Located along the banks of the Cedar River, Cedar Rapids is a thriving center for arts and culture in eastern Iowa. The city boasts Midwest charm and values, and is an economic hub with successful industry sectors including grain processing, engineering, insurance, health care, technology and education. Discover what we love most about Cedar Rapids, then discover Cedar Rapids for yourself!
Cedar Rapids boasts an unemployment of 4.6 percent, significantly lower than the 5.4 percent national average. This is just one of the many positive repercussions of a healthy and booming economic city! With a multitude of businesses both locally- and nationally-owned, the job opportunities are plentiful. Here are several of the top employers in Cedar Rapids and the number of employees at each company, in both service and manufacturing, courtesy of The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance.
The quality of a school district is often a top factor for parents considering where to live. Strong school systems attract new residents and help their cities prosper. The Cedar Rapids area has a number of schools to choose from including:
Universities
5. Top-Notch Health Care
Thanks to awesome preventative health, easy access and adoption of better living practices, residents spend 11.6 percent less than the national average on health care-related goods and services. Cedar Rapids was also recognized as one of the healthiest small cities in America in 2014, and was named one of the first Blue Zones in Iowa.
UnityPoint Health - Cedar Rapids is the largest healthcare system in the area, offering specialty clinics, Cedar Rapid’s only Heart and Vascular Institute and a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network to ensure residents have access to superior health care without having to travel far.
6. Family-Friendly City
Cedar Rapids is a big city with a small-town feel thanks to its many family-centered suburbs. It’s easy to work in the “big city” and commute back home with small towns like Atkins, Bertram, Ely, Fairfax, Hiawatha, Marion, Palo, Robins, Shueyville, Swisher, and Walford.
7. Loads of Outdoor Fun
If you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, Cedar Rapids has exactly what you’re looking for! With over 70 parks, an abundant Farmers’ Market, and four golf courses, there’s no reason to not take advantage of the great outdoors! Find your outdoor adventure from the wide variety of options below:
Parks
Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market
Dog Parks
Bike-Friendly
Indian Creek Nature Center
Morgan Creek Arboretum
8. Theater & Entertainment
If you’re always searching for something new and different, Cedar Rapids has something for you! From music to town festivals, a wide variety of fun is right at your fingertips. One of the most prominent festivals that takes place in Cedar Rapids is our Tanger Place Summer Fest. With over 75 free family-friendly activities available, there is something for everyone! For the music lovers, Jazz Under the Stars offers four free Thursday night concerts at Noelridge Park. For the art enthusiast, check out world-renowned American Gothic at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. Other available events and theaters include:
U.S. Cellular Center
Theatre Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Paramount Theater
Penguins Comedy Club
9. Restaurants & Nightlife
From a casual bite to eat to a formal night out, the downtown Cedar Rapids area has more than enough options. With a motto like Dine. Dwell. Do., it’s easy to see why people love it here! Cedar Rapids boasts more than 40 different restaurants to try and 30 different places to shop. And, if you want to live in downtown Cedar Rapids, the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance has an interactive map of places to “Dwell”.
10. History
If you’re interested in taking a glimpse into what life used to be like, Ushers Ferry Historic Village can help do just that. Educational trips are also available for students of many ages, giving them the ability to gain a bit of perspective on the way life used to be in Cedar Rapids. To learn more about the history of Cedar Rapids, visit the History Center of Linn County.
More than the town history, Cedar Rapids is home to several famous residents, one of which is Grant Wood, who is so most commonly known for creating the famous painting, American Gothic. Moving towards the Hollywood side of Cedar Rapids, we’re home to several famous actors and athletes including Zach Johnson, Kurt Warner, Elijah Wood and Ashton Kutcher!
Cedar Rapids Brag Roll
If you’re still in need of convincing, here is proof that we aren’t the only ones that think we have it all!
5th Happiest ZIP Codes In America!
10 Best Affordable Places to Live
10 Best Mid-Sized Cities for Education
#30 Smartest City In America (2013)
Top 100 Best Places to Live
America's Best Cities on the Rise
Best Places for Business & Careers
Milken Institute's 2011 Best Performing Cities
Best Places to Make New Friends
Are you considering moving to Cedar Rapids, or have you recently moved? If so, don’t forget about finding a new health care provider! UnityPoint Health - Cedar Rapids has many wonderful providers accepting new patients in the area.