Recently, a website called Livability put together a list of 100 of the best, most affordable cities in the United States. Number 8 on that list was Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The list took several different variables into account, including: median household income, consumer spending, income equality, entertainment options and economic conditions.
As the largest corn processing city in the country, many see Cedar Rapids as a very industrial, factory-oriented place – but the city has managed to create a unique culture all its own, as well as a bustling downtown area, beautiful parks and more.
Cedar Rapids is one of the best, most affordable cities in the country, but if you still need convincing, here are 12 reasons to drop everything and move there today:
- Cedar Rapids has a low cost of living and cheap housing.
Corey Munson/Wikimedia Commons An analysis of Cedar Rapids showed that most residents spend around 24 percent of their income on housing, the cost of which is quite a bit below average, and they pay about 3 percent less for utilities.
- Cedar Rapids is known for its excellent educational system.
WBEZ/Flickr From elementary to high school, the public schools in Cedar Rapids have consistently topped the lists for best in education.
- You wont have to deal with a long commute if you live here.
Brad Covington/Flickr The average commute in Cedar Rapids is 17 minutes.
- The downtown area is absolutely beautiful.
Davumaya/Wikimedia Commons The city of Cedar Rapids has partnered with private investors to spend more than $1 billion on revitalization of the downtown area. From historic buildings that have been given a breath of new life to brand new, innovative restaurants, the downtown area has a little bit of everything to offer.
- Fresh food can be found around every corner.
Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers’ Market/Facebook The Farmers Market in downtown Cedar Rapids has become one of the largest open-air markets in the Midwest, with over 200 Iowa vendors and an average of 14,000 patrons visiting each market. You wont have any trouble finding fresh food here.
- Cedar Rapids has an abundance of local beer.
Yelp There are several different breweries in town, from Lion Bridge Brewing (shown above) to Third Base Brewing to Turner Alley Brewing and more, you’ll never go thirsty around here.
- There are plenty of delicious, unique eateries to enjoy.
Trip Advisor From upscale spots like The Class Act (shown above) to one-of-a-kind joints like The Lost Cuban, the wide range of flavors will leave your palate satisfied at all times.
- Cedar Rapids has some of the best museums in the state.
Trip Advisor From the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (shown above) to the Iowa Masonic Library and Museum, Cedar Rapids has a hopping museum scene.
- There is loads of culture to soak up.
Davumaya/Wikimedia Commons The Czech Village, Little Bohemia, is a historic and cultural district in the heart of town that offers visitors a unique taste of Czech culture at the various shops, restaurants and museum.
- There’s plenty of history to take in as well.
Ushers Ferry Historic Village/Facebook Ushers Ferry features 20 historic buildings that depict life in a small Iowa town between the years of 1890 and 1910. Visitors can take a guided tour through the village, and see what life was like in a different time.
- But there are still plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.
Trip Advisor Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids offers area residents access to trails, as well as woodland, prairie and wetland areas, where they can really connect with nature.
- Not to mention, some of the most beautiful parks around.
Zeb Hodge/Flickr Noelridge Greenhouse and Park (shown above) is one of the most spectacular areas in Cedar Rapids, and the perfect place to spend a spring afternoon.
What do you think? Is it time to pack up and move to Cedar Rapids?
Corey Munson/Wikimedia Commons
An analysis of Cedar Rapids showed that most residents spend around 24 percent of their income on housing, the cost of which is quite a bit below average, and they pay about 3 percent less for utilities.
WBEZ/Flickr
From elementary to high school, the public schools in Cedar Rapids have consistently topped the lists for best in education.
Brad Covington/Flickr
The average commute in Cedar Rapids is 17 minutes.
Davumaya/Wikimedia Commons
The city of Cedar Rapids has partnered with private investors to spend more than $1 billion on revitalization of the downtown area. From historic buildings that have been given a breath of new life to brand new, innovative restaurants, the downtown area has a little bit of everything to offer.
Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers’ Market/Facebook
The Farmers Market in downtown Cedar Rapids has become one of the largest open-air markets in the Midwest, with over 200 Iowa vendors and an average of 14,000 patrons visiting each market. You wont have any trouble finding fresh food here.
Yelp
There are several different breweries in town, from Lion Bridge Brewing (shown above) to Third Base Brewing to Turner Alley Brewing and more, you’ll never go thirsty around here.
Trip Advisor
From upscale spots like The Class Act (shown above) to one-of-a-kind joints like The Lost Cuban, the wide range of flavors will leave your palate satisfied at all times.
From the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (shown above) to the Iowa Masonic Library and Museum, Cedar Rapids has a hopping museum scene.
The Czech Village, Little Bohemia, is a historic and cultural district in the heart of town that offers visitors a unique taste of Czech culture at the various shops, restaurants and museum.
Ushers Ferry Historic Village/Facebook
Ushers Ferry features 20 historic buildings that depict life in a small Iowa town between the years of 1890 and 1910. Visitors can take a guided tour through the village, and see what life was like in a different time.
Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids offers area residents access to trails, as well as woodland, prairie and wetland areas, where they can really connect with nature.
Zeb Hodge/Flickr
Noelridge Greenhouse and Park (shown above) is one of the most spectacular areas in Cedar Rapids, and the perfect place to spend a spring afternoon.
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