Looking for a home with timeless charm, thoughtful updates, and a price tag under $300,000? These four historic homes in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, deliver just that. From beautifully preserved original woodwork and sunlit three-season porches to renovated kitchens and spacious layouts, each property offers a unique blend of history and modern comfort. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an old-home enthusiast, these Cedar Rapids gems are full of personality—and ready to welcome you home.
1. 1922 Ranch-Style Home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Built-in 1922, this cozy ranch-style home in Cedar Rapids offers 606 square feet of living space on a spacious 7,405-square-foot lot. Priced at $115,000, the home features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and an attached garage. Recent upgrades include a 2022 furnace, water heater, and a whole-home Purdy mini-split cooling unit. With classic vinyl siding, original charm, and a beautifully maintained backyard, it’s perfect for first-time buyers or savvy investors.
Where is Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids is located in eastern Iowa, in the heart of the American Midwest. Just 30 miles from Iowa City and under two hours from Des Moines, it’s a hub of culture and commerce. The city is known for its historic Czech Village, Brucemore Mansion, and thriving arts community. Nestled along the Cedar River, it blends small-town warmth with urban amenities, making it a desirable place to live and invest.
Living Room
The living room offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with wood-toned laminate flooring and soft white walls. A ceiling fan provides comfort, and a large front-facing window lets in ample natural light. Neutral tones make it easy to personalize, and the open layout leads naturally into the kitchen and hallway. Whether used for relaxing or entertaining, this space offers functionality and charm with a simple, efficient design perfect for everyday living.
Updated Kitchen
This updated galley-style kitchen features maple cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and sleek countertops. A ceramic tile floor adds durability and pairs well with the wood cabinetry. Natural light from a side-facing window brightens the space, while the modern appliances make cooking a breeze. The layout maximizes storage with upper and lower cabinets, and the compact footprint is ideal for easy meal prep, making this kitchen both attractive and highly practical.
Bedroom
The bedroom features clean lines, natural light, and traditional hardwood floors that add warmth and character. White walls create a bright, open atmosphere, and a ceiling fan enhances comfort. The space includes a built-in closet and provides enough room for a bed and minimal furniture, making it perfect as a main bedroom, guest room, or home office. Its simplicity allows for flexible use while maintaining the home’s original early 20th-century charm.
Full Bathroom
Compact and efficient, the bathroom includes a tub-shower combo with a moulded surround, a modern toilet, and a single-sink vanity. A window brings in daylight, while light walls and a neutral curtain keep the space feeling open and clean. Shelving adds useful storage for toiletries. Though modest in size, the bathroom is well-designed for comfort and everyday functionality, blending classic style with essential updates in a bright, tidy setting.
Basement Utility Area
The full basement offers a versatile utility space with exposed wood beams, open concrete flooring, and built-in shelving for storage. Recent updates include a 2022-installed water heater and furnace. With walk-out access, this area is ideal for a laundry zone, workshop, or seasonal storage. The raw, unfinished feel highlights the home’s solid structure and historic roots, while modern improvements ensure efficient performance for today’s homeowners. It’s a true bonus feature.
Listing Agent: Keller Williams Legacy Group via Zillow
2. 1892 Brick Home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Built-in 1892, this classic 1.5-story brick home in Cedar Rapids captures the charm of late 19th-century Midwestern architecture. Featuring 1,731 square feet of interior space on a 5,314-square-foot lot, the home offers 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, including a primary suite on the main level. Listed at $170,000, it includes a detached garage, a spacious porch, and a full basement with expansion potential. Just blocks from NewBo, this home offers timeless appeal with renovation opportunities.
Where is Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids is located in eastern Iowa, part of the American Midwest, along the banks of the Cedar River. Just 30 miles north of Iowa City and 120 miles from Des Moines, it’s known for its thriving cultural scene, historic neighbourhoods, and economic diversity. Attractions include the Czech Village, Brucemore Mansion, and the NewBo City Market. This vibrant city blends industrial roots with creative energy, making it a dynamic place to live and explore.
Kitchen
This spacious kitchen features rich wood cabinetry with classic hardware, laminate countertops, and a retro-patterned linoleum floor. A ceiling fan hangs above for added comfort, while multiple windows provide natural light. Open shelving, a built-in desk nook, and ample storage give the space flexibility for family cooking or entertaining. With direct access to the staircase and adjacent rooms, this kitchen is the functional heart of the home with rustic appeal.
Bathroom
The main bathroom blends vintage charm with everyday functionality. A long wooden vanity offers plenty of counter and cabinet space beneath a large mirror framed by vanity lights. Neutral tile flooring and beige walls create a soft, clean backdrop, while a tall window with lace curtains brings in daylight. A classic radiator sits tucked in the corner, adding warmth and a nod to the home’s historic character. Some cosmetic updates would enhance this spacious bathroom’s potential.
Bedroom
This upper-level bedroom offers generous space, neutral gray-lavender walls, and plush carpeting underfoot. A classic ceiling fan light fixture centres the room, and a wood door adds traditional charm. The angled ceiling adds character to the layout, while natural light brightens the space through a window not pictured. It’s a quiet, comfortable retreat with flexible potential—ideal as a guest room, primary bedroom, or creative space with a touch of vintage elegance.
Basement
The full basement offers a practical utility zone with exposed ceiling beams and terracotta-hued tile flooring. A washer and dryer sit along the far wall, near a second toilet and shower area, creating a convenient laundry and half-bath combo. Plentiful piping and mechanical systems are visible, underscoring the home’s solid infrastructure. This space is ideal for storage or could be finished for a workout room, game area, or extra living quarters.
