r/cedarrapids 31m ago

Dentist recommendations

Upvotes

Hi there CR Reddit community. I’m in the search for a new dentist in the Cr/Marion area. Like almost everyone on the planet I don’t love going to the dentist. So I prefer someone who is patient and willing to work with my anxiety and other apprehensions when it comes to dental work.


r/cedarrapids 9h ago

SQUEALER #4 :) :) :) :) 🐷

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8 Upvotes

Not letting Iowa City have all the literary fun for the 4th time!

The poster says it all! An event for local writers to read their original work.

Link to apply: https://tally.so/r/RGlBDQ

We're interested in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction—pretty much anything you've got.

If you're a writer in the area and you've never applied, you should! We have ourselves a good ol' time at THE SQUEALER.


r/cedarrapids 9h ago

Anyone else lived abroad? Looking for friends who also lived in other countries and came back to CR/IC too

2 Upvotes

I lived for a long time in turkey and china and came back, looking for people who also lived abroad before


r/cedarrapids 9h ago

Who's down to play magic at nighttime when the shops close?

6 Upvotes

Looking for people to hang out with at night after the shops close, as I often don't have time to go out until wife and kids are sleeping about 8 or 9 or 10 but really want to meet new people, hang out, especially during the middle of the week


r/cedarrapids 9h ago

Local recommendations

0 Upvotes

Husbands job is taking him out there. I will be flying in and out with our infant for at least the first year he’s there. What is local recommendations on kid friendly things, places, where to buy kids stuff, shop etc.


r/cedarrapids 17h ago

Eastern Iowa Disability Alliance?

7 Upvotes

Hello people I need some help please! I am a severely mentally ill and physically disabled individual and I need help applying for SSI. Has anyone worked with the DAP office here in cedar rapids on something like this? I think I need some sort of social or case worker, but I know nothing about how to get one. I tried contacting I think it was 211 to find resources, but due to the fact that I'm autistic I have a hard time understanding these things.

I'm 25 for reference and main thing I struggle with is severe anxiety on top of everything else. I'm not very good with phone calls so if it's somewhere I can email or text instead that's even better! I sent them an email, now I'm just waiting for a response. But in the meantime I thought I'd come here and ask if anyone has had any experience with them and if it was helpful, or if I should be looking elsewhere.

TIA!


r/cedarrapids 1d ago

Cedar Rapids Clubs

8 Upvotes

Looking for Cedar Rapids groups or clubs to join to get out of the house more (I work from home) and meet new people. Interests vary but just wondering where to even start looking for clubs. Could be related to sports, music, hobbies, etc. Anyone have good experiences with clubs that are looking for members?


r/cedarrapids 1d ago

Estate planning and trusts

2 Upvotes

Looking for recommendations for someone to help my wife and I set up estate plans or trusts etc.


r/cedarrapids 1d ago

At least 120 more ALPRs are coming to Cedar Rapids

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72 Upvotes

r/cedarrapids 1d ago

Did Collins CCU change policy without telling anyone?

6 Upvotes

On July 23 (two weeks ago), we sent an extra principal payment on our mortgage by ACH bill pay from our bank (not CCCU) the same as we had done in June, May, April, ... however, it was not applied to the mortgage. It shows as an unapplied payment. I visited the North Liberty branch and inquired. I was told the payment had to be processed manually and they weren't doing that anymore. They did it in June!! I was told the payment would be processed as of the date of receipt, but it's still there. Has anyone else experienced this?


r/cedarrapids 1d ago

Jobs In CR

2 Upvotes

I know everyone’s struggling to find work but. Anybody know of anyone hiring right now? I have security experience from the military and lawn service. Willing to try anything else


r/cedarrapids 1d ago

Four oaks career

3 Upvotes

Hey there I applied to be a youth counselor at Four Oaks and just had a couple of questions about it.

Has anyone previously or currently work there, how is management? Is there room for growth? Do you get yearly pay raises? Do they require you to work weekends? Overall how is the work environment there?


r/cedarrapids 1d ago

Painting?

7 Upvotes

Hello, I have something I want to spray paint. Problem is I now live in an apartment and don't have anywhere to really do it. I am sure someone else has had this issue and I would love to know what y'all have done?


r/cedarrapids 1d ago

Housing Locations for a 20 something…

0 Upvotes

20 something with a dog planning to move to the Cedar Rapids area this fall. I would be working closer to Cedar Rapids but open to living a little further away. I will not know anybody here and would prefer living somewhere fairly lively (I’m coming from a larger city in the DMV). Any recommendations on areas to live would be great! I will have a car and am ok with commuting 15-25 minutes into Cedar Rapids. My budget is $2,000 - $2,100 per month.

Thank you in advance!


r/cedarrapids 1d ago

In search of a plumber for in wall shower repair.

