In a new ranking released this month, CNNMoney.com listed Cedar Rapids among the best places for affordable housing.
“Old Cedar Rapids once resembled the Iowa depicted in "The Music Man," but today the city is more ethnically diverse and culturally vibrant. While holding true to its agricultural roots, the city also hosts museums and an important theater scene. Floods in 2008 devastated the Cedar Rapids area and 300 homes were lost. Despite that, the housing market has remained on an even keel. Prices are still affordable for families.”
The list includes many communities throughout the Midwest:
1. Deerfield Beach, FL
2. Lafayette, IN
3. San Antonia, TX
4. Deltona, FL
5. Spring, TX
6. Glendale, AZ
7. Avondale, AZ
8. Bolingbrook, IL
9. Fishers, IN
10. Des Moines, IA
11. Cedar Rapids, IA
12. Spring Valley, NV
13. Warner Robins, GA
14. Wichita, KS
15. Dale City, VA
16. Lincoln, NE
17. Overland Park, KS
18. Joliet, IL
19. Huntsville, AL
20. Murfreesboro, TN
Only cities where there were more than 100 home sales in 2009, and that were experiencing job and population growth, were considered for this ranking. No more than two places within a state, and no more than one place within a county could qualify. For a complete list of cities in this ranking, please visit www.money.cnn.com.