scuba diving and geocaching. A 1.7-mile hard-surface trail loops around the 65-acre lake, offering bucolic spots for hikers, bicyclists and bird watchers, and connects to the Sac and Fox Trail. Residents use the trail for activities like fishing and hiking. Dogs must be on leash. Cedar Valley Park is a 228-acre multi-use park with trails, a playground, hiking trails and river access. Sac and Fox Trail is outside the boundary but a well-known destination. The 8.4-mile trail takes approximately 2 hours and 31 minutes to complete. Open year-round, people use the trail for cross-country skiing, fishing and hiking. Dogs must be on leash. Cedar Valley Park is small and needs some updating, according to Rath. The space is a 228-acre multi-use park with trails, a playground, quarry pits for fishing and river access. The area also has hiking trails, a paved boat ramp and shelters. The homes comprise a mix of ages, some dating back to the early 1900s, while others sprung up in the 50s and 60s. The most popular architectural style is ranch-style with a few split-levels sprinkled in. Tree-lined streets without sidewalks meander through the neighborhood highlighting houses that are undamaged, restored or need restoring. The prices range from $126,000 to $327,000. Some lots start at ½ acre, and most homes have garages. “This community has gorgeous views of the river and surrounding countryside,” Rath says. “It feels very bucolic.” Cedar Valley is served by the Cedar Rapids Community School District, which offers open enrollment. Students can begin their education at Erskine Elementary School and move on to middle school at McKinley STEAM Academy. Both institutions have a C-plus grade from Niche. Washington High School, which has a B-plus grade, offers eligible students concurrent college credit and Advanced Placement classes. Cedar Valley is a community with only nine streets, but its location offers convenience and accessibility. It is in close proximity to Interstate 380, allowing for an easy commute. "We have a central location that enables residents to reach major surrounding cities in under four hours,” Wrath says. Public transportation is limited and most people don't use it. Mercy Medical Center Cedar Rapids is a 3-mile drive on back roads, and Eastern Iowa Airport is a 1-mile drive via I-380. Business is sparse in Cedar Valley; consequently, residents must travel outside the area for shopping and dining. For grocery runs, Hy-Vee is a 4-mile drive via local streets. According to Rath, locals head to Czech Village & New Bohemia, a vibrant shopping area. Dining favorites include Parlor City Pub & Eatery, a local watering hole and Kickstand, a biking destination that serves food and beer. Brewhemia is a cafe that serves breakfast and lunch and turns into a night bar with craft beer and appetizers. NewBo City Market is very popular with the locals. This large space houses entrepreneurs and vendors offering food and wares.

Driving through Cherry Hill Park gives one a vibe of "Hometown U.S.A.," replete with tidy lawns, tree-lined streets and American flags attached to almost every house. Streets are tree-lined, wide and have sidewalks. Streetlamps are installed every few blocks. This area, often called Stoney Point, is the second-fastest growing neighborhood in Cedar Rapids, making it desirable to homebuyers. "That's one of the reasons people move here," says Jason Vestweber, a Realtor with Skogman Realty Corridor, who has sold several homes here. "It's also a great location with proximity to downtown and Interstate 380." Older homes built in the 1960s sit beside new construction homes, and the neighborhood is very walkable. On summer evenings, residents can hear the laughter of children and the voices of strolling neighbors. This active community offers year-round recreational activities. Sixty-four-acre Cherry Hill Park sits at the center of the neighborhood and features a hiking trail, soccer fields, baseball diamonds and a pavilion. From June through early August, families can cool off at Cherry Hill Aquatic Center, the largest in Cedar Rapids. The sprawling outdoor complex features a water slide, eight 25-yard lap lanes, six 50-meter lap lanes, a 1-meter diving board and play features. Outside the pool, there's a sand play area, a shaded concession spot, changing rooms and a bathhouse with lockers. Jacolyn Park offers a peaceful retreat among the urban bustle. The 22-acre green space has lush lawns for picnicking and Frisby games, a play area and ball courts. This is a huge soccer town," Vestweber says. Community kids and adults are members at Stoney Point Soccer Club. Cherry Park offers diverse housing, catering to everyone's budget. The houses comprise a mix of different construction dates and styles. The most prevalent architectural styles are split-level, traditional and ranch-style, and prices range between $147,000 and $495,000. A three-bedroom ranch-style home built in 1965 goes for $178,000. A Ranch-style house with four bedrooms, built in 2024, sells for $460,000. The Cedar Rapids Community School District serves Cherry Hill Park and offers open enrollment. Students can walk to and/or start their educational journey at West Willow Elementary School, which has a B grade on Niche. Taft Middle School received a C-plus. Thomas Jefferson High School, which has a B-minus score, offers four years of Spanish, French, Japanese and German. All four languages also offer an AP replacement for 4th year. General Mills, ADM and PMX are significant employers in the community. "Ever since the completion of the Highway 100 bypass, commuting has been much easier," Vestweber says. It connects U.S. Route Highway 30 to Interstate 380. Despite a few Cedar Rapids Transit stops, According to Vestweber, most locals don't rely on it. Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) is a 7-mile drive taking local streets. ALDI and Fareway Meat &Grocery are just outside the boundary. Locals can go to Nick's Bar & Grill for food and gaming. Burgers, soups, appetizers and pizza are on the menu, along with a full bar. There are also 14 flatscreen TVs, dart boards and electronic games. American Skillet is a laid-back eatery serving American classics, including omelets, pancakes and burgers. For a fun day of shopping, locals can head over to The Westdale Town, an enclosed, two-level mall that has a variety of stores, restaurants and entertainment venues. Pet Playhouse, a family-run business, has been a local institution for over 30 years. “We bought the store from the original owner because we wanted to keep it running and family-owned,” says co-owner Deanna Holder. The store features small pets, pet supplies, food and vaccination clinics.

The Cleveland Area can be best described as "no frills", as it's primarily residential with only a few retail amenities. This established community is located 2 miles from downtown, offering a suburban vibe within an urban residential area. The neighborhood features wide streets with mature oak trees and well-maintained lawns. About fifty percent of the streets have sidewalks, and streetlamps are spaced every few blocks. It’s the kind of place where kids enjoy the outdoors, and residents walk their dogs. "This community is more affordable than nearby neighborhoods and offers stability, especially for families looking to settle down." says Nicole Schroeder, vice president of the Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association, who has lived in the neighborhood all her life. "We like to call our community is classic and cozy." Some homes date back to the turn of the 20th century; however, most sprung up in the 1950s. Architectural styles comprise ranch-style, bungalows, Cape Cod and traditional, and range in price from $91,000 to $208,000. Many of the houses have been remodeled to current standards. Lots are less than ¼ acre, and most homes have garages. "Homes here go very quickly," Schroeder says. Currently, the area consists of 900 households. For grocery runs, Hy-Vee is a 3-mile drive via back roads. "We don't have many restaurants here, but what we do have we like to support," Schroeder says. Leonardo's, a neighborhood staple for over 65 years, offers homemade pizza, appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and cocktails. BurgerFiend is a local favorite that serves burgers, fries, gyros, ice cream shakes, and 20 sauces and toppings. One of the latest additions to the area is El Taco Feliz, offering authentic Mexican cuisine. For additional choices, residents head downtown. The neighborhood association holds two major events each summer. The Community Safety & Wellness Fair is free and takes place in June. On the first Tuesday in August there's National Night Out. The food is potluck, and the 2024 entertainment will be provided by students from the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy. Cedar Rapids School District, which offers open enrollment, serves the Cleveland Area, and schools are within walking distance. Students can start their education at Cleveland Elementary School, which has a C-plus grade from Niche. Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy is the district's first magnet middle school and received the Magnet School of Distinction award. It has a C grade. Thomas Jefferson High School, which has a B-minus score, took top honors in 2024 at the State Academic Decathlon. These competitions test students in ten areas, including art, economics, literature, mathematics and social science. Residents can walk or bike to Cleveland Park, the only green space in the neighborhood. Recently upgraded thanks to the neighborhood association's efforts, the park features soccer and baseball fields, a picnic pavilion, a play area with swings, a manicured grassy area complete with shade trees and a seasonal splash pad. Hughes Park is 2 miles south of the boundary and features nature themed play equipment, a naturalized teaching area and a birding area in addition to typical park amenities. Veterans Memorial Stadium is the home field of the Cedar Rapids Kernels of the Midwest League. Right next door is ImOn Ice, a multi-purpose sports and recreation venue where the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders play. The complex also offers public skating, skating lessons, figure skating, youth and adult hockey leagues, speed