Robins offers quiet living and new homes north of Cedar Rapids
With just over 3,500 residents, Robins is one of the fastest-growing small cities in the Cedar Rapids suburbs. It offers a small-town atmosphere and newly built homes in a bucolic setting only 10 miles north of Downtown Cedar Rapids. Robins has doubled in population since 2000, and today, it’s one of the most affluent small cities in the region. Well-rated schools, community parks, and several large churches round out the appeal for new residents. “It’s a bedroom community to Cedar Rapids,” says Realtor Wendy Votroubek of Skogman Realty, a lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids. “It’s almost all residential, but it’s zoned for a desirable school district and it’s only two miles from Collins Aerospace, which is one of the city’s largest employers.”
Home prices range widely, with newer builds at the top
Robins has an abundance of recently built subdivisions, most constructed between the late 1990s and today. Modern ranch-style homes, Traditional homes and contemporary homes are all found here, although some older cottages and ranch-style homes are available that date back to the early and mid-20th century. “Because it’s a little further out from the city, the lot sizes tend to be a little bit larger, and you have some newer, high-end homes as well,” Votroubek says. Streets are typically quiet and lined with sidewalks, landscaped lawns and mature trees. The town is almost entirely residential, and more than 95% of residents are homeowners. Prices range from around $250,000 to $750,000, with larger, newer homes taking top dollar.
Public schools near Robins range from B-minus to A-minus
Students can start their education at Nixon Elementary School in the neighboring town of Hiawatha. Niche gives it a B-minus. The next step is B-rated Harding Middle School, followed by John F. Kennedy High School, which earns an A-minus. The high school is known for its award-winning athletics programs, which have taken home numerous state championships over the years. Clubs and extracurriculars include an Electric Car club, where students build and race a one-person electric vehicle against other schools with similar programs. “The schools are definitely a factor for people moving to Robins,” Votroubek says.
East Knoll and South Troy parks provide family-friendly spaces
Locals have several parks nearby, including East Knoll Park, the city’s newest park. It features two picnic shelters, playgrounds, basketball courts and a walking path that skirts its grassy meadows. South Troy Park, also within the city, has a playground, baseball diamonds and offers an access point to the popular Cedar Valley Nature Trail. At 52 miles, it’s one of the region’s most active trails and passes through scenic countryside and forests on its way from Cedar Rapids to Waterloo. “It’s extremely popular. I wouldn’t say it’s a reason that people are moving here, but it’s certainly a perk,” Votroubek says.
Farmers' market and brewpub offer weekend gathering spots
There are a few restaurants in Robins. Lebowski’s Bar & Grill is a local pub loosely themed around The Big Lebowski, a cult film from the late 1990s. Dry Creek Brew at 100 Main offers beer and snacks in a historic, refurbished home with expansive outdoor seating. On Sundays during the summertime, locals can stop by Robins Farmers’ Market at South Troy Park for fresh produce and food vendors. For everything else, it’s about 4 miles to shopping and dining destinations in the northern section of Cedar Rapids. “There aren’t many amenities in Robins, but it’s very close to shopping in the north of the city,” Votroubek says.
Interstate access and a nearby airport make travel convenient
Interstate 380 runs north-to-south along Robins’ western edge, offering a direct route into Cedar Rapids. It also connects with Waterloo, about 48 miles northwest. The nearest bus line runs just south of Robins along Boyson Road. Those in need of medical care are about 9 miles from Mercy Medical Center, the largest hospital in the city. Frequent flyers can catch their flights at East Iowa Airport, about 18 miles south.
