What's Downtown Cedar Rapids like? (Iowa City: house, neighborhood, theatre)

[GayleAZ]

So I've finally got my ducks in a row and this year is THE year to relocate. Will be in CR some time in April of this year and looking for a relocation destination. I already know I want CR - but where??? I've been interested in the downtown area just because it seems to be trying desperatly to become a walking neighborhood type of enviroment. I love the thought of small custom shops, Farmers Market, Newbo Market Place when (if) it takes off and a sense of community. SO what areas are there to avoid besides the Wellington Heights area - which coming from Phx sounds about as menacing as kittens in a box.. ! If there isn't a shooting a day in our area seems folks aren't happy. I digress... I need something new, exciting and to get involved in. Does Downtown CR fit that bill or are there other areas of town that make more sense? Thank You in advance for any input - I'll be touring the town in a few weeks and would like to know where to start! You can catch up with me here or in a private message.

[DMRyan]

To me, downtown Cedar Rapids isn't there yet. There doesn't seem to be enough of a critical mass of businesses that cater to residents, or enough fun and interesting things to do to be considered a highly desireable urban core to call home. Downtown is no doubt still dealing with the aftermath of the floods and was down right eerily dead during the evenings that I've spent there over the past year, save for a few pockets of bars.

Sounds like the place is on the very verge of taking off over the next decade with plenty of development proposed and it will be fun to watch. I have no doubt that the place will make excellent strides over the coming years, but it's behind the curve, especially when the size of the city is considered. When nearly all of the other downtown cores in Iowa cities experienced construction booms and culturally rebirths over the past decade, Cedar Rapids just stayed in the same place. Also, I suppose it never will get better unless prospective residents or business owners like you don't take the leap. Just don't expect to find a very vibrant place at the moment.

[1stpontiac]

My impression of downtown CR isn't real great either, but I've got limited experience to draw from. I haven't been through there since the flood, but we went to CR Symphony concerts there (in the Paramount Theatre) pretty regularly for a couple years before the flood. It always seemed very, very quiet downtown when I was there. We went up to CR early once, intending to get supper before the concert, but then couldn't find anything between a couple bars/pubs and a couple high-end get-a-reservation type places. Everything else closed by 6:30 or 7pm and we ended up at Dairy Queen.

I'm willing to admit the above may have just been poor planning and unfamiliarity on our part (we're from Iowa City). I don't know what the area is like during the daytime. I do remember going to a meeting in downtown CR during a weekday and smelling some really good-smelling BBQ coming from somewhere.

[GayleAZ]

Coming from the noisiest state in the union peace and quiet (even eerie quiet) will be most welcome. Thank you both for taking time out to comment. It was very thoughtful. WELL this is beginning to sound like an adventure. I won't be roaming the streets at night but I'd like to patronize local eateries, shops and book stores such as they are. Also I love good BBQ! I will be there in the spring to look around for myself and start house and neighborhood hunting.. I can't wait, but home reno work come first before our first 100 degree blast which should be sometime in April. Time for a vacation. Any other thoughts please let me know.

[1stpontiac]

I guess the other thing to point out (even though its probably obvious) if you are thinking of living near downtown is to pay very close attention to flood zones and flood mitigation plans. I think it will be a while before they get final plans made, as the Corp of Engineers and the City are at odds over whether to protect both sides of the river.

[GayleAZ]

I've been reading little snippets about that flood control issue. No doubt if I decide to invest time and money into that area that will be my first concern. I prefer not to have my assets WASHED AWAY. I will be doing my due diligence on that matter as well as a few other things as well. I don't mind living downtown but I don't think I want to be 'that close' to a bar or restaurant. And a house / neighborhood with character would be nice too! Everything Phoenix lacks, character, charm, peace, quiet and a sense of community!