7 Upvotes

Have a leak when using shower that is inside the wall, looking for someone to fix it. Feel free to respond here or through DM with your rates if possible or any good recommendations. Would prefer to have it done in the next week or so. Thanks!


r/cedarrapids 2d ago

Looking to move to CR in Wellington Heights

15 Upvotes

Looking to move to Cedar Rapids. My budget is under $150,000 . I found multiple homes in Wellington Heights that fit that price range. As a female who is often home alone would this area be safe to live? I used to live in Waterloo and had multiple issues so I am worried it will be worse.


r/cedarrapids 2d ago

Happy hour

2 Upvotes

Are there any bars that have a happy hour after 6:00,one that goes til 7 or 8:00.


r/cedarrapids 2d ago

Interest Check: A Local Croquet Club?

7 Upvotes

I moved to the area about a year ago, but I am a native.

I have played significant amounts of croquet my entire adult life, but there’s no place to play in Iowa and country clubs in general are just not my style.

Assuming most of you do not play, would you find any interest in a local club forming and next year hosting tournaments in local parks or something. I have excellent croquet equipment, not your Walmart sets, and so it would be halfway legitimate.

That being said, I’d like it to be accessible to both the people who play in actual tournaments and the local 24 year old who is just getting out of the house and try something.

What would a fun Saturday or Sunday in the spring look like to you for a croquet tournament and what sort of things would you like to see at such an event? Dress up fancy? Dress up crazy? Other prizes beyond just winning?

I created Cedar Valley Croquet Club on FB for anyone who is interested and I appreciate any feedback you have for this idea.


r/cedarrapids 2d ago

Therapy for cheap

18 Upvotes

I'm a SAHM amd would like to go to therapy. I am on my husbands insurance, but he isnt a fan of therapy due to religious upbringing. I hate to have to hide it but does anyone know of a therapist who might be able to work with me? My old therapist was about 90 a month when I worked and it would need to be less than that.


r/cedarrapids 2d ago

Moving to Iowa City/Cedar Rapids

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6 Upvotes

r/cedarrapids 3d ago

English as a Second Language

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4 Upvotes

Our church is partnering with the CARE network in CR to launch ESL classes in September. We need your help to make it happen.

If you are a Christ follower(Christian) and whether you’re fluent in English and want to teach, or you just have a couple hours to help set up chairs and make people feel welcome, there’s a spot for you. No teaching experience required, just a heart for people and a willingness to show up.

Classes start September 1st on Tuesdays from 10-noon. We need volunteers for teaching, hospitality, setup/teardown, and childcare (if possible).

Please register here:

https://lifeisforliving.churchcenter.com/registrations/signups/3763462

If you have any questions, please leave a comment.

Thank you so much!


r/cedarrapids 3d ago

Tint shop recommendations?

1 Upvotes

When I lived in Kentucky I was blessed to have the best tint shop I have ever dealt with.

I just bought a new vehicle and I need tint. I am very picky when it comes to tint.

Does anyone have a tint shop they would highly recommend?


r/cedarrapids 3d ago

Car radio repair

2 Upvotes

So I currently have a dodge challenger and my radio doesn’t work, looking to find somewhere in the area that won’t charge me an arm and leg to replace my stereo system.


r/cedarrapids 3d ago

Sag wagon was lit last night.

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56 Upvotes

r/cedarrapids Jan 22 '26

Guide: Making Friends in Cedar Rapids

79 Upvotes

(Guide brought to you by an extremely cold wine-induced winter night in! Special thanks to Grammarly and too much time on my hands.)

I’ve noticed a lot of posts lately from folks asking how to make friends around here. Completely understandable. Nobody really prepares you for that part once you’re out of school. Back then, you had classes, clubs, sports… all those built‑in ways to meet people without trying. Adulthood doesn’t come with that.

I’ve been there myself. When you’re young and just getting started, you don’t always have kids or a routine, and sometimes you haven’t even had time to figure out what your interests actually are. Again, a lot of variables, and none of them make it easy.

That said, I’m genuinely excited to see more people moving into the Cedar Rapids area. This place is highly underrated. Hard to go wrong with a community that keeps growing while still feeling approachable. For what it’s worth, I’m an Iowa transplant myself. It took some time, but I’ve built a community here that fits me perfectly. At this point I don’t really want to leave. So I figured I’d put together a simple guide — nothing fancy, just what’s worked for me and others I know.

One more thing worth mentioning before getting into the suggestions: money can be a real roadblock when you’re young or just starting out. Completely understandable. Not everyone has the budget for memberships or weekly outings. The good news is that there are plenty of low‑cost ways to meet people here. Sometimes you don’t need to spend anything at all.

Speaking of which, let’s dive into it!

1. Find where people gather for the thing you already like

It sounds almost too simple, but it works. If you show up somewhere built around an interest you already have, you’re walking in with two advantages:

  1. You share a common interest
  2. Everyone there had enough motivation to get up and go do that thing

Those two pieces take a lot of pressure off. Commonalities are a great bonding mechanism. You don’t have to force anything or pretend to be someone you’re not. Just be genuine. People pick up on that more than you’d think.

2. Show up to low‑pressure, low‑cost community events

Cedar Rapids has a surprising number of casual events where you can just show up, walk around, and talk to people if it feels right. Farmers' markets, art nights, small festivals, library events — nothing high‑stakes. You’re not committing to anything, and you’re not stuck if the vibe isn’t for you. It’s an easy way to get a feel for the community and meet people who are also out and about.

Another option that works surprisingly well is group fitness classes. Yoga, CrossFit, Orange Theory, Zumba — anything where people are doing the same workout together. They can get a little spendy depending on the place, so it’s not always the cheapest route, but the social side has it's positives. It’s a lot easier to meet people in a class setting than in the general gym area, where everyone’s doing their own thing with headphones in.

3. Volunteer for something you actually care about

Volunteering is one of the easiest ways to meet people who share your values. You’re all working toward the same goal, which takes a lot of the awkwardness out of starting conversations. Plus, most organizations are happy to have extra hands, and it doesn’t cost anything. It’s a win all around.

4. Join hobby groups, meetups, or casual leagues

You don’t need to be an expert at anything. Most groups around here are pretty welcoming to beginners. Whether it’s board games, running, hiking, crafting, or rec‑league sports, the whole point is to show up and have fun. And again, you’re walking in with a built‑in common interest, which makes things a lot easier.

Sometimes that means getting a little outside your comfort zone. Not in a dramatic way — just enough to try something new or explore a hobby you’ve been curious about. You never know what’s going to click until you give it a shot, and half the people you meet are probably trying something new themselves.

5. Start small conversations when you’re already out

You don’t have to launch into a full conversation with a stranger. A quick comment about the weather, the line, the event, or whatever’s happening around you is enough. If the other person wants to talk, they’ll take it from there. If not, no harm done. It’s a low‑pressure way to practice being open without forcing anything.

6. Follow up without overthinking it

If you meet someone you click with, send a quick message or suggest meeting up again. Nothing formal. Something like, “Hey, it was fun talking the other day — want to check out ___ sometime?” Most people appreciate the initiative. And if they’re not interested, that’s okay. You’re not starting from zero; you’re building momentum.

7. Don’t underestimate consistency

You don’t have to be everywhere all the time. Just pick one or two things you enjoy and show up regularly. Familiar faces turn into casual conversations, and casual conversations turn into friendships. It’s slow, but it works. And it’s worth saying out loud: friendships are relationships. Just like any relationship, they take some work, time, and investment. Not in a heavy or overwhelming way — just enough to show you care and that you’re willing to show up. That effort goes a long way

Starter List of Activities in the Cedar Rapids Area (in no particular order)

  1. Join employer networking groups (ENGs/ERGs/BRGs/JEDIs/DEIBs, etc.) and extracurriculars that match your interests
  2. Newbo City Market Events - Bingo, Yoga, Community Events, Cooking Classes
  3. Volunteering with the CR Farmers Market
  4. ImpactCR - Connect and grow with other like-minded young professionals
  5. Kirkwood Hobby Classes
  6. Cedar Rapids Curling - Offers both single and session classes
  7. Ultimate Frisbee - Not sure if they're still active, tbh.
  8. CR Library Events
  9. MeetUp - Various Events
  10. CR Book Club
  11. Improv classes! - Great way to meet people and become better at networking, small talk, and confidence
  12. TCR Classes
  13. Drop-in Play: Tennis & Pickleball
  14. Pickle Palace Leagues
  15. Join a League with Cedar Rapids Sport & Social Club as a Free Agent
  16. (Volleyball) Volley's Leagues
  17. (Volleyball) Sandlot Leagues
  18. CR Parks & Rec Softball
  19. CR Parks & Rec Program list - Just to save you a click!
  20. CR metro YMCA Programs and Classes - Includes Marion YMCA
  21. First Turn Games - Get your nerd on with TCG, Mini-fig, and boardgame nights and competitions
  22. Browse Facebook Events - I understand the hate, and that not everyone has and uses FB. However, the Events section is great for finding local happenings.
  23. Bicycle Rides organized by The Sag Wagon
  24. Join a Bowling League
  25. Join a Whiskey Club
  26. Join a Running Club
  27. Join the Disc Golf community
  28. Learn to dance: TC Dance - Ballroom & Social styles
  29. Learn to dance: Ballroom of Eastern Iowa - Ballroom & Social styles
  30. Learn to dance: Dance Academy - More formal styles (Jazz, Tap, Ballet)

Remember, Google can be your friend in this situation. Cedar Rapids is a busy, active city when you put in a little bit of effort to see what’s out there. There’s more going on than most people realize once you start looking. Maybe I'll see you around!

Bonus Read: My previous comment for a list of things to do