The City of Solon is located in Johnson County in eastern Iowa. Solon is in close proximity to three larger communities-Iowa City, Coralville and Cedar Rapids. The town provides a good location for residents to live in a smaller community and easily commute to work in the nearby larger cities. The University of Iowa is also located in Iowa City, offering excellent employment and education opportunities to residents in Solon. There are several other communities in the vicinity that each offer their own unique flare for people in Solon to enjoy. Solon’s economy is now composed of a few service industries, but still functions primarily as a bedroom community for the larger cities of Cedar Rapids, Coralville and Iowa City. Since 1990, construction has increased on the east, west and south periphery of the town. With the close proximity to Lake Macbride State Park and the Coralville Reservoir, as well as the excellent local school district, Solon has become a desirable community to live in.
Population & Housing
The 2010 census calculations denote the population of Solon as 2,037. This is a 73% increase since 2000. Solon is expected to continue to grow as more people are drawn to the convenient location with minimal commute. The median value of housing is higher than in other small communities in the area, yet housing is more affordable than in the nearby Iowa City, Coralville, and Cedar Rapids areas.
History
According to the History of Johnson County, IA 1836 – 1882:
The Solon Reaper, of date July 28, 1882, published a sketch of the village history, from which we glean a few points:
The founder of Solon, as far as information can be ascertained, is one John West, who it is said laid out the first town proper of Solon in the year 1842. The same became vacated for some reason or other in 1847. In the year 1850, H. H. Kerr and P. B. Anders resurrected the vacated town proper and laid out in lots the town of Solon the second time.
According to Early Settlers of Solon, IA by Marilou West Ficklin:
The pioneer settlement grew into an established community in the early years before its official incorporation. During this growth period, businesses, churches, and services were available.
The little city of Solon was incorporated on July 2, 1877.
