Cedar Rapids is home to some of Iowa’s most beautiful early 20th-century architecture, and these four historic properties prove it. All priced under $1 million, each home offers a unique blend of preserved charm and modern upgrades. Think wraparound porches, original hardwood floors, gas and wood-burning fireplaces, chef’s kitchens, and lush landscaped gardens. Whether you’re seeking Craftsman character, Colonial elegance, or a rare Italianate gem, these homes embody timeless design in one of Iowa’s most storied cities.
1. 1923 Colonial Revival in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Built in 1923 and expanded in 1962, this 4-bedroom Colonial Revival home in Cedar Rapids blends historic charm with thoughtful upgrades. Priced at $424,900, it offers 2,954 sq ft of above-ground living space on a 9,583 sq ft lot. Highlights include a chef’s kitchen, original woodwork, a pond with a waterfall, and a screened porch. Recent updates: roof, siding, HVAC, garage, and fresh paint.
Where is Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids is located in eastern Iowa, part of the Midwest’s cultural and economic corridor. It’s 30 miles north of Iowa City and just hours from Chicago. Known for Brucemore Mansion and its Czech heritage, the city offers a rich history, parks, and arts. This home is near Bever Park and trails, making it ideal for lovers of nature, history, and small-city vibrancy. It’s a welcoming, historic community with modern charm.
Living Room
This spacious living room features a white beamed ceiling, soft carpeting, and a painted brick fireplace. Large windows with plantation shutters allow for warm natural light, while the neutral palette creates a calm, cosy atmosphere. Comfortable seating surrounds a central wood coffee table, perfect for casual gatherings or quiet evenings. Built-ins and warm lighting add character to a space that feels both elegant and deeply livable, perfect for everyday use.
Entry & Dining
The entryway showcases original hardwood floors and a gracefully curved staircase with classic white balusters. A set of French doors opens to a bonus nook, while straight ahead lies the formal dining room, lit by a modern pendant fixture. The dining space features large windows and built-ins that add both function and charm. With timeless millwork and a clean colour palette, the area offers a warm welcome to family and guests.
Chef’s Kitchen
The 2022-renovated chef’s kitchen features charcoal shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, and high-end appliances, including a Wolf range and Dacor fridge. Wide windows flood the space with light, and a modern pendant over the island adds a stylish focal point. The open layout offers easy access to the backyard and screened porch. This kitchen balances beauty and utility, ideal for both everyday cooking and entertaining, while softwood floors add warmth.
Screened Porch
This airy screened porch offers a relaxing retreat overlooking the lush backyard and pond. White beadboard ceilings and string lights add charm, while natural wood furniture and cosy textiles invite quiet mornings or casual gatherings. Surrounded by privacy fencing and mature landscaping, the space feels peaceful and secluded. It’s a perfect spot for enjoying the outdoors without the bugs, ideal for seasonal lounging, reading, or hosting friends in comfort and style.
Primary Bedroom
Bright and serene, the primary bedroom features hardwood floors, soft blue-grey walls, and abundant windows with treetop views. A tufted headboard anchors the bed, paired with simple nightstands and a cosy armchair. A braided rug adds texture, while a ceiling fan ensures year-round comfort. The room’s peaceful colour scheme and natural light create a calming, restful environment—ideal for unwinding at the end of the day in comfort and quiet elegance.
Listing Agent: Property Owner via Zillow
2. 1915 Colonial Revival in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
This elegant 1915 Colonial Revival home in the Vernon Heights neighbourhood of Cedar Rapids exudes timeless charm with a modern twist. Recently renovated and listed at $575,000, the residence spans 4,589 square feet on a 0.58-acre lot. A striking symmetrical façade, black-trimmed windows, and central gabled entry offer historic character. Inside, six bathrooms, a sauna, and a backyard pool elevate this spacious 3-story home into a true modern classic.
Where is Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids is in eastern Iowa, just 30 miles north of Iowa City and under 250 miles west of Chicago. Known for its strong Czech and Slovak roots, it’s home to historic landmarks like Brucemore Mansion and vibrant arts institutions. This Vernon Heights property sits near scenic parks and walking trails. Cedar Rapids blends historic charm, culture, and livability, offering both a rich past and a dynamic future for residents.
Family Room
Warm and expansive, this vaulted family room features exposed black beams and wood-panelled ceilings that draw the eye upward. A massive sectional sofa anchors the room, ideal for entertaining or relaxing by the wood-burning fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors bring in natural light and open the backyard. An integrated wet bar and full bath with a sauna complete this luxurious, lodge-inspired gathering space that feels both cosy and grand.
Kitchen
This updated kitchen pairs granite countertops with a large island and rich wood cabinetry. A wrought iron chandelier adds a touch of Old World elegance, while pendant lighting over the sink brings a soft, focused glow. The space includes stainless appliances and a mix of modern and antique accents, like the freestanding armoire. With an eat-in breakfast nook and open views into the family room, this kitchen is both practical and beautifully designed.
Dining Room
The formal dining room is full of bold contrast and classic sophistication. Deep navy walls framed by white panel moulding set a dramatic tone, while a crystal chandelier adds timeless opulence. Four large windows bring in natural light, softening the room’s moody palette. Velvet and patterned dining chairs surround a long wood table, creating an ideal space for formal meals and festive gatherings in an atmosphere of quiet grandeur.
Laundry Room
Located conveniently on the second floor, this laundry room is both cheerful and functional. Painted in a soft blue-grey, the space includes a side-by-side washer and dryer atop a vintage-style white dresser. Natural light flows through two wide windows, brightening the durable wood-look vinyl flooring. A ceiling fan and open floor area make it an airy, comfortable spot for laundry tasks, folding, or even crafting—blending charm with modern utility.
