Cedar Rapids, IA Ranks #14 for Best Cities for Work

Over the past few months of working in downtown Cedar Rapids, it has become even more apparent to me just how much this community has to offer. There's plenty to eat, plenty to see and do, and some great opportunities for people looking to start or grow their careers and lives. But my connection to Cedar Rapids goes back much further than the time I have spent working downtown.

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Growing up, Cedar Rapids was the place we came to for just about everything. Whether it was shopping for clothes, grabbing something to eat, looking for entertainment, or simply finding something to do, Cedar Rapids always seemed to have something going on. At only 30 minutes away from Monticello, it was or first choice stop. It was also where I REALLY learned how to drive, so I've spent plenty of time navigating its streets over the years.

Credit: Tom Drake | My wife and I hanging at Mt. Trashmore

Even when I was younger, I remember noticing the opportunities in Cedar Rapids. The city always seemed to be growing, changing, or adding something new and exciting. There was always another business opening, another development taking shape, or another reason to make the trip into "the big city." What I find interesting is that, even after all these years, that feeling hasn't really changed.

Cedar Rapids continues to grow and provide new opportunities, and now it seems some pretty impressive numbers are backing up what I have noticed for years, at least according to Indeed.

The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance recently announced that Cedar Rapids has been ranked #14 on Indeed’s inaugural Best Cities for Work list. The national ranking recognizes Cedar Rapids as a strong place to build both a career and a life.

The city earned some particularly impressive marks in several areas. According to the press release, Cedar Rapids ranked #1 for housing affordability, #3 for easy commuting and #7 for job opportunity.

Housing affordability is especially noteworthy. Being able to find a place to live without having an overwhelming portion of your income going toward housing can have a major impact on someone's quality of life. It can also make the community more attractive to workers and employers looking to bring new talent to the area.

The #3 ranking for easy commuting also stands out. Cedar Rapids is large enough to offer plenty of things to do and a wide variety of jobs, businesses and services, but it does not come with the same commuting headaches found in many larger metropolitan areas. That means people can spend less time behind the wheel and more time doing the things they actually want to do.

Then there is job opportunity, where Cedar Rapids ranked No. 7. That seems to fit with what I have watched happen in the community over the years. The city has continued to offer opportunities for people at different stages of their careers, while maintaining a diverse group of employers.

Credit: Tom Drake | Cedar rapids from Mt. Trashmore

Cedar Rapids also ranked #25 among the top metro areas for healthcare access. Indeed's healthcare ranking is based on the supply of primary care physicians per 100,000 residents and is included as one of the measures within its broader assessment of job quality and security.

Indeed's Best Cities for Work index looks at 228 U.S. metro areas with more than 200,000 residents. The ranking considers 40 different metrics across six categories, including job opportunity, compensation, job quality and security, career mobility, work-life balance, and economic opportunity.

Looking at those numbers, it is easy to see why Cedar Rapids continues to stand out. Affordable housing, an easy commute, ample job opportunities, and access to healthcare. These are not just statistics on a list. They are things that directly affect someone's decision about where they want to live, work, and raise a family.

For me, the rankings are interesting because they put numbers behind something I've noticed since I was a kid. Cedar Rapids has always seemed like a community with somewhere to go and something new on the horizon. From those childhood trips into the city, to learning how to drive here, and now spending time working downtown, I continue to watch the city grow and evolve daily. It's nice to see some of that Iowa growth and opportunity getting national love, as it should. And if I am reading these Indeed rankings right, Cedar Rapids is truly a Midwest gem.