Center Point offers small-town living in rural Iowa
Center Point offers small-town living in the countryside, about 18 miles north of Cedar Rapids. With a population of about 2,500, residents come home to quiet, tree-lined streets with a mix of century-old homes and new builds. A walkable stretch of Main Street showcases historic brick buildings, American flags hanging from light poles, a post office, a public library and a handful of restaurants and shops. “I love the community here,” says Realtor Jaime Whitehead of Re/Max, who’s lived in Center Point for more than 40 years. “It seems like everyone knows each other. If anyone’s ever in trouble or a dog gets loose, the whole community is watching out for you.”
Center Point has been steadily growing over the past few decades, adding about 500 new residents since 2000. Whitehead says that’s largely because the town has good public schools and is within commuting distance of both Cedar Rapids and Waterloo. “The town is growing, but it still has that small-town feel,” Whitehead says.
Mix of ranch-style homes, cottages and newer builds
Center Point’s residential areas offer a blend of modest ranch-style homes and cottages dating back to the first half of the 20th century. Some newer subdivisions have popped up in the southern section of town, with homes built in the last 15 years. “We’ve got a mix of newer homes and some older starter homes. It’s a little more affordable than Cedar Rapids or Marion,” Whitehead says. Landscaped lawns and generous lot sizes that offer privacy and room to roam. Properties range from cozy single-family homes to larger acreages on the fringes of town, where the streets extend out toward the countryside. Prices range from around $100,000 to $500,000, with older fixer-uppers selling at the low end and newer homes selling at the high end.
The local district includes four schools with a B-plus or better
The Center Point-Urbana School District serves Center Point. “The school district is a big draw — that’s part of why the town has been growing so quickly. We just passed a $20 million bond measure to update some of the facilities so we can accommodate all the new students,” Whitehead says. Students attend Center Point-Urbana Primary School for kindergarten through second grade and Center Point-Urbana Intermediate for third through fifth grade. Both schools earn B-plus ratings from Niche. The next step is Center Point-Urbana Middle School, rated A-minus, followed by Center Point-Urbana High School, rated B-plus. CPU High School is known for its award-winning marching band, which has performed at regional competitions and community events.
Parks offer trails, playgrounds and sports courts
Center Point boasts several well-maintained parks that serve as community gathering spots and recreational havens. Fross Park is a favorite for families, featuring playgrounds, picnic shelters and nature trails. “It has an amazing walking trail, a splash pad, a skate park and a community garden,” Whitehead says. Wakema Park offers a leafy setting with a playground, grassy fields and basketball courts. The town is also an access point for the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, a 52-mile bike and walking path that connects Hiawatha to Evansdale. It passes through scenic countryside, forests and skirts the edge of the Cedar River. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area, a 1,900-acre park that surrounds Pleasant Creek Lake less than 10 miles south of town.
Local restaurants serve comfort food, coffee and Mexican fare
It may be a small town, but residents can enjoy plenty of local restaurants. Bully’s North serves up hearty American fare in a lively pub atmosphere, and Apple Creek Coffee Co. offers fresh-brewed coffee and homemade pastries. Families frequent Pizza Place for classic pies and comfort food, while Antonio’s Mexican Grill is known for authentic flavors and generous portions. For groceries, residents rely on nearby options like Center Point Foods and Dollar General. Larger chains, entertainment and nightlife are found in Cedar Rapids.
Walkable with quick access to Interstate 380
Center Point is laid out in a traditional street grid, making it highly walkable, especially around Main Street. For commuters, the town’s location just off Interstate 380 provides quick access to Cedar Rapids, less than 20 miles south, and Waterloo, about 40 miles northwest. The nearest hospital is St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, offering comprehensive medical services. For air travel, residents rely on Eastern Iowa Airport, also in Cedar Rapids, making for convenient regional and national trips.
