$188,988Average Value$132Average Price per Sq Ft20Homes For Sale
The Southwest Area of Cedar Rapids is a growing community
Cedar Rapids’ Southwest Area is a growing community along the Cedar River. “It’s one of those areas that is continuing to become a little bit more popular,” says Megan Goodall, a lifelong resident and Realtor with Re/Max Concepts. She says this is partially due to the proximity to new job opportunities and expects the neighborhood to continue expanding. “I think we’ll definitely see a trend where the gap between where southwest Cedar Rapids meets Ely and the Swisher and Shueyville area…will close quite a bit.” Even with all this growth, Goodall says that one of the reasons she likes living in the Southwest Area is that it’s not heavily populated, yet there is still plenty to do. The sprawling Jones Park offers year-round recreation, and Czech Village is less than 1 mile away.
Southwest Area in Cedar Rapids is known for its peaceful atmosphere and friendly neighbors.
Craftsman homes in the Southwest Area offer inviting front porches and handcrafted details.
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Homes include early-20th-century bungalows and New Traditional houses
Sidewalks line residential streets, where oak trees dot grassy front lawns. Most lots fall between 3,000 square feet and half an acre. While many homes come with wide driveways or garages, there is room for street parking. Older, 19th- and early-20th-century properties include bungalows, Craftsman and National Folk-style houses. Split-level and ranch-style homes are from the mid to late 20th century, and there are some New Traditional homes. “The southwest side of Cedar Rapids is a lot more affordable than if you continue to go farther south towards North Liberty, Coralville and Iowa City,” Goodall says. “As you get farther south and closer to the University [of Iowa], that’s where you’re going to see an increase in price.” Most homes range from $120,000 to $350,000, depending on size and condition. Houses larger than 3,000 square feet can cost between $360,000 and $520,000. Investment properties cost as little as $30,000.
Southwest Area's ranch-style homes offer single-story comfort with plenty of outdoor space.
Split-level homes in the Southwest Area combine functional design with modern style.
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Czech Village and New Bohemia have nearby shops, eateries and events
The neighboring Czech Village is one of two historic communities that make up The District, Cedar Rapids’ Main Street. Boutiques like Found + Formed, as well as restaurants and bars, are located in buildings that date back to the 1800s. Lucky’s on Sixteenth’s serves breakfast all day. Lion Bridge Brewing Co. makes small batches of artisanal beer, including Compensation, which won gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival in 2014 and 2016. Houby Days is an annual celebration of the area’s Czech heritage with a parade, dancing, music and a koláce-eating competition. The other half of The District, New Bohemia, is located across the river. At the NewBo City Market, vendors sell a variety of goods, including food and clothes. “A lot of new businesses that want to try something out, they may take a lease in NewBo Market,” Goodall says. “They try out their business and see how well it goes. If it goes very well, sometimes they will branch out into a storefront.” There are plenty of dining options in the rest of the Southwest Area. Locally owned establishments include Abelardo’s Mexican Fresh, but there are also fast-food restaurants. Hy-Vee is one grocery store in the area, but locals also shop at Walmart or Aldi.
Explore the vibrant heart of Czech Village, known for its unique boutiques and cafes.
Spend a day in Czech Village, where shopping and dining create a vibrant cultural journey.
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Students attend Cedar Rapids or College Community schools
Most of the Southwest Area is part of the Cedar Rapids Community School District, which receives an overall B from Niche. Grant Elementary School and Wilson Middle School both receive a C. The Academic Decathlon team at the B-minus-rated Jefferson High School has won the state title every year since 2000 and won the National Championship in 2022. Some homes are zoned for the College Community School District, which has an overall rating of B-minus. Both districts have open enrollment, and Cedar Rapids also offers school choice through in-district permits and magnet programs.
A view of the Jefferson High School. buildings from the street.
Wilson Middle School scores a C on Niche.
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Interstate 380 leads to Iowa City and downtown Cedar Rapids
Interstate 380 passes through the Southwest Area, providing a direct route to Iowa City , about 25 miles away. Besides driving, locals can ride their bikes or take a Cedar Rapids Transit bus to Downtown Cedar Rapids , 3 miles away. Eastern Iowa Airport is about an 8-mile, or 10-minute, drive. The closest emergency room is at Mercy Medical Center, about 3 miles away. Google and QTS announced they are building data centers about 5 miles away, in the Big Cedar Industrial Park. Both are expected to open in 2026.
Eastern Iowa Airport offers convenient flights and services for travelers in the Southwest Area.
Public transportation in Southwest Area provides convenient access to city amenities and beyond.
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Locals spend time at the sprawling Jones Park and Mount Trashmore
The 236-acre Jones Park is one of the largest public parks in the city. Its pickleball courts, softball diamonds and soccer fields are open year-round. The swimming pool and splash pad are open during the summer, and cross-country skiers visit the park in the winter. The aptly named Mount Trashmore is a former landfill that has been transformed into a system of hiking trails. The overlook at the top includes a playground with a zipline and offers panoramic views of the city. People of all ages sled down the steep hill during the winter. Cedar Rapids Public Library’s Busse Branch is opening less than 1 mile away in fall 2026. Once finished, it will be twice the size of the Ladd Branch, which currently serves the west side of Cedar Rapids.
Explore the Cedar Rapids wilderness on the trails at Jones Memorial Park.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Southwest Area neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Southwest Area
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Southwest Area Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Southwest Area, Cedar Rapids sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Southwest Area, Cedar Rapids over the last 12 months is $169,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming & Move-In Ready! This cozy 3-bedroom, 1-bath home is perfect for first-time buyers or anyone looking for a well-maintained property in a great neighborhood right off Wilson Ave. Step inside to find fresh paint throughout, an updated kitchen, and a remodeled bathroom. Outside, enjoy an oversized tandem two-stall garage (22x32) with an additional 2-car parking slab, providing plenty of
** Offer has been received. Please submit highest and best asap and adjust showings as needed. ** Discover this updated Craftsman home on the SW side of Cedar Rapids—full of charm, space, and hard-to-find features under $200K. Step inside to classic built-ins, bright natural light, and modern upgrades including newer red siding, white windows, and a newer roof. The second floor offers two
Here is a great investment farm with development potential. This property sits between Old River Rd SW and the College Farms housing development with great access to Highway 30 and Interstate 380. At 135 acres m/l, the property features crop land, timber, and a 4+ acre pond. For the real estate developer, this would be a great expansion of a neighborhood in the Urban Low Intensity area. There is
Mitchell DellamuthWhitetail Properties Real Estate
This move in ready home has had many updates, including flooring, bathroom updates, lighting and some electrical updates, roof in 2020, shed in 2020, siding in 2024, water heater, paint and more. The yard is fenced in the front and back and location is great with only being minutes away from I380 and Edgewood. This is a great home for a first time homebuyer, investor or even someone looking to
Find your relaxing oasis in Cedar Rapids, IA! Located in the southwest part of the city, we have 1 and 2-bedroom apartments plus 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes.
This complex offers: •1 & 2 Bedroom Units•Convenient location to Kirkwood Comm. College & I-380•Large Open Concept Living Space•Select Units feature: fireplace, dishwasher, patio/balcony & double closets.•Central Heating System•Air Conditioning•Laundry Facilities On-site•Off Street Parking•Garages Included
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
