Choosing the Right Quad Cities Home: Davenport vs. Bettendorf vs. Moline vs. Rock Island
Choosing the Right Quad Cities Home: Davenport vs. Bettendorf vs. Moline vs. Rock Island
When people reach out to me about moving to the Quad Cities, the number one question I get is:
"Which city should I move to?"
It’s a great question—because the Quad Cities aren’t all the same. Each one of the four major cities—Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, and Rock Island—has its own vibe, cost of living, and lifestyle. Let’s dive into each one and help you figure out which one might be right for you.
Cost of Living
Bettendorf tends to be the most expensive of the four. Newer housing developments, especially around the TBK Bank Sports Complex (the "Bettplex"), and higher demand drive up prices. The median home price is around $300,000, but homes range from $100K to over $2 million.
Rock Island is usually considered the most "affordable" option. With older homes and a slower pace of new development, it’s a great entry point for buyers on a budget.
Davenport is the largest city in the Quad Cities, and the cost of living reflects its diversity. You can find homes under $20,000 and homes over a million, with everything in between. Groceries and utilities fall in the