Cedar Rapids, Iowa, often called “The City of Five Seasons,” is the second-largest city in Iowa behind Des Moines. Located on the banks of the Cedar River, it is called The City of Five Seasons because the "fifth" season is a time to relax and enjoy the other four – and indeed, it is a city that emphasizes a work-life balance where residents enjoy all of the beauty and amenities that the area has to offer. Cedar Rapids serves as a major art and cultural hub for Eastern Iowa and is home to several museums, theatres, and libraries. It’s also an important center for higher education and is a city that offers plenty of business opportunities, and much to see and do for visitors and residents alike. For so many reasons, Cedar Rapids would make a wonderful place to call home!
A Look at the History of Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids was officially incorporated in 1849 and was named for the rapids in the Cedar River. Shortly after its founding, the arrival of the railroads increased and encouraged its growth, and it has experienced fairly steady growth ever since. The city has long been an important center of industry and agriculture, and over time, grew into a very diverse and welcoming city with a thriving arts and culture scene, as well as a smaller, but vibrant LGBTQ community that is encouraged and supported for all that it adds to the city.
A Few Fun Facts About Cedar Rapids
Read more fun facts about Cedar Rapids here.
Cedar Rapids’s LGBTQ Community
Cedar Rapids is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Cedar Rapids is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
Tanager Place LGBTQ Youth Center
The Tanager Place LGBTQ Youth Center is a community center that seeks to serve, celebrate, and encourage LGBTQ youth in the greater Cedar Rapids area. The group accomplishes this mission by offering events, support services, educational opportunities, resources, and more.
What's the Weather Like in Cedar Rapids?
Those who live in Cedar Rapids can expect to experience all four distinct seasons each year. Winters can be cold and snowy, with temperatures typically dropping to around 11ºF in January. Summers are usually mild and pleasant, with the high temperature in July usually rising to an average of 84ºF. Spring and fall are also wonderful times to enjoy the outdoors, and between blooming flowers and the bright colors of changing leaves, there is plenty of natural beauty to enjoy in both seasons. Cedar Rapids receives around 36 inches of rain, on average, each year, and about 28 inches of snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in Cedar Rapids
CR Pridefest is the largest annual LGBTQ pride celebration in the area, and it’s one celebration you’ll want to put on your calendar. This annual celebration draws wonderful, friendly crowds each year, and includes family-friendly entertainment, plenty of vendors, excellent performances, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends and have fun!
The Best Neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids
Unlike some larger cities, Cedar Rapids doesn’t have one specific “gayborhood,” or area where most of the LGBTQ population lives. Because much of the city is very LGBT-friendly, there’s no gay neighborhood per se. Instead, many gays and lesbians live throughout the area. Finding the home and neighborhood that is right for you will largely be a matter of budget and personal preference, and as a result, it can be very helpful and important to find a Cedar Rapids LGBTQ realtor who knows and loves the city, and who can point you toward homes that might be a good fit. Cedar Rapids is generally a very affordable city, and the current median list price of homes for sale in Cedar Rapids is around $165,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art has been an important institution in the community and in the art world nationally since1895. Today the museum is located in its original building, a Carnegie Library, along with a 42,000 square foot addition. It also owns the Grant Wood Studio just three blocks away and houses the largest collection of Wood’s artwork in the country. It’s the perfect place to spend the day being inspired, educated, and entertained by stunning works of art from across the country and around the world.
Theatre Cedar Rapids is one of the largest professionally-run theatre organizations in the country and is a champion of the arts in the Cedar Rapids community. Each year, the group puts on a variety of diverse, excellent, and inspiring performances. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a show – or several – for yourself!
Parks and Recreation
Located on the edge of Cedar Rapids, Indian Creek Nature Center is a beautiful preserve the seeks to allow visitors to learn about and explore its prairie, wetland, and woodlands areas through a variety of beautiful trails, as well as special displays and exhibits year-round.
The Morgan Creek Arboretum is a stunning greenspace that is home to more than 250 species of trees and shrubs, as well as a beautiful butterfly garden. It is part of the Morgan Creek Park, which also offers camping, a beautiful system of trails including cross-country ski trails, sports areas, playgrounds, and more. It is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a beautiful day in Cedar Rapids.
Cedar Rapids Nightlife
Belle's Basix is one of the most popular LGBTQ nightspots in the city, and it's one you'll definitely want to put on your list if you enjoy strong drinks, a lively dance floor, fun theme nights, great music, and friendly crowds.
Contact a Cedar Rapids Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Cedar Rapids, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Cedar Rapids, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Cedar Rapids gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
