Hiawatha is a growing community north of Cedar Rapids
Founded in 1950, Hiawatha has grown from a midcentury town into an established suburb. As Cedar Rapids' suburban sprawl stretches northward, the Linn County community continues to attract new homebuyers. “It’s an up-and-coming neighborhood, and we are expanding,” says Z Maryland, a local Realtor with Pinnacle Realty who has seven years of selling experience in the area. “It’s a nice, family-oriented area, where you can grow, rest and relax.” Beyond its quiet streets and curb appeal, residents value the community's proximity to major roadways, day-to-day comforts and abundant recreation.
Housing ranges from mid-1900s split-levels to newly build ranch styles
Residential roads stretch through the southern and northern portions of the community, separated by a central commercial sector. Ranch and split-level-style homes built during the mid-to-late 20th century fill much of the southern half. These sit close together, back from neat sidewalks and underneath the canopies of mature trees. Development stretching toward the north features ranch and New Traditional styles built over the past 25 years. These properties are on slightly larger lots and within subdivisions with empty lots still available. “There are lots of beautiful homes popping up there,” Maryland says. The median sales price is around $340,000, less than the nearby suburb of Marion, where the median is $382,000.
Parks, Twin Pine Golf Course and indoor recreation keep locals active
The area has several maintained green spaces, including Guthridge Park. “It’s a very fun place and there are lots of things to do there,” Maryland says. The park’s amenities include a splash pad, playground and baseball diamonds that host Little League baseball practices and games. Noelridge Park on Council Street Northeast has an aquatic park, walking trail and greenhouse full of different species of plants. Twin Pine Golf Course offers an 18-hole course open to the public, and AirFX Trampoline Park features an indoor trampoline course, mini-golf, laser tag and other activities.
Cedar Rapids Community School District offers School of Choice
Hiawatha Elementary School serves most of the community and has a B-minus on Niche. Harding Middle School has a B, and John F. Kennedy High School scores an A-minus. The high school partners with Kirkwood Career Academies, allowing students to earn college credits for courses in patient care, dental assisting, agricultural sciences and more. Cedar Rapids Community School District also participates in open enrollment, allowing students to apply and attend any school within the district.
Interstate 380 and State Route 100 support local and regional travel
Interstate 380 passes through the area, linking residents to downtown Cedar Rapids, 6 miles south. State Route 100 serves as the main east-west thoroughfare. “We complain about our traffic here, but compared to other cities, the ‘traffic’ is just waiting at a stoplight,” Maryland says. Both expressways are under renovation as part of a community-wide expansion project, with completion dates slated for fall 2026. TransLoc bus stops are available on main roads, offering routes throughout the greater Cedar Rapids metro area.
Residents shop and dine in both Hiawatha and northern Cedar Rapids
Hiawatha’s suburban setting provides residents quick access to locally owned restaurants like Lucky Penny, a popular spot for traditional bar grub and craft beer. Groceries are available at Aldi and Sam’s Club in a shopping center on the community’s southern edge alongside a Walmart Supercenter. Maryland says that residents also shop and dine across northern Cedar Rapids. She calls out a favorite, Delhicacy, an Indian restaurant. "The food is phenomenal,” she says. Lindale Mall offers dozens of indoor retailers, and surrounding strip malls feature a selection of big-box stores.
Seasonal events like HiBRAI brings neighbors together
In late August, Hiawatha Parks and Recreation hosts Hiawatha Bike Ride Around Iowa (HiBRAI). Participants of the two-day event bike a 52-mile route around the area to raise money for the department. “Locals volunteer their homes as resting spots for the bikers,” Maryland says. Other seasonal festivities include winter holiday celebrations and a free summer concert series.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
