Ellis Harbor is a peaceful neighborhood featuring a well-developed bicycling infrastructure that supports convenient bike travel throughout the area. Quiet streets contribute to a calm environment with minimal traffic noise. The community offers a wide variety of housing options, including small apartment buildings, single detached homes, townhouses, and spacious lofts, catering to diverse preferences. Properties vary in size, some boasting four or more bedrooms, reflecting versatility in available dwellings. Residents benefit from ease of parking options, making car travel comfortable. This neighborhood provides a relaxed, tranquil setting with varied living arrangements suited to numerous needs within an accessible, bike-friendly environment.
The character of Ellis Harbor is exemplified by its slower-paced ambience. Ellis Harbor is very quiet overall, as the streets are generally very tranquil.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
Ellis Harbor is home to a rare houseboat and boathouse community nestled in a harbor just off Ellis Road, where around 100 floating homes form a tight‑knit summer neighborhood, with a strong sense of camaraderie among residents. Each structure is unique, and while they present challenges like winter storage and flood risk, they define the character of the area.
This 416‑acre riverside green space includes the historic 18‑hole Ellis Golf Course (designed in 1919 by William Langford), walking trails, tennis courts, ball diamonds, sand volleyball, a swimming pool, Shakespeare Garden, boat ramps, and hosts water ski shows — offering unmatched outdoor recreation right in Ellis Harbor.
Ellis Harbor is served by Cedar Rapids Community School District and zoned to Kennedy High School (A‑minus rating on Niche, with 27 AP classes) after attending Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy (6‑8) and Madison Elementary (C‑plus), providing strong local college‑prep educational options.
While largely residential and river‑focused, Ellis Harbor sits just 2 to 3 miles from major shopping and dining hubs—Hy‑Vee stores, Cedar River Landing dive bar, and downtown Cedar Rapids—making essential amenities and nightlife easily accessible by car or bus.
The Cedar Boat Club hosts annual fireworks displays at Ellis Park/Harbor, a beloved summer tradition that attracts families from across the city to gather riverside and enjoy community celebrations under the night sky.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
Local residents can browse new and gently used books while visiting the popular Downtown Cedar Rapids Farmers Market—an easy, family-friendly outing that supports literacy and the Cedar Rapids Public Library.
A vibrant celebration of Latino culture featuring music, food, and family activities—perfect for Ellis Harbor residents looking to experience cultural diversity and enjoy an outdoor festival close to home.
This cultural festival offers authentic cuisine, performances, exhibits, and a family-friendly atmosphere—great for exploring multicultural experiences within walking or short driving distance of Ellis Harbor.
A free, family-friendly fair with hay rack rides, pie-eating contests, scavenger hunts, and more—excellent for families living in Ellis Harbor seeking a fun, low-cost outing nearby.
Local adults can enjoy an evening networking event with food & drinks (BizMix), a festive after-dark market with entertainment, or celebrate the new Busse Branch opening—each offers community connection opportunities close by.
Stories, updates, and things to know in Ellis Harbor
Local characteristics and demographics for Ellis Harbor
