Cedar Rapids is the second largest city in Iowa with a population of 126,396. The population of the metropolitan area is 252,784. Cedar Rapids is located about 60 miles northwest of the Quad Cities and 110 miles east-northeast of Des Moines. It is also just a quick drive to Iowa City-Coralville area and the University of Iowa campus.

Brief History

The first permanent European-American settler arrived in the area in 1838. Initially the town was given the name Columbus. It stood on the banks of the Cedar River (so named because of the many cedar trees that grew along the river) at a set of rapids. In 1841, the town was resurveyed and the name was changed to Rapids City. The name was changed again to Cedar Rapids in 1848. Until 1851, an island in the river was the home of the Shepard Gang, a notorious group of horse thieves.

A major influx of Czech and Slovak workers started in 1852. The gradual growth of the community was accelerated after the establishment of a meatpacking plant in 1871 by T.M. Sinclair. This became one of the largest meatpacking plants in the U.S.

The community has a significant Muslim heritage dating back to 1895 when immigrants from the Beqaa Valley (in Lebanon and Syria) settled here. The city contains the first exclusively Muslim cemetery in the U.S.

The Community

Cedar Rapids is located on the banks of the Cedar River. The city covers an area of 63.1 square miles and has a population density of 2,002 people/square mile. It has become one of the economic hubs of Iowa and is a crucial part of the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Technology Corridor. Due to this there are many different housing options and Ruhl&Ruhl can show you Cedar Rapids homes for sale that will fit your family’s needs.

Attractions and Entertainment

As the second largest city in Iowa, Cedar Rapids offers a wide variety of cultural, educational, historical, and recreational opportunities to the local area. A few examples include the History Center, the National Czech & Slovak Museum, the Museum of Art, Science Station (a hands-on facility), an IMAX theatre, and the Indian Creek Nature Center. Cedar Rapids real estate is available now, so call Ruhl&Ruhl today.

Getting To and From

Air Travel: Cedar Rapids Municipal Airport (served by 5 airlines)
Highways: Interstate I-380 north/south and Interstate I-80 east/west (approximately 16 miles south)

Further Information & Cedar Rapids Real Estate

There are many great Cedar Rapids homes for sale.  Whether it is a Cedar Rapids new construction home or an existing property, check the list below for properties recently listed.  Or contact Ruhl&Ruhl today to speak with an experienced Cedar Rapids Realtor-Many of whom can show you Cedar Rapids, Iowa City & Coralville real estate!

City of Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce
Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Center