Community in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

We are thrilled to welcome Hunter Baldus to Greater Cedar Rapids! Hunter is the first mover through our first ever Make my Move campaign.

Hunter and his family are relocating from Denver after learning about the Cedar Rapids Make my Move campaign through a friend. Like so many “boomerangs,” he left Iowa after graduating from Wartburg College and chose to return to our region after considering several Midwest cities. He cites family and cost of living as the major factors he considered. He's saving hundreds per month on daycare and has bought a house in Cedar Rapids!

Stay tuned for more about Hunter and his family as they get settled in their new home.

I moved to Cedar Rapids from Sioux Falls this fall to be closer to family and start fresh in a new community. A friend told me about the Make Your Move program, and it helped me feel welcomed right away. As a remote worker, I appreciated the incentives that encouraged me to explore local businesses and step outside my comfort zone. I’ve enjoyed discovering new neighborhoods, meeting friendly people, and finding my rhythm here.

If you’re considering a move, take time to explore different areas—each neighborhood has its own personality. And don’t be afraid to ask questions or lean into local programs like Make Your Move. They’re a great way to connect and feel supported from day one. Cedar Rapids has been a meaningful transition, and I’m excited to keep getting involved and contribute to my new home.

When my husband and I decided to leave Chicago in 2018, we could have moved anywhere in the world... and we chose Cedar Rapids. We could not be happier with our decision.

Key factors for us choosing Cedar Rapids included affordable historic neighborhoods, charming shopping districts with locally owned unique shops and cafes, minimal commute times to anywhere in the city, serene parks and green spaces, safe and well-designed trails/bike paths, a local food co-op, and a nearby airport.

Delightful surprises upon exploring Cedar Rapids include a thriving dining scene, numerous amazing pizza places (some of the best pizza we've ever tasted!), several local breweries, booming performing and visual arts scene, and a progressive empathetic community.

Cedar Rapids truly is a welcoming and special place to call home.

When my wife and I decided to look for a place to be near family we had a lot of choices and made a lot of visits to many cool places. Metropolitan cities of size; East coast, West coast and in the MidWest. Cedar Rapids fit our needs the best for affordability, ease of travel (nine minutes to anywhere and Eastern Iowa Airport) and arts and cultural opportunities. We love exploring the architecture of downtown CR. We have learned, during walking tours, about the cities’ history. And most of all we found a community of friendly active art makers, crazy foodies and a spirit that sparks opportunity. I am creating art in an historic building with affordable studio space that is perfect, in the New Bo District. Cedar Rapids surprised us and continues to offer more than we ever expected. Love it here!

www.kinheart.art

When my husband and I made the decision to leave Chicago, we wanted a community with easy access to green space and water. Cedar Rapids easily checked both of those boxes.

The city is home to 100+ well-appointed public parks located across all four quadrants. They vary in size and amenities, but all parks are clean and well maintained. Our favorite park is Ellis Park, which is adjacent to the Cedar River that is home to the Five Seasons Ski Team and the harbor boathouses. The 416 acre park has a public golf course with a state-of-the-art clubhouse, an ADA accessible pool with a slide and diving board, and a newly upgraded Shakespeare Garden.

The city is also home to several nonprofits with hiking trails and gardens, including Prariewoods, Indian Creek Nature Center, and Brucemore, which host events throughout the year. This evening, we attended Trailside Tastings at the ICNC that offered tastings from several local microbreweries, and tomorrow night is an outdoor concert at Brucemore.

What makes these parks and events even more enjoyable is that they are easily accessible by car or bike, parking is not a problem, and most events are no-or-low cost.

You’ll have fun visiting a variety of outdoor green spaces and finding the one that is your go to spot for relaxation or entertainment.