Life in Cedar Rapids area?

[JHudd]

So lets see, the consensus is...

It seems the NE CR and Marion areas are the best, but cause long drives anywhere.

Hiawatha and Lin-Mar are good CR areas and could be the alternative to Marion and such.

Some areas of the SW could work, but it's hit and miss. Someone might be better served to go the North Liberty route so that they are only 20 or so minutes away from both CR and IC.

Schools...

Kennedy and Lin-Mar seem to be the favorites followed by Marion. Pierce seems to be a favorite for Elementry if at all possible, but all these fall into the NE side of town.

If North Liberty and Coralville work, then it's possible for IC schools.

Childcare...

I haven't heard a lot on this one yet. Being that she is six, and knowing we may not be able to get her before or after school, I'm thinking childcare may be needed. I realize the schools might provide some, but didn't know of other options if there are any?

Entertainment...

Sounds like downtown CR isn't the same as it use to. NE CR is mentioned ot have a better mall, and maybe better dining and entertainment. A trip to IC may provide this as well, but is a bit of a drive just for dinner or a movie.


So am I understanding it all - did I forget anything?

Oh, where is this "Ghetto Hy-Vee" around Coe? Since I'm not familar with the area...

Seems like you summed the thread up well but you do see the pattern developing of the geographical rivalries, unfortunately it seems like those of us that are fans of the SW are outnumbered by the city dwellers. :wink:

I will agree that Cocktails is one of the best bars in CR, now hopefully followed by the Tilted Kilt which is rumored to be Managed by an ISU grad.

 

[benjay]

Cocktails on the NE side = best bar in town. Stay away from downtown bars.

It's ok but the best? My friend, you and I have different tastes.

 

[Warder60]

I went to Jeff, and I'd say that was right when I went there (mostly middle class, favoring the lower end). My younger sister just graduated, and it has apparently become much more ghetto, I think is how she described it, since my time there.

But the NW is a nice area to live. The area westside of town just N of 30. Easy access to get to Ames :wink: (and Iowa city too... just go east a couple exits and 380 S).

 

[benjay]

I gotta go with Piano Lounge, R.G. Books, and the Chrome Horse. Also a big fan of Volleys (if you play league).

 

[JHudd]

I gotta go with Piano Lounge, R.G. Books, and the Chrome Horse. Also a big fan of Volleys (if you play league).

That is a nice mix of places you have going there. I like those as well, R.G. Books followed by dinner at Vino's is hard to beat.

 

[SlyCy]

I live in North Liberty and like it. Depending on where you live in NL you can either go to the ICCSD (Elem and Jr High in NL, then West High) or you can go to the Clear Creek Amana SD.

North Liberty is mostly made up of 30 somethings. Its 15 minutes to CR and 20 minutes to IC. There is a big condo market right now. Child care is pricey we paid $1,000/month for 2 kids, parttime (<39 hours per week) for preschool in an organized daycare. Houses start at $200,000.

Feel free to email with questions.

 

[ceeboe]

Seems like you summed the thread up well but you do see the pattern developing of the geographical rivalries, unfortunately it seems like those of us that are fans of the SW are outnumbered by the city dwellers. :wink:

I will agree that Cocktails is one of the best bars in CR, now hopefully followed by the Tilted Kilt which is rumored to be Managed by an ISU grad.

Yes, I am seeing this pattern and it's proven difficult to get a true unbiased preference on location. I completely understand where people who have grown up in one area might prefer that area. In fact the receptionist for the company I might work for said she graduated from Prarie and liked that area real well. Now her and her husband with their newborn are living around that area. So again, I'm getting a mix.

But with that said, it does seem like the NE CR might be the best option. It's just the matter of finding the right area and right complex to rent from.

Any suggestions?

I'm also interested in childcare and gymnastics places. I found Twisters Gymnastics online, but I'm sure there has to be others.

 

[Dormeezy]

Don't do the SW, I'd hate to have your kid become a Washington Warrior one day... (North East represent yo Kennedy Cougars!)

Kennedy sucks. Go Wash! :smile:

 

[Dormeezy]

In fact the receptionist for the company I might work for said she graduated from Prarie and liked that area real well.

Cow Pie High :yes:

 

[Flag Guy]

Kennedy sucks. Go Wash! :smile:

****ing Warrior wussies


:wink:

 

[erikbj]

Tilted Kilt...was a bit disappointing - majority of the girls had big tattoos and were not completely in shape to be wearing the uniform. after viewing the website i was a bit disappointed and the girls definitely did not make up for the food (however I will try it again as maybe i picked a bad night to go).

 

[JHudd]

Cow Pie High :yes:

No need to be jealous that we used our money for computers and teachers instead of metal detectors and security guards. :wink:

 

[erikbj]

yes Kennedy was nice when I went there, the kids I see coming out of there now watch too much MTV and it has warped their views on the world. Just don't go to Metro HS.

 

[Flag Guy]

No need to be jealous that we used our money for computers and teachers instead of metal detectors and security guards. :wink:

From the direction Washington seemed to be going when I was in CR... they probably needed them

 

[JHudd]

Tilted Kilt...was a bit disappointing - majority of the girls had big tattoos and were not completely in shape to be wearing the uniform. after viewing the website i was a bit disappointed and the girls definitely did not make up for the food (however I will try it again as maybe i picked a bad night to go).

We saw the same thing when I was back in town but I did like the wings. I am also going to give them another shot as long as they do play ISU events like they say they will. They said they will give ISU first priority but I will believe that when I see it in CR.

 

[erikbj]

No need to be jealous that we used our money for computers and teachers instead of metal detectors and security guards. :wink:

should have built a bigger parking lot for the tractors. :biglaugh:

 

[Flag Guy]

yes Kennedy was nice when I went there, the kids I see coming out of there now watch too much MTV and it has warped their views on the world. Just don't go to Metro HS.

You have to screw up to go there...

 

[ceeboe]

Wow, so maybe by all this I need to turn down the job and say I can't move to CR because you all seem to be a bunch of crazies...:wink:

Lets see, my child is currently enrolled with Urbandale Highschool in Des moines area. We liked the neighborhood feel, and what the school had to offer. Not as yuppie as Valley or Dowling (Xavier...), but better quality than your Lincoln and North Highs out here. So in CR who would fall into this catagory. This may cause a rivalry match here.

 

[Warder60]

Was it Kennedy that wrote an article in the school newspaper on masterbating?

(edit: probably 7, 8 years ago, but it woulda been in your reign - Flag)

 

[JHudd]

Wow, so maybe by all this I need to turn down the job and say I can't move to CR because you all seem to be a bunch of crazies...:wink:

Lets see, my child is currently enrolled with Urbandale Highschool in Des moines area. We liked the neighborhood feel, and what the school had to offer. Not as yuppie as Valley or Dowling (Xavier...), but better quality than your Lincoln and North Highs out here. So in CR who would fall into this catagory. This may cause a rivalry match here.

That's easy Prairie would be the Urbandale, Linn-Mar/Xavier/(maybe)Kennedy would be your Valley/Dowling and Jeff/Wash would be Lincoln/North. Not too hard to figure that one out.