Reviews & Comments
Cedar Rapids, IA
Iowa -- it's exactly as others say -
5/10/2009I read all the reviews and what others say about Cedar Rapids is accurate (the good and the bad). Although I'm originally from the mid-west, before moving to Iowa four years ago, I lived on the West coast in Seattle and California for a total of 15 years, so I think I have a sophisticated view on quality of life measures.
I moved to Iowa City originally for graduate school and only moved to Cedar Rapids recently as a less expensive place to live until I complete my independent research as I am done with coursework and do not need to be in Iowa City. I didn't plan to be here as long as I have but I have to say that I've clarified what is and what isn't important to me about where I live and work. From the perspective of a single, 30-year old and having no kids, I have to say that I find the area really lacking. And I'm not even much of a going-out type of person anymore. I'm getting my degree from the University of Iowa and would certainly recommend that university for a graduate degree (the teaching assistant benefits are phenomenal), but make sure you don't get too comfortable here with the lower-cost of living (more on that later). The state has a real problem with keeping its graduates in the state after they complete a college degree. In fact, there are state initiatives to reduce the "brain drain" problem. As a result, the area is really mostly families.
For me, I will be leaving the area as soon as I procure a permanent position in my field in another state. Given the recession, that could be a couple of years, but the extreme weather (winter and summer), lack of professional singles, and religiosity here are my motivation.
The economy here seems to be "ok" in comparison to many other parts of the country, but I do think salaries are lower here. One thing to keep in mind is if your field is not here, don't move here because I think there is A LOT of competition for jobs that require some college or a degree. I realize that contracts the "brain drain" comment but there is this dynamic that people who earn a graduate degree from the University of Iowa, in particular a Master's degree, don't want to leave the area.
Food...I'm not a fan of the food here either. One person said that the produce is substandard and they are right. Even in the spring and summer it is difficult to find decent produce.
Traffic...in comparison to Seattle (one commenter said that they currently live in Seattle but want to move to Cedar Rapids)...total opposites. I almost always drive a mile a minute in any direction, which is really nice. Weather...that being sad, driving in the winter is dangerous here. Since that is the case, I recommend living near where you work to lower your chances of getting into an accident. Besides driving in the winters, winters preclude you from spending much time outside because of the low temperatures. Another commenter said that that wasn't much snow here. What, compared to Russia?? In my opinion, Iowa gets a good amount of snow here.
People...difficult for me to say as I am intentionally not looking to make friends because I don't want to live in a such extreme weather state. I made a couple of friends through my graduate program at the University of Iowa, but honestly if I were to have moved here just for a job, I think I would have a very difficult time finding "my people".
Cost of living...yes, houses and condos are incredibly less expensive compared to the West coast and probably to a lot of states. BUT I do not think rents are that much cheaper here -- compared to Seattle too. I'm actually paying more for rent and for electricity. Groceries are decently priced but you may want to go up to Minneapolis or Chicago for a truly fine dining experience.
What I would say is take some time to determine what is important to you before making a switch to a state like Iowa. Ask yourself what you will compromise on and what you won't compromise on depending on your present situation and future plans and your priorities.
Good luck!