👋 Welcome to the neighborhood! Whether you came from across the country or just across the river, we’re glad you’re here. Here’s a friendly checklist to help you get settled. Pull up a chair!
Lights, heat and water
⚡ Alliant Energy
Alliant Energy provides electric service in much of the area. Outages: 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268).
🔥 MidAmerican Energy
MidAmerican provides natural gas service in Cedar Rapids and Marion. Check its service-area list to see who serves your address.
🚰 City water
Water service is set up through your city. Cedar Rapids water customer service: 319-286-5900.
Cedar Rapids · Marion · Hiawatha · Robins
🗑️ Trash & recycling
In Cedar Rapids, look up your garbage day in the Mobile CR app or call Solid Waste & Recycling at 319-286-5897. In other towns, your city website has the details.
Library cards
📚 Cedar Rapids Public Library
Downtown at 450 Fifth Ave. SE and the Busse Branch at 1845 Sandberg Ln. SW. Phone: (319) 261-7323.
Schools
🍎 Find your school district
District lines don’t always follow city lines, so check with the district for your address.
Cedar Rapids Community · Linn-Mar · Marion Independent · College Community
Paperwork (the not-so-fun but important part)
🚗 Vehicle registration
Iowa registration is required even if your out-of-state plates are still valid. Bring your out-of-state title (or registration, if your bank holds the title) to the Linn County Treasurer within 30 days of bringing your vehicle to Iowa, plus your ID and Social Security card if you don’t have an Iowa license yet.
Treasurer, 935 Second St. SW, Cedar Rapids · 319-892-5500
🪪 Driver’s license
The Iowa DOT explains what new residents need to bring for an Iowa license or ID.
🗳️ Voter registration
Linn County Election Services (part of the Auditor’s Office) handles voter registration. You can register through the Iowa DOT when you get your license or ID, online through the DOT, by mail, or in person. The pre-registration deadline is 15 days before each election.
935 2nd Street SW, Cedar Rapids · 319-892-5300
Mobile CR app
📱 Mobile CR
The City of Cedar Rapids’ free app has city news and alerts, an events calendar, a live bus tracker and bill payment. You can also report issues through My CR and look up your garbage day.
Once you’re settled, come say hello! Meet your neighborhood association, explore our communities, and get winter ready.