skating, birthday parties and more. Residents can head downtown, a 2-mile drive on local streets, for arts and cultural experiences. The district is home to the Paramount Théâtre, Orchestra Iowa, the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and the National Czech & Slovak Museum. According to Schroeder, Cleveland Area does not get heavy traffic. Roads are easily accessible with Iowa Highway 100 to the southwest, Interstate 380 cutting through the city and U.S. Route 30 to the north. "We are centrally located, which enables residents to reach a major thoroughfare in less than five minutes." Two major hospitals are located nearby: Mercy Medical Center and UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's Hospital and each has an annexed urgent care. Cedar Rapids Transit does have several bus stops in town; however, most residents prefer to drive and/or walk and bike. Eastern Iowa Airport is a 7-mile drive via local streets.

Downtown Cedar Rapids, which straddles the Cedar River, has undergone a revitalization in recent years, transforming into a vibrant cultural center. Jason Vestweber, a Realtor with Skogman Realty Corridor, has sold several homes in the here and is even considering a move there himself. "Over the past [few] years, there's been a revitalization effort, and we're now turning towards the river," Vestweber says. A new bridge across the river will be completed in 2025, riverfront buildings are being constructed and the city is improving its walkability. "The industrial backdrop we used to see is gone and as many as 800 apartment buildings have gone up," Vestweber says. The city council recently approved a five-year plan to further revitalize downtown. The project will involve a combination of housing, retail and dining options. Downtown currently offers a wide range of amenities, making it a convenient place to live with its growing variety of shops, restaurants, breweries, and bars. Residents can purchase groceries from Hy-Vee and enjoy a morning cup of coffee and a bite to eat at Dash Coffee Roasters. Two of Vestweber's favorites are Black Sheep Social Club, an upscale restaurant and bar located in a former warehouse, and LP Street Food, which offers a menu inspired by American street food. Need Pizza offers New Haven-style pizzas and salads, along with 30 craft beers on tap. Pickle Palace is a multi-level, indoor/outdoor restaurant, event and recreation venue. The Paramount Theatre is a versatile venue that hosts symphonies, operas, touring shows, community productions, and various events. Additionally, the annual farmers market on select Saturday mornings features entertainment, food, and 200 market vendors. “July fourth and the weeks before it is a big deal downtown,” Vestweber says. The Freedom Festival begins each year on June 14th, and continues for the three weeks leading up to and including Independence Day. Festivities include parades, carnivals and vendors. Interstate 380 curves around the western edge and southern border, allowing for an easy commute. “We have a central location that allows residents to reach major surrounding cities in under four hours, Vestweber says. ” Downtown has several options for hospital care, including Mercy Medical Center and UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital. Cedar Rapids Transit does have several bus stops in town; however, most residents prefer to drive and/or walk and bike. Eastern Iowa Airport is an 8-mile drive via I-380. Though some single-family houses exist, downtown housing comprises condominiums in converted warehouses or new buildings on landscaped grounds. With prices ranging between $59,000 and $406,000, many condo complexes offer amenities like fitness centers and green spaces. Vestweber notes that inventory is slim. For $59,000, a buyer can get a 625-foot one-bedroom condo. On the higher end, a buyer can get a three-bedroom, 1,400-square-foot condo. Greene Square is the only park in the downtown area and looks more like a modern art installation than a recreational space. Geometric shapes meld with the clean edges of the city’s architecture. The park’s proximity to the former train depot sparked several aspects of the design concept, including the water feature’s design, which is reminiscent of a railroad track. In addition to the fountain, Greene Square is a popular spot for picnicking and gatherings. A flourishing center for arts and culture, downtown is home to the National Czech & Slovak Museum, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Paramount Théâtre, Orchestra Iowa and the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance. Students can start their academic journey at Pierce Elementary School, which has a B-minus grade. Franklin Middle School has a C-plus. Jefferson High School, which has a B-minus grade, allows eligible students to enroll in college-level courses through Kirkwood Community College’s dual credit program. Downtown Cedar Rapids is subject to flooding. “In 2008, we experienced the worst flood in Cedar Rapid’s history thanks to several days of rain,” Vestweber says. “Since then, the city has invested two to three million dollars for flood protection.”

