Why Robins Is a Great Place to Build a Home
For families looking to build a new home in the Cedar Rapids metro area, Robins offers a combination that can be difficult to find: a growing community, low property taxes, convenient access to the metro, recreational amenities and room for continued residential and commercial growth.
Located just north of Cedar Rapids, Robins has grown significantly over the past two decades while maintaining the small-community atmosphere that has long made it an attractive place to live. The city reports that its population has increased more than 80 percent since 2000, with approximately 3,500 residents now calling Robins home.
Low Property Taxes Add to the Appeal
One of Robins’ biggest advantages is its comparatively low city property tax levy.
The city’s historically conservative approach to municipal finances has helped keep its levy well below many other metro communities.
For homeowners investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in a new home, those lower city taxes can become an important part of the long-term cost of homeownership.
“Robins offers families the opportunity to live in a growing community while still enjoying many of the advantages people associate with a smaller town,” said Carrie Wilkinson, Chair of the Robins Economic Development Initiative and Community Banker at Community Savings Bank in Robins. “Our low city property tax rate, location and continued investment in the community make Robins an attractive place not only to build a home, but to put down roots for the future.”
Close to Everything — Without Living in the Middle of It
Location is another major advantage.
Robins is only a couple of cornfields north of Cedar Rapids and is accessible from two I-380 exits, giving residents convenient connections to Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Marion and employment throughout the I-380 Corridor.
That means homeowners can enjoy a quieter residential community while remaining minutes from shopping, restaurants, healthcare, entertainment and many of the area’s largest employers.
Robins also sits directly along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, providing residents with convenient access to one of the region’s premier recreational trail systems. Parks, trails and future recreational improvements are an important part of the community’s long-term growth strategy.
New Neighborhoods and Opportunities to Build
Unlike many established metro neighborhoods where available building lots have become increasingly difficult to find, Robins continues to have room for new residential development.
Multiple developments are adding or planning residential lots, including Robins Landing, Wood’s Edge at Dry Creek and The Village Addition.
Robins Landing alone is envisioned as a major mixed-use area with residential, commercial and recreational components. Plans for the larger development include housing, recreation, commercial development and industrial space.
The availability of lots in multiple developments also gives buyers choices in location, lot size, home design and builder — including opportunities that can remain affordable compared with building in some other parts of the metro.
Shawn Bodensteiner, owner of Robins-based Academy Homes, has spent many years building homes throughout Robins and the surrounding area. His company specializes in designing and building homes around the needs and budgets of individual homeowners.
“Over the past 23 years of building homes here in Robins I’ve seen more and more families really find out the value of our community” Bodensteiner said. “People love the location, the neighborhoods, and the lower taxes! In my opinion, the great rural small-town feel offered here, while still being just a few minutes from everything has been a huge draw for my customers. With the current developments and lots available, I think there is great opportunity ahead!”
Building More Than Homes
Residential growth is only one part of the community’s vision.
REDI and the City of Robins are actively working to expand the community’s commercial tax base and bring additional restaurants, retail, services and employment opportunities to the city.
Three areas are currently being positioned for commercial growth: Robins Landing, Robins Square and Eagle View. Robins Landing, located along Tower Terrace Road near Robins Road and the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, is envisioned as a walkable mixed-use destination that could eventually include retail, dining, residential development, green space and trail connections.
That commercial growth is important for existing and future homeowners. Adding businesses can provide more nearby services and amenities while also helping diversify a community tax base that historically has been heavily residential.
A Community for Families
Perhaps the strongest reason to consider Robins isn’t a tax rate, interstate interchange or development plan. It’s the quality of life.
Robins has retained the character of a smaller Iowa community while becoming increasingly connected to the Cedar Rapids metro. Residents have access to area schools, parks and trails, nearby healthcare and employment, and the amenities of a much larger metropolitan area just minutes away.
For families looking for a safe, welcoming community in which to build a new home and establish roots, Robins offers a compelling combination: low city property taxes, convenient access to I-380, recreational opportunities, available residential lots and a forward-looking plan for continued economic development.
As more homes are built and new commercial projects take shape, Robins isn’t simply getting bigger. The goal is to grow in a way that makes the community an even better place to live, work and play.