$170,018Average Value$128Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
One of the fastest-growing communities in CR
Tucked between the waters of Cedar River and Prairie Creek, Cedar Rapids' Southwest Area is a difficult neighborhood to define, if only because of its size. Regardless, this fast-growing community is tied together with some key factors, including lower-than-average real estate prices, one of the largest public parks in the city and a central location. "The proximity to the corridor is a big draw," says Jill Monnahan, Realtor with Skogman Realty and resident of the Southwestern Area since 1993. "If you have a couple of people in a household, one might be working at the University of Iowa Hospital, and the other might be at the Mercy Medical Center. It's a great location for both of them." These factors and an ever-evolving landscape of new residents and developments make the Southwest Area one of Cedar Rapids' fastest-growing communities.
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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Options for classic and modern homes
Though the eastern-most sections of the area often have homes built around the turn of the 20th century, the majority of the area's homes were built in the 1950s and 60s, with Craftsman and Cape Cods standing next to bungalows, split-levels and ranch-style homes. Newer developments have begun on the neighborhood's edges, and tracts of land are regularly becoming available. Almost entirely dedicated to residential zones, homes are patterned on a neat series of grids, many connected by long stretches of sidewalks. Street parking is a common enough requirement in the older sections of town, though driveways and garages are more frequent as the community travels west. In this same direction, lawns get larger as homes become more recently built, from narrow strips of grass near Czech Village to expansive, manicured tracts of turf closer to Westwind Creek. Homes can begin in the mid-$50,000s for older fixer-uppers before climbing to the mid-$100,000s for well-maintained mid-century designs. Larger, more recently constructed houses tend to peak in the mid-$200,000s.
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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Dinner and drinks at Czech Village
Neighboring Czech Village is one of the most popular places to go shopping in Cedar Rapids if not all of Eastern Iowa. Once the commercial district of the country's first and only "Little Bohemia," this historic section of town has modernized over the years, combining with the restaurants and boutiques of nearby New Bohemia to become what many locals refer to simply as "The District." "With all of that history, you get a very Prague vibe," says Monnahan. "Not necessarily in the architecture, but in the people and what's on display." While most popular restaurants are found closer to downtown, locals still don't have to go far for a night out with The Class Act, a fine dining establishment known for its modern atmosphere based in the Kirkwood Hotel. Fast food options like McDonald's and Wendy's are easy to find, as are familiar shopping experiences like Target, Walmart and 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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Academic Decathlon champions at Jefferson High
Iowa public schools offer an open enrollment rule that allows parents to choose the right school for their child regardless of their district. Students can begin their educational career at Prairie Heights Elementary School, which has a C-plus on Niche, before attending Wilson Middle School, which has a C. Finally, they'll be able to enroll at Jefferson High School, which has a B-minus and celebrated a National Championship at the 2022 Academic Decathlon.
A view of the Jefferson High School. buildings from the street.
Wilson Middle School scores a C on Niche.
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Easy access to East Iowa Airport
Interstate 380 provides convenient access to Iowa City and beyond, including a straightforward path to downtown Cedar Rapids, some two miles north. The East Iowa Airport is seven miles southwest, a fact that frequent travelers find hard to overlook. "Having an airport 10 minutes away is so convenient," says Ashley Vanorny, city council representative for District 5 in Cedar Rapids. "That sort of thing is very valuable for anyone who travels for work." Public transportation is a popular option for locals, and the CRT bus line offers $1 fares to travel all over the city and surrounding area.
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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Baseball and sledding at Jones Park
At 236 acres, Jones Memorial Park stands out as one of the largest public parks in the Cedar Rapids area. The facility is equipped with basketball courts, tennis courts and brand-new pickleball courts. Vast expanses of green grass and mature trees surround the baseball diamond and soccer fields, leading up to a broad, sloping hill on the southern edge: a popular winter sledding spot. Once a landfill site with over 6 million tons of garbage, the aptly named Mount Trashmore has been transformed from a stink-infested pit into a popular spot to catch a breath of fresh air, complete with walking and biking trails that switchback their way to a panoramic overlook nearly 950 feet above sea level.
Explore the Cedar Rapids wilderness on the trails at Jones Memorial Park.
Your kids will love the playground at Hayes Park.
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Celebrating St. Joseph's Day
The Houby Days celebration is an annual tradition in Cedar Rapids that goes back decades, celebrating the Czech and Slovak heritage of the local populace with several days of dancing, music and local food. In a similar vein, St. Joseph's Day is observed every March with a festival weekend celebrated with traditional Czech food, a parade and glass after glass of red beer. "You know how the Irish celebrate St. Patrick's Day?" Monnahan of Skogman Realty asks. "St. Joseph's Day is basically the same idea, but for the Czechs."
Czech Village celebrates its rich heritage with charming shops and cultural events.
The Czech and Slovak Museum offers a deep dive into the history of these vibrant cultures.
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Important to know
Areas closest to the Cedar River are heavily inclined toward flooding. Though the severity can vary from year to year, the city was one of the primary focal points of the Iowa Flood of 2008, which left over 10,000 people displaced and nearly 8,000 pieces of property damaged or destroyed. The city has responded with an interim flood management system that includes barriers, dam operators and several safety precautions as it develops and funds a permanent solution.
Southwest Area combines residential tranquility with easy access to Cedar Rapids amenities.
The unique character of Cedar Rapids is reflected in its eclectic mix of shops and culture.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Matthew Lepic,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Jones Memorial Park
Sokol Park
Riverside Park
Sunner Memorial Park
Hayes Park
Stejskal Park
Transit
Airport
The Eastern Iowa
14 min drive
Bus
C St & Lauren Dr
Bus
2247 C St (Hawthorne Hills)
Bus
C St & 21st Ave
Bus
3000 J St (Cedar Valley Twnhs)
Bus
C St & 16th Ave
Bus
J St & 19th Ave
Bus
Bowling St & Wilson Ave Dr
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Southwest Area
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Southwest Area, Cedar Rapids sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Southwest Area, Cedar Rapids over the last 12 months is $166,437, up 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Don’t miss this affordable 1-bedroom, 1-bath ground-floor condo, a perfect opportunity for first-time buyers or downsizers. Enjoy easy living with a private patio and access to an inground pool, opening Memorial Day weekend — all included in the low HOA dues.Located close to Jones Park, this cozy unit offers the convenience of a private entrance, no stairs, and a prime location close to
The cap rate for this property is 13.4% This property is an incredible opportunity for any kind of investor. Two rental houses on one property. Double your rental income monthly. This very unique opportunity in the Cedar Rapids metro area. both dwellings have been COMPLETELY UPDATED!!. The property consists of a single family home TUnique opportunity in the Cedar Rapids metro area. both dwellings
Welcome to this beautifully maintained walkout ranch nestled in a peaceful SW Cedar Rapids neighborhood. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city in the bright and cozy 12' x 16' sunroom with a vaulted ceiling, featuring an Amana mini split heater for year-round comfort and step out onto the 12' x 12' deck for morning coffee. The walkout lower level offers a large recreation room complete with a dry
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Matthew Lepic,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
5,518
Median Age
39
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$61,471
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$65,192
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.3%
College Graduates
18.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.7%
% Population in Labor Force
71%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
18''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
60/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
54/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
22/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
