The Top Ten Reasons To Move To Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Okay, this list was very hard to put together. It was difficult to choose just ten reasons to move to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I grew up here in the sixties, moved away in the eighties, and came back in 2004, to find this city alive and teeming with excitement. The future of this community has never been brighter and we owe this to our city leaders and people that make this city what it is today and what it will aspire to be tomorrow. So, here we go...
Reason #10 Have you ever been so lucky to sit down at a dinner table and experience what its like to eat Iowa sweet corn? Do you know what peaches 'n cream is??? Have you ever had an Iowa pork chop or award winning beef from The Amana Colonies? Of course I'm talking about food. Iowa is perhaps one of the most sought after destinations for comfort food. My wife, who is from New Orleans would have a serious disagreement with me on this one, but she hasn't seen this blog yet, so I'm safe... for now!
Reason #9 The weather in Cedar Rapids could not be any sweeter. This is the city of Five Seasons, with the fifth season being the season to enjoy the other four. The summers are glorious, with temperatures rarely going above the 80's. The fall is a color wheel of browns, oranges, reds, and greens with crisp mornings, and comfortable afternoons. The winter brings with it a fair amount of snow and chilly temperatures. This is where you get to experience a lot of #2 on my list. The spring introduces new life to the city with green grass, flowers and annuals peaking above the ground, and blossoms on the trees. The slower pace of life in Cedar Rapids allows us to experience the fifth season; well, you know what that is!
Reason #8 Sports are a fixture in any community and something that brings a city together or can slightly divide them. High schools sports are very well attended by the community of Cedar Rapids. If you've just moved here, go to one of our local sporting events and you'll see what I mean. We also have a minor league hockey team, the Cedar Rapids Roughriders. Also, we have the Class A Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Cedar Rapids Kernels (which by the way have unveiled their new team logo). Also, the Field of Dreams is only a rocks throw away in Dyersville, Iowa. "Is this heaven? No, it's Iowa." That quote still gives me chills.
Reason #7 Our parks systems is wide and expansive with parks located in all quadrants of the city. The parks are alive and well most of the year until old man winter rears it's ugly head. My favorite park is Bever Park on the southeast side of Cedar Rapids. In the early sixties and seventies this park housed lions, and tigers and bears, oh my! Now, it has Old McDonald's Farm, which houses farm animals and a petting zoo and bird sanctuary.
Reason #6 The fields are alive, with the sound of muuuuuuuuusic! Sorry Ms. Andrews, I just had to do it! The arts are alive and well in this community with several performing arts theatres located in downtown Cedar Rapids. Also, Iowa City is twenty five minutes away and carries the larger performing arts series.
Reason #5 Every neighborhood I have ever been a part of in this city has been special to me. The communities are a big reason why this city is so special. You know how they have a neighborhood watch night once a year nationally. Well, this is an everyday occurence in Cedar Rapids. Your neighbors welcome you and actually get to know you by your first name. Gasp! Imagine that!
Reason #4 When I lived in a suburb of Austin, Texas, my wife and I commuted to our jobs in central Austin. Our commute was over an hour, each way! That's ten hours of driving each week and more trips to the gas station than I care to imagine. I live in Marion, Iowa and my trip to Skogman Realty in downtown Cedar Rapids takes about twenty minutes. If you are moving here from a big city, you will find the so called "rush hour" somewhat of a comedic event. There is no such thing and if you do wind up in the occasional five or six cars at the stoplight, just think where you came from and continue to tap your fingers on the steering wheel!
Reason #3 Being a former elementary school teacher, education is paramount to me and my family. My children will always know the value of a good education and they get that in Cedar Rapids. With an award winning school district and surrounding districts that are equally as good, education is a priority with Cedar Rapidians.
Reason #2 When someone smiles at you in the grocery store, you smile back, right? This happens all the time in our fair city. People are so friendly and giving of their time, it makes you proud to be part of something so special. It's who we are and where we live that make the people of this community so special. Cedar Rapids hospitality is legendary around the midwest and spreading soon to a community near you!
Reason #1 If I could look into a crystal ball and see the future of this city, I would envision a growing city that retains its small town values and coziness. I would envision a city with continued opportunities for growth in our workforce. I would continue to see this city as a safe place to raise our children and educate them. I would see the future of this city as one of the top ten reasons to move to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Should you and your family ever need to speak with someone about the possibility of moving to this wonderful city, I would be honored to represent you in buying a home. Please call me at 319-329-5988 or visit my award winning website at www.ChristopherSmithRealtor.com. You'll be glad you did!