Julie...I have college grad kid so I totally understand your concerns. Contact me at following email address:

Ndharssi@iowarealty.com (Nimira Dharssi)
Licenced in state of Iowa
Iowa realty
319-651-7862
385 Collins RD, Cedar Rapids, IA
52402

The downtown is starting to recover from the 2008 flood, but I would live near downtown. A nice area, that is still reasonably priced would be farther down first ave, between 32nd and 40th st NE. I'd stay away from the Wellington Heights and Mound View areas. Another good area is around Noelridge park - safe and close to a lot.

Julie-Feel free to email me with your address and I will send you a map that breaks Cedar Rapids down by schools. Using this information you will be able to descern which neighborhoods you might feel the most comfortable in. You can also check the specific crime rates for neighborhoods with the police department. We have lots of safe areas near points of interest whether you may be looking for a condo or single family residence and I'd be happy to help.
John Beltramea
EliteGMAC Real Estate
Broker/Owner
Cedar Rapids,IA
319-393-3190
john@elitegmacrealestate.com

Yes it is, the location is the most top priority, but you should look forward to things like, is the restaurant and nightlife bars can actually save you money or is it a temptation to spend more... no matter how small the cost of living is, if you have temptation like that it's not worth it, bars are also not secure to have around the vicinity.

Cedar Rapids is a great place but think ahead.