Hugging the northwest curve of the Cedar River, Ellis Harbor is home to one of the most unique communities in Cedar Rapids — a houseboat harbor. But even those who live on dry land enjoy being seconds from the river and Ellis Park, one of the city's largest parks and golf courses. There's a harbor for recreational boats, too. There are only a few single-family homes in the neighborhood, and prices tend to be a bit above city averages here, thanks to the attractions of the river. Major roads, retail options, and downtown require a drive, but they're within a 3-mile radius. The Ellis Golf Course dates back to 1919, when it was designed by Illinois native William Langford. Today, the 18-hole course is open to the public and considered by the city to be the "Crown Jewel" of the Cedar Rapids municipal golf courses. The adjacent Ellis Park has walking trails, baseball fields, tennis courts and a sand volleyball area — all alongside the river. The public swimming pool opens in the summer, and a water ski and boat show performs regularly on the river. "There's not a lot of water in Iowa, period, so Ellis Park is really awesome and unique in that it has trails along the water," says Cory Rath, an experienced Realtor with Keller Williams Midwest Partners. "You can walk over to see the houseboats, and kids like feeding the ducks." The nearby Manhatten/Robbins Lake Park is a go-to spot for fishing, and residents who own boats can dock them at Ellis Harbor after a day on the water. The neighborhood's harbor is home to around 100 houseboats, and it's not easy to buy one. "You don't really see the houseboats come on the market," Rath says. "They mostly sell through word of mouth." But those who manage to snag a floating home become part of a tight-knit community. "This is everybody's second home, so they only come out here for the summer, but we feel like a family," says John Hansen, the city liaison for the Harbor Neighborhood Association. "On Sunday Funday, we stay in the harbor and celebrate the space with swimming and barbecues," Hansen says. "At night, there's a lot of houseboat hopping, so if you see the lights on, come on in — it's kind of an open-door policy." However, owning a houseboat comes with its challenges. Some resident haul their boats out in the winter and have to drive them miles away to a storage location. Flooding and coastal erosion are concerns, too. Since the disastrous flood in 2008, the city has tried to mitigate flooding, but homes along the river are still at risk. In FEMA's flood mapping, the coast of Ellis Harbor is designated as an AE Flood Zone, meaning there is a 1% annual chance of flooding. None of the single-family homes are in this zone, but all houseboats are. It's mostly apartment living on the land west of the harbor, with only a few pockets of single-family homes. Older sections have ranch styles and split levels from the mid-1900s, sometimes split into duplexes. Prices for these homes generally stay between $200,000 and $250,000. There's also construction from the 2010s. These new homes have nearly identical designs and fewer mature trees. Depending on size, newer homes cost between $250,000 and $450,000. As part of Cedar Rapids Community School District, kids are zoned to start at Madison Elementary School, which gets a C-plus from Niche. Then it's on to Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy, rated C, for sixth through eighth grade. Roosevelt students can follow magnet pathways in fields like STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math), leadership/entrepreneurship and global systems. Students are then zoned for Kennedy High School, rated A-minus. With 27 AP classes to choose from, Niche ranks Kennedy High as the sixth-best public high school for college prep in Iowa. Ellis Harbor residents have to travel at least 2 miles to reach any major shopping and dining. There are Hy-Vee grocery stores to the north and south. Cedar River Landing, a local dive with karaoke nights, live music and pool tables, is also 2 miles away. For more options, downtown Cedar Rapids is about 3 miles southeast and is accessible via bus lines. A commercial area less than 5 miles northwest of the neighborhood includes Aldi, Sam's Club and Walmart near the junction of Route 100 and Interstate 380. Residents can drive 9 miles to the regional Eastern Iowa Airport.

