Should I live in CR or IC? (Cedar Rapids, Iowa City: to rent, home)

[kaj418]

Hi. I might be taking a job in Cedar Rapids. I'm a mid-twenties single professional male and I was wondering if you'd recommend living in CR or living in Iowa City and commuting?

And if I live in CR what neighborhood would you recommend looking at? Is there anything to do in CR or a good night life?

Thanks!

[RonnieJonez]

Iowa City is more exciting, but if you're not a student, it probably won't do much for you, as everyone out at night is most likely a student. They party hard though, harder than your average college campus.

[iowegian]

Downtown Iowa City is in my opinion the best area for nightlife in Eastern Iowa, there are tons of bars, many restaurants, (ranging from the diner-esque Hamburg Inn No. 2 to more upscale options like Linn St. Cafe) and more entertainment options (especially concerts) than you'll find in CR or perhaps elsewhere in the state. There are many college students around, but there are also some older grad students and just other area residents in their mid-late 20s who also go downtown.

I'm not very familiar with the nightlife in CR, but I'd guess that there is some nightlife, but not nearly as much as in IC. CR is more family-oriented than IC and just isn't quite as exciting for a young person, in my opinion.

Area residents will tell you that the commute between CR and IC on 380 is awful, but coming from Denver, you probably won't think it's all that bad. It usually takes me around 20-30 minutes to get from IC to CR, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

As far as neighborhoods go, there really aren't dangerous neighborhoods in either city, if that is a concern. In Iowa City, since nightlife is important to you, I'd recommend living near downtown, but anywhere other than the far southeast side (south of Hwy. 6, east of Gilbert) would be fine. In Cedar Rapids, I'm not as familiar with the neighborhoods but I can say that it will be quite a bit cheaper no matter where you choose.

[Chicago60614]

Originally Posted by RonnieJonez

Iowa City is more exciting, but if you're not a student, it probably won't do much for you, as everyone out at night is most likely a student. They party hard though, harder than your average college campus.

I wouldn't say that. I'm 29 and I still go out to the bars all the time when I'm back in Iowa City. There are something like 3-4 dozen bars within walking distance of downtown. There's certainly something for anyone. I think 20-30 years ago it was more dominated by students when the students were 30,000 out of 80,000 in the county. Now the students are something like 30,000 out of 125,000 in the county. The non-student population pushed from 50,000 to almost 100,000.

My parents are in their upper 50's, and they love going downtown to certain bars and eating/drinking/sitting on patio's. They certainly aren't going down there to be surrounded by college students at the crazy 19-22 year old hangouts.



I would recommend Iowa City if only because it has so many things going on, is progressive and comes off a little more "healthy" as a city compared to Cedar Rapids. I have no beef with CR though, but in general Iowa City has some qualities to it that make it a pretty unique and special place to live.

[SharpHawkeye]

I agree 100%. Iowa City wins hands down, at least until Cedar Rapids truly gets back on it's feet after the flood.

[LPerkins33]

there is a reason Cedar Rapid's nickname is Cedar Crapids and the City of 5 Smells. Enough said.

[Luke9686]

I know if I were in your situation, I wouldn't even be considering Cedar Rapids. Iowa City is where you'll want to be. You'll probably be going down there a lot anyway.

[zz4guy]

You would all live in Iowa City and drive 60 minutes each day for the outside chance you want to "party tonight"? Sounds dumb to me.

And for the original poster, Cedar Rapids is not a wasteland because of the floods. Well at least not a bigger wasteland than other cities in Iowa. Yes the downtown has some ugly spots, but most of the condemed buildings were old and nasty before the flood. You wouldnt want to rent there anyway. Life is going on as normal for 95% of the people here.

[sahara18]

I'm a former student-turned-professional and I would say that you really can't do wrong either way. It's a 25 minute trek (which is better than most commutes) and both have good opportunities for eating and a nightlife. Both are comparable in terms of rent/utilities cost as well. Iowa City will be full of college students though, which can be a pain sometimes if you are looking for some quiet adult activities. Personally, it depends on how frequent you like to hit the bar scene, and whether you prefer to stumble home or drive home afterwards.

You could always take the middle ground and live in North Liberty too, that would likely save you some rent money!

Originally Posted by kaj418

Hi. I might be taking a job in Cedar Rapids. I'm a mid-twenties single professional male and I was wondering if you'd recommend living in CR or living in Iowa City and commuting?

And if I live in CR what neighborhood would you recommend looking at? Is there anything to do in CR or a good night life?

Thanks!

[jenionthemove]

Iowa City is a much better choice, in my opinion, for a single person. It is filled with young people. Cedar Rapids is ok, you wouldn't be miserable either place.