Primary Bedroom
The primary bedroom is a luxurious retreat with vaulted ceilings, exposed dark beams, and plush grey carpeting. A fireplace, dramatic hanging lights, and large windows create a romantic atmosphere. French doors open onto a private deck overlooking the backyard pool. The ensuite bath offers a soaking tub, while the massive walk-in closet rivals a boutique. With elegant drapery and ample natural light, this is a private sanctuary with dramatic flair.
Listing Agent: COLDWELL BANKER HEDGES via Zillow
3. 1870 Italianate Brick Home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Built-in 1870, this striking Italianate-style brick residence in downtown Cedar Rapids blends rich history with commercial potential. Listed at $350,000, the property spans 5,891 square feet and sits on an 8,407-square-foot lot. A new steel roof and meticulously maintained brick exterior preserve its classic façade. Once a bustling restaurant, this versatile space now offers mixed-use possibilities, complete with living quarters, a commercial kitchen, and stunning architectural details throughout.
Where is Cedar Rapids?
Located in eastern Iowa, Cedar Rapids is a cultural and economic hub, just 30 minutes from Iowa City and less than 4 hours from Chicago. It’s home to renowned attractions like NewBo City Market, Brucemore Mansion, and a vibrant downtown arts district. This property is ideally placed between hospitals, the NewBo neighbourhood, and the city centre, offering high visibility and access to historic architecture, cultural venues, and lively community events.
Brick Barroom
Rustic and atmospheric, this barroom features exposed brick walls, arched accents, and a wood-planked ceiling with pendant lighting. The central bar is painted in distressed black with white trim, lending vintage charm. Amber-hued lights cast a warm glow, highlighting the craftsmanship in every corner. Ideal for entertaining or operating a commercial lounge, the space feels inviting and character-rich, with industrial bar stools and dark wood flooring completing the historic tavern-style ambience.
Sunroom Lounge
Filled with natural light, this cheerful lounge space features multiple windows, colourful drapes, and mismatched yet stylish furniture, including a blue tufted armchair and a mustard yellow club chair. Pale wood-panelled walls and a detailed ceiling add vintage charm, while polished wood floors provide warmth. Ideal for casual conversations or a relaxed café corner, the room’s eclectic design, including a quirky chandelier and large central table, adds personality and comfort.
Commercial Kitchen
Outfitted for serious culinary ventures, this full-service commercial kitchen includes a griddle, fryers, convection oven, and industrial-grade stainless steel surfaces. Red tile flooring and overhead ventilation systems are optimized for functionality and cleanliness. With ample prep stations and shelving, this kitchen is ideal for restaurant service or event catering. The layout is efficient and professional, ready for everything from daily operations to large-scale entertaining.
Dining Area
Adjacent to the kitchen and staircase, this versatile dining area features a long wood table with eight matching chairs, angled wood panelling, and woven pendant lights. The walls mix natural textures with exposed surfaces, while plush grey carpeting adds comfort. The stairwell’s white balusters and warm wood handrail offer a touch of elegance, connecting to the home’s upper living quarters. It’s a cosy yet functional space for hosting guests or family meals.
Listing Agent: Pinnacle Realty LLC via Zillow
4. 1913 Craftsman Home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
This charming 1913 Craftsman-style home is nestled on 0.53 acres in a quiet, family-friendly neighbourhood just blocks from Cedar Rapids’ historic Brucemore Mansion. Listed at $389,900, the home offers 2,424 square feet of warm, character-filled living space with updates throughout. The exterior features two composite decks, crisp tan siding with white trim, and a welcoming front porch. A newer picket fence garden and mature landscaping make this home a standout in both charm and livability.
Where is Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids is located in eastern Iowa along the banks of the Cedar River. It’s just 30 miles from Iowa City and roughly 250 miles from Chicago. Rich in culture and history, the city is known for its connection to Grant Wood, the artist behind American Gothic, and landmarks like Brucemore Mansion. Cedar Rapids blends small-city comfort with vibrant arts, dining, and green spaces, offering both heritage and modern appeal.
Living Room
The living room exudes warmth with original hardwood floors, a central gas fireplace, and ample natural light streaming through large windows. Neutral walls are accented by navy blue curtains, while soft beige seating and traditional wood furniture create a classic, inviting space. A piano and writing desk provides functional charm, making this a cosy area to relax or entertain. The layout is open yet grounded, filled with character and comfort.
Dining Room
Anchored by a striking crystal chandelier, this formal dining room combines elegance with everyday usability. A rich wood table is surrounded by vertical-back chairs atop a geometric navy rug, offering both style and structure. Cream-coloured walls and crisp trim keep the atmosphere bright, while an arched doorway offers a graceful transition to the adjacent sunroom. Touches of red in the accent chairs add a pop of colour to this sophisticated setting.
Bathroom
This vintage-inspired bathroom showcases a freestanding clawfoot tub with pink feet, crisp white tile flooring, and sage green walls trimmed with white wainscoting. A pedestal sink and radiator enhance the historic charm, while natural light filters through delicate window curtains. The layout is both functional and nostalgic, capturing a timeless design with updated comfort. It’s a bright and peaceful space, perfect for a relaxing soak or quick refresh.
Backyard Garden
The fully fenced backyard offers a lush private retreat with vibrant landscaping, newly planted trees, and a paved patio area. A grapevine-covered pergola with a gas fire table invites cosy evening gatherings while colourful pots line the garden beds. The manicured lawn and mature shrubbery create natural privacy, and the detached garage adds practical storage. It’s a true backyard oasis that blends beauty, functionality, and outdoor charm in equal measure.
Listing Agent: Property Owner via Zillow