Before its annexation in 1926, Kenwood Park was its own small town, known for being a charming suburb of Cedar Rapids. Though it is now a part of the larger city, Kenwood still holds on to that charm. "Even after Kenwood was annexed, it still maintained a strong sense of neighborhood identity," says Erica Yoder, the city liaison for the Kenwood Park Neighborhood Association. "It's a friendly, safe neighborhood, and it's great for families, though we have a diversity of all ages." The location is less than 15 minutes from downtown Cedar Rapids, with easy access to Interstate 380. It's an affordable area, as the average home price, at $150,000, is about half the average for Cedar Rapids. Kenwood Park has homes that span the decades. Most are midcentury ranch homes and Cape Cods, with few homes built as recently as the 2000s. There are also some bungalows from the early 1900s, which have historic character but require a bit more upkeep. Properties with less than 1,000 square feet or fixer-uppers start around $100,000. Newer renovations with floor plans up to 2,000 square feet get as high as $250,000. Most streets don't have sidewalks, but the tight yards and a few streetlamps bring an urban feel. The average yard size is 7,500 square feet. Kids are zoned for the Kenwood Leadership Academy for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Niche rates the school a B-minus, and it is walkable from many homes in the neighborhood. The Leader in Me program encourages students to take on various responsibilities in the classroom and community. The school also provides free meals to all kids under 18 in the summer. Kenwood grads move on to Franklin Middle School, rated C-plus, and George Washington High School, rated B-plus. Kenwood Park is in the center of the neighborhood, and its pavilion is often used for kids' birthday parties or other special events. Although Noelridge Park is a mile away, it's the go-to spot in the summer because of its Aquatic Center, which has a pool, water slides and a water park area. "Noelridge is a really fun place with these extensive gardens. They have a greenhouse with exotic and tropical plants, and they decorate for different holidays throughout the year," says Cory Rath, a Realtor with Keller Williams Midwest Partners who has more than 10 years of experience selling in Cedar Rapids. Kenwood Park also borders the Elmcrest Country Club, a private golf and social club. The Kenwood Park Neighborhood Association holds monthly meetings that are open to the public. The association works with city officials to address resident concerns and promotes neighborhood unity. "We plan positive activities that help build a sense of community," says Erica Yoder, the city liaison for the Kenwood Park Neighborhood Association. "Like our trunk or treat in partnership with a local church, and our national night out where we get together and eat hot dogs and ice cream — it's a great chance for neighbors to meet neighbors." The association also works with the Kenwood Leadership Academy. In the past, it has sponsored a garden club program and helped distribute food backpacks to families in need. Other community gathering places include the local churches. There is a church every couple blocks in the area, so many residents enjoy being within walking distance of their place of worship. With string lights, stained glass and stone arches, the Irish Democrat is a classic pub with plenty of character. It's a familiar spot to grab drinks with coworkers after a long day. Right next door, the family-owned Starlite Room has a quirky old-school diner vibe. Instead of bread, the waiter brings out a bowl of popcorn, and a Zoltar machine in the corner gives out fortunes. The Blind Pig is another favorite for sandwiches and burgers inside a classic sports pub interior — neon signs, glossy high-top tables and an outdoor patio. Kenwood Park has several grocery stores within a mile radius. Fareway and Hy-Vee have big-brand staples, and New Pioneer Food Co-op is a great place to browse organic produce. Just north of the neighborhood, the Lindale Mall has a whole suite of shopping options. Downtown Cedar Rapids is 3.5 miles away, about a 10-minute drive from most homes. A bus line runs along 1st Avenue every 15 minutes, getting into the heart of the city in around 11 minutes. The neighborhood is also just a mile from Interstate 380, a major thoroughfare for north or south commutes. Some residents get to work closer to home. Collins Aerospace and Mount Mercy University are two big employers in the area. For regional flights, the Eastern Iowa Airport is 12 miles away.