Cedar Rapids, IA Rent To Own Homes

Rent-to-Own Homes in Cedar Rapids, IA: Everything You Need to Know 

The second-largest city in Iowa, Cedar Rapids is known as the “City of Five Seasons” due to the beautiful landscape changes that occur throughout the year. The people of Cedar Rapids note they need a fifth season to be sure to enjoy the other four.

The Cost of Living in Cedar Rapids

The overall cost of living in Cedar Rapids is 18% less expensive than the national average. Much of this is due to the modest median home price of $132,000. This is by far less than the national median home price of $231,500. Residents of Cedar Rapids will find that nearly all necessary living expenses (groceries, utilities, etc.), except healthcare, are more economical when compared to other parts of the state or the national average. The sales tax rate here is 7%, and the income tax rate is 9%.

The Local Weather and Climate

Cedar Rapids has hot, humid summers, often with severe rainstorms along with thunder and lightning. The city also has long winters, often with heavy snow and biting cold. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 13ºF, and July is the warmest month, with average highs of 85ºF.

Getting Around in Cedar Rapids

The majority of Cedar Rapids’ residents travel by personal car or bicycle. For those seeking to commute or otherwise travel via public transportation, Cedar Rapids Transit offers fourteen bus routes around the various neighborhoods. Three airports serve the city – Eastern Iowa Airport, Cedar Rapids Municipal Airport, and Cedar Rapids Eastern Iowa Airport.  

Schools and Higher Education

With more than 16,000 students enrolled in 31 schools, the Cedar Rapids Community School District is the second-largest district in Iowa. Students from k-12 attend one of the four high schools, six middle schools, or twenty-one elementary schools that span an area covering more than 120 square miles in size. 

Four colleges are located within the Cedar Rapids city limits. Of these, three are four-year degree colleges (Coe College, Mount Mercy University, and Purdue Global Cedar Rapids Campus), and one is the local community college (Kirkwood Community College). The University of Iowa, renowned for its academic and sports programs, is a short 23 miles away.

Things to Do in Cedar Rapids

There is much to see and do for both residents and tourists visiting Cedar Rapids. Among the top sites to see is Brucemore, a 26-acre estate that permits visitors to explore the site’s mansion, grounds, and gardens. The site is a veritable walk through the city’s history. Other top spots include the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Iowa Museum of African-American Art, and the Cedar Greenbelt National Recreation Trail.