BuyersHomeowners February 28, 2024

Benefits of Living in Cedar Rapids, IA

WHY CEDAR RAPIDS? EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF LIVING IN THIS CHARMING CITY

When it comes to choosing a place to call home, several factors come into play. Quality of life, affordability, culture, and opportunities for personal and professional growth are usually among the top considerations. Cedar Rapids, with its vibrant arts scene, low cost of living, and a strong sense of community, often emerges as a compelling choice for many.

Affordability & Quality of Life

One of the main advantages of living in Cedar Rapids is its affordability, making it an attractive option for individuals, families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

The city also offers a high quality of life. Cedar Rapids is known for its excellent schools and vibrant community. It’s a city where you can enjoy the comfort of a small town feel without sacrificing the amenities associated with urban living.

Search Homes For Sale in Cedar Rapids

Rich Cultural Scene

Cedar Rapids has a thriving arts and culture scene. The city boasts a variety of museums, art galleries, and theaters. The iconic Paramount Theatre hosts a range of performances from Broadway shows to concerts. Theatre Cedar Rapids, a community theatre, performs several stage shows every year and offers acting classes. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art houses the world’s largest collection of works by native son Grant Wood, famous for his “American Gothic” painting.

Outdoor Activities & Natural Beauty

For nature lovers, Cedar Rapids does not disappoint. The city is nestled amidst rolling hills and is bisected by the Cedar River, offering lots of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. The city offers 74 parks, four public golf courses & six public swimming pools. The Indian Creek Nature Center, a 210 acre nature preserve, is a favorite among locals and visitors for its beautiful trails and educational programs. Several state parks & recreational areas are nearby.

Thriving Job Market

Cedar Rapids is not just a great place to live; it’s also a great place to work. The city has a diverse economy with strong sectors in manufacturing, healthcare, and education.

Community Spirit

Another compelling reason to consider Cedar Rapids as your next home is its strong sense of community. The people here are friendly, welcoming, and always ready to lend a helping hand. This community spirit shines through in the numerous festivals and events held throughout the year, including the popular Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival and the Downtown Farmers’ Market.

Cedar Rapids offers a unique blend of affordability, quality of life, cultural richness, and professional opportunities. It’s a city where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the charm of small town living and the conveniences of a big city.

If you have any questions about Cedar Rapids or the current real estate market, please contact us – we’re ready to help you find your dream home.

BuyersHomeownersSellers March 30, 2022

Home Design & Remodeling Trends

To help inspire your design projects, we’ve rounded up five of the hottest home trends. If you plan to buy, list, or renovate your property soon, give us a call. We can help you realize your vision and maximize the impact of your investment.

  1. Uplifting Colors

Colors have gravitated toward warm and happy shades that convey a sense of coziness, comfort, and wellbeing. This year’s palettes draw from earthy hues, warm neutrals, and soothing blues and greens.

While white and gray are still safe options, expect to see alternative neutrals become increasingly popular choices for walls, cabinets, and furnishings. For a fresh and sophisticated look, try one of these colors:

  • Aegean Teal (coastal blue) by Benjamin Moore
  • Soft Candlelight (muted yellow) by Valspar
  • Urbane Bronze (brownish-gray) by Sherwin-Williams

       

  1. Curated Collections

After a decade of minimalism, there’s been a shift towards highly-decorative and personalized interiors that incorporate more color, texture, and character. Clearly-defined styles are being replaced by a curated look, with furnishings, fixtures, and accessories that appear to have been collected over time.

This trend has extended to the kitchen, where the all-white fad is fading in popularity. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, consider mixing in other neutrals—like gray, black, and light wood—for a more custom, pieced-together feel.

  1. Reimagined Living Spaces

The pandemic forced many of us to rethink our home design. From multipurpose rooms to converted office/closets, we’ve had to find creative ways to manage virtual meetings and school. And designers expect these changes to impact the way we live and work for years to come.

Some home builders are predicting the end of open-concept floor plans as we know them. Instead, buyers want cozier spaces with more separation and privacy. Cue the addition of alcoves, pocket doors, and sliding partitions that enable homeowners to section off rooms as needed.

  1. Staycation-Worthy Retreats

With travel options limited right now, more homeowners are turning their vacation budgets into staycation budgets. Essentially, recreate the resort experience at home—and enjoy it 365 days a year.

To give your bedroom that “boutique hotel” look, start with a large, upholstered headboard in a rich color or pattern. Layer on organic linen bedding and a chunky wool throw, then add a pair of matching bedside wall lights. In your bathroom, try a curbless step-in shower and freestanding tub for a modern and spacious feel.

  1. Outdoor Upgrades

From exercise to gardening to safer options for entertaining, the pandemic has led homeowners to utilize their outdoor spaces more than ever. In fact, backyard swimming pool sales skyrocketed in 2020. But a new pool isn’t the only way to elevate your outdoor area this year.

Pergolas are a relatively quick and affordable option to add shade and ambiance to your backyard. Another hot trend? Landscapers are reporting an increase in front yard enhancements, including porch additions and expanded seating options. These “social front yards” enable neighbors to stay connected while observing social-distancing guidelines.

  DESIGNED TO SELL

Want to find out how upgrades could impact the value of your home? We can share our insights and offer tips on how to maximize the return on your investment. Contact us to schedule a free consultation! We have been helping our friends & neighbors buy & sell real estate since 1993 and we’d love to be your REALTORS® too!

 

 

 

 

Sources:

  1. Good Housekeeping – https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g34762178/home-decor-trends-2021/
  2. Homes & Gardens – https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/interior-design-trends-2021
  3. Houzz – https://www.houzz.com/magazine/36-home-design-trends-ready-for-takeoff-in-2021-stsetivw-vs~142229851
  4. Zillow – https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-end-of-open-floor-plans-how-homes-will-look-different-after-coronavirus-301080662.html
  5. Homes & Gardens – https://www.homesandgardens.com/spaces/decorating/bedroom-trends-224944
  6. Reuters – https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-pools/pool-sales-skyrocket-as-consumers-splash-out-on-coronavirus-cocoons-idUSKCN2520HW
  7. Realtor Magazine – https://magazine.realtor/daily-news/2020/12/09/4-outdoor-home-trends-that-may-gain-steam-in-2021