Sarah Michelle was on a cross-country road trip when she found herself between Ohio and Omaha, Nebraska, in need of a hotel room. A stopover in Cedar Rapids was a logical choice. 

“Soon after,” she says, “my internet algorithms flooded my feed with stories and statistics about Cedar Rapids being one of the happiest cities in the country, one of the most entrepreneurial, one of the best places to be single and one of the most affordable places to buy a nice home.” 

What one Cedar Rapids transplant loves about her new life in Iowa. 

A smiling woman in casual attire stands before a colorful wing mural, creating a joyful and uplifting atmosphere.

In the image, a woman stands in front of a vibrant mural depicting large, colorful wings. She wears a cheerful smile and a casual outfit, with a reddish-brown jacket, a patterned top, and blue jeans. The wings in the mural are painted in shades of pink, blue, and yellow, creating a striking contrast against the darker background of the mural.

The mood of the photo is uplifting and joyful. The combination of the woman's smile and the whimsical, ethereal wings suggests a sense of freedom and imagination. It evokes feelings of happiness, playfulness, and a sense of possibility, as if the woman is embracing her inner strength or spirit. The vibrant colors and artistic elements add to the overall positive and fun atmosphere of the scene.

Jule Day

Why I Love Living in Cedar Rapids, IA — And You Will, Too