Detached Garage
At the back of the property, a white, vinyl-sided detached garage offers secure, covered parking with room for one vehicle and additional tools or equipment. A wide driveway leads to the garage, framed by mature trees and a fenced yard. With easy alley access and separation from the main home, this structure provides extra utility for storage or workshop use, completing the practical layout of this historic Cedar Rapids residence.
Listing Agent: Pinnacle Realty LLC via Zillow
3. 1911 Two-Story Craftsman in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Built-in 1911, this beautifully updated two-story Craftsman home offers 1,248 square feet of living space on a 2,787-square-foot lot in the heart of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Priced at $124,900, the property retains its original woodwork and refinished hardwood floors while featuring major updates such as a remodelled bathroom, all-new exterior paint, a new roof, vinyl windows, and updated porch steps. The oversized front porch and formal dining room add charm to this timeless gem.
Where is Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids, located in eastern Iowa, is a key cultural and economic hub in the Midwest. The city lies along the Cedar River, about 30 miles north of Iowa City and just under 120 miles from Des Moines. Known for its historic Czech Village, Brucemore Mansion, and the NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids offers a mix of urban energy and small-town hospitality, making it a vibrant and welcoming community.
Kitchen
This bright, U-shaped kitchen combines functionality with warmth. Light oak cabinetry lines three walls, offering plenty of storage space, while neutral countertops and white tile floors keep the room feeling open and fresh. Black appliances, including a range, dishwasher, and microwave, contrast nicely against the lighter tones. A large window above the sink allows natural light to flood the space, creating a cheerful and efficient workspace for home cooks.
Bathroom
Updated and bright, the full bathroom features a sleek combination of light grey wall tile and white upper walls. The acrylic tub-shower combo includes built-in shelving, while a modern black vanity with a white sink offers a clean contrast. Overhead lighting and a framed mirror complete the space, giving it a contemporary touch. The layout is efficient and polished, blending functionality with subtle style in a refreshed, move-in-ready package.
Basement
The unfinished basement is spacious and full of potential, with exposed ceiling beams, stone foundation walls, and a concrete floor. A laundry area with washer and dryer sits conveniently near the stairwell. Visible mechanicals, including ductwork and water heater, suggest easy maintenance access. With built-in shelving and open space, this basement could serve as a workshop, storage zone, or be finished for future living space. Great for utility and long-term flexibility.
Rear Entrance
The rear entrance of the home features a charming covered entry with a gabled awning supported by rustic posts. A concrete walkway leads up to the red-painted back door, framed by white-trimmed grey siding that matches the home’s updated exterior. Small garden beds flank the path, adding a touch of green. This rear access point is practical for day-to-day use and enhances the home’s curb appeal from every angle.
Listing Agent: Keller Williams Legacy Group via Zillow
4. 1924 Craftsman Bungalow in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Built in 1924, this Craftsman-style bungalow in Cedar Rapids offers a blend of vintage character and cosy comfort. Priced at $169,500, the 1,370-square-foot home sits on a spacious 10,454-square-foot lot. It features 3 bedrooms, a bright and functional floor plan, and original woodwork throughout. Recent updates include a newer roof and windows. A standout feature is the sun-filled three-season porch, perfect for relaxing, reading, or enjoying the neighbourhood’s peaceful ambience.
Where is Cedar Rapids?
Located in eastern Iowa, Cedar Rapids is a major cultural and economic centre in the Midwest. It sits along the Cedar River, just 30 miles north of Iowa City and under two hours from Des Moines. Known for its historic Czech Village, Brucemore Mansion, and thriving arts and food scenes, Cedar Rapids blends small-town charm with urban amenities. It’s a vibrant, welcoming city ideal for families, professionals, and history lovers alike.
Kitchen
This charming kitchen features vintage-style wood cabinetry with classic black hardware and laminate countertops. The white gas stove and dishwasher blend seamlessly into the space, while neutral tile flooring adds durability and warmth. A window above the sink brings in soft natural light, and an additional window near the dining area keeps the space bright. This kitchen offers a cosy, practical setup that’s ready for everyday use or future updates.
Bedroom
A serene, simple bedroom with original hardwood floors and white painted walls creates a bright and airy atmosphere. Natural wood trim around the doors and baseboards adds warmth and period charm. A ceiling fan with light provides comfort and function, and the space offers flexibility for use as a bedroom, guest room, or nursery. The room’s minimal style makes it easy to personalize while retaining its early 20th-century character.
Sunroom
This lovely three-season sunroom sits at the front of the house and is framed by walls of windows on three sides, allowing sunlight to pour in throughout the day. Polished hardwood floors and original wood trim enhance its historic charm. A ceiling fan overhead and built-in shelving add both comfort and practicality. The space is perfect for use as a home office, reading nook, or relaxing morning coffee spot with views of the quiet street.
Bathroom
The bathroom features a clean, classic design with white fixtures and subtle vintage touches. A white vanity with built-in storage sits beneath a wall-mounted mirror and triple-light fixture, offering ample lighting and functionality. Soft grey walls and original wood accents around the doorway and trim add warmth and texture. Compact and efficient, the layout is ideal for daily use while leaving room for easy personalization or upgrades.
Listing Agent: Keller Williams Legacy Group via Zillow