Jackson Junction
Jackson Junction, IA · Real Estate
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Property tax rate stays the same under Cedar Rapids proposal
Rates for water and sewer proposed to increase to help fund capital projects CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids homeowners would pay the same property tax rate next year and many could see their tax bills even decrease under a plan discussed this week by the City Council. As proposed, the city's levy rate of $16.6562 per $1,000 of taxable valuation would remain unchanged from this fiscal year. But the state is decreasing its residential rollback — meaning that rate will be applied to a smaller portion of a property's value. "We are happy to announce that the levy rate itself will remain unchanged for the (fiscal year) 27 period," City Manager Jeff Pomeranz said. "If your house stays the same in value, you're going to pay less in the city of Cedar Rapids and the rollback is really what's driving that." The rollback is set every year by the Iowa Department of Revenue. It determines how much of a home's assessed value is subject to property taxes. The rate is designed to cap the total taxable value for homes and farms from increasing more than 3 percent. If aggregate property values for homes and farms increase more than 3 percent,
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Data center projects drove Cedar Rapids commercial growth in 2025
Retail and service industry also performed well, while demand for office space lags, GLD reports CEDAR RAPIDS — A surge in industrial data center development drove commercial growth in Cedar Rapids last year while demand for traditional office space continued to lag below pre-pandemic levels, according to the annual report from real estate firm GLD Commercial. The firm's commercial real estate report states the 2025 market in and around Cedar Rapids was "characterized by strong industrial growth, … a transitioning office sector (and) resilient retail" operations. "The big notable point from this report is what I'd say are spinoff or ripple effects from the data centers," GLD cofounder David Drown said. "That's everything from the sales of industrial space to land sales and the leasing of warehouse space and increased demand for apartments" for data center workers. The report — the fifth of its kind — is separated by sector using data from the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors, the Cedar Rapids and Linn County assessors' offices, the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and others. It tracks occupancy and rental rates for the city's central business office district, suburban offices, industrial market, retail and service properties, and multifamily/mixed-used facilities.
CNBC
We bought a $90K fire station and turned it into our dream home
In 2016, Steven and Ashley Evans took a chance on an abandoned fire station in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, buying it for $90,000 after it had sat vacant and decaying for years. The building had no working utilities and needed a full renovation. Nearly a decade later, after doing much of the work themselves, they’ve transformed the former fire station into their dream home. Take a look inside.
Cedar Rapids Gazette
GOVERNMENT NOTES: Garfield school being turned into 30 apartments
Also, Linn County OK's $500K to 11 public libraries Cedar Rapids City Council OKs incentives for Garfield housing The city of Cedar Rapids has approved financial incentives for the historic restoration of the former Garfield Elementary School. The Cedar Rapids City Council last week authorized the incentives for Evolution, an entity of area developer Steve Emerson. Emerson intends to turn the former school building into a multifamily housing development. Approved incentives include a 10-year, declining scale tax exemption for the increased value generated by the project through the city's historic preservation and economic development program. Based on the estimated investment and post-development value, the project is expected to generate $665,000 in total taxes over that period, of which $240,000 would be exempted. Emerson acquired the property at 1201 Maplewood Dr. NE in 2024 from the Cedar Rapids Community School District , which was looking to off-load the property as part of its ongoing facilities plan. Construction is expected to begin on the $7 million project this spring and conclude by the end of the year. The project will result in the creation of 30 rental apartments with a mix of one- and two-bedroom units. Linn County awards $500K to area
KCRG.com
Cedar Rapids approves tax breaks for former school conversion
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - The Cedar Rapids City Council approved tax breaks Tuesday for a developer to convert a former elementary school into apartments starting this spring. The decision comes one day after the school board explored closing five schools due to falling enrollment. The district closed Garfield Elementary...
familydestinationsguide.com
The Charming Small Town In Iowa Where Retiring Comfortably Costs Less Than You Think
Imagine finding a place where your retirement dollars stretch like saltwater taffy, where historic architecture doesn’t just exist in museums, and where the morning greeting from locals comes with no additional charge but plenty of genuine warmth – welcome to Elkader, Iowa, where affordability meets small-town charm in the most delightful way possible.
bleedingheartland.com
On property taxes, we probably could do better
Al Charlson is a North Central Iowa farm kid, lifelong Iowan, and retired bank trust officer. This commentary was first published in the Waverly Democrat. With reluctance and apprehension I am beginning 2026 by venturing back into the property tax jungle. In my September column, which focused on farmland taxes, I indicated I would return to address the property tax concerns of my in-town friends and neighbors.
familydestinationsguide.com
This Slow-Paced Town In Iowa Is So Affordable, You Can Live On Social Security Alone
Ever wondered what it would be like to stretch your retirement dollars so far they practically reach the next county?. Oelwein, Iowa might just be your financial fountain of youth. In a world where metropolitan living costs more than a small island nation’s GDP, this northeastern Iowa gem sits quietly,...
superhits1027.com
150th modular home made by Iowa prison inmates placed in Mason City
MASON CITY — A program where inmates at an Iowa prison build high-quality modular homes is celebrating a milestone with the placement of a home in Mason City. Homes for Iowa has delivered their 150th home in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa. Homes for Iowa is a partnership with the Iowa Department of Corrections and Iowa Prison Industries in constructing the nearly move-in-ready homes as part of a commitment to expanding attainable home ownership across Iowa communities, offering flexibility for buyers to customize the homes by adding finishes such as flooring, paint, and appliances.
KCRG.com
A new study shows Cedar Rapids needs 4,558 more units by 2030. Buyers say they’re getting priced out
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - “There’s no normal anymore in the housing market,” Drew Retz of Jerry’s Homes in Cedar Rapids said. Retz has seen the growth in demand for homes first-hand as a builder. But he said affordability is putting a cap on it. “We’ve...
wolfmediausa.com
News Release: Ryan Companies Earns National Design-Build Award for Jewel & Jim Plumb Heart Center at Mercy Medical Center
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Dec. 30, 2025)—Ryan Companies US, Inc. is proud to announce it has received a 2025 National Award of Excellence and a National Award of Merit in Healthcare Facilities from the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) for its work on the $41 million Jewel & Jim Plumb Heart Center at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
KIMT
Homes for Iowa hits 150th home milestone in Mason City
MASON CITY, Iowa — Homes for Iowa, Inc. has celebrated a significant achievement with the delivery of its 150th home to Mason City, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa. David Miller, Executive Director of Homes for Iowa, emphasized the importance of partnerships in reaching this...