Moving to or from Cedar Rapids?
Iowa's second-largest city and home to Collins Aerospace. The most-intact Czech immigrant community in the US (Czech Village, NewBo). Rebuilding from the devastating 2008 flood and the 2020 derecho. And the Grant Wood art legacy — American Gothic's painter lived here.
- 135,000 City population
- 275,000 Metro area
- 1838 Founded
- Eastern Iowa (Cedar River) Region
Why people move to Cedar Rapids.
- Collins Aerospace (Rockwell Collins) HQ — aviation electronics leader
- National Czech & Slovak Museum — largest of its kind in the US
- Grant Wood (American Gothic) lived and worked here
- 2008 flood and 2020 derecho — shaped modern Cedar Rapids
- Quaker Oats Company mill and American dietary history
- One of the most Czech-American cities in the country
Cedar Rapids was devastated by two historic natural disasters in just 12 years — the 2008 Cedar River flood (500-year event) and the August 2020 derecho (a 100-year straight-line wind storm with 140 mph gusts). The derecho knocked down 65% of the city's tree canopy and damaged 75% of buildings in a single night. Recovery continues today.
Where people live in Cedar Rapids.
A quick guide to Cedar Rapids's most moved-to neighborhoods.
-
Czech Village / NewBo
Historic Czech immigrant district with market and restaurants.
-
Kingston Hill / Wellington Heights
Historic residential.
-
Ellis Park area
Family-oriented near parks.
-
Marion (separate city)
Cedar Rapids suburb.
-
Hiawatha (separate city)
Northern Cedar Rapids suburb.
-
Downtown
Core rebuilt after 2008 flood.
Where people spend their time in Cedar Rapids.
- National Czech & Slovak Museum Czech Village
- Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (Grant Wood) Downtown
- Brucemore (Gilded Age estate) Central
- Paramount Theatre Downtown
- Indian Creek Nature Center North Cedar Rapids
- NewBo City Market NewBo
Planning a Cedar Rapids move.
- Derecho storms and tornado season are real Midwest risks.
- Cedar River flooding affects parts of downtown.
- Winter snow and ice storms require buffer.
- Iowa DOT registration is required.
Moving in Cedar Rapids: FAQ.
How much does it cost to move within Cedar Rapids?
Local moves run $650–$2,200 for 1–2 bedroom and $2,100–$4,900 for 3–4 bedroom. Cedar Rapids is among the cheaper US metros.
Is derecho damage still visible?
Yes. The August 2020 derecho destroyed an estimated 65% of Cedar Rapids's tree canopy and damaged thousands of buildings. Recovery has been substantial but some sections still show the scars. Newer trees are still small.
Do Cedar Rapids movers need a state license?
Yes. Iowa DOT registration is required.
When's the best time to move to Cedar Rapids?
May–June and September–October.
Let's find the right mover for your Cedar Rapids move.
Free advice from people who know the Cedar Rapids market. No obligation, no spam, no sales pressure.
Replies within 1 hour during business hours, 9am to 5pm ET, Mon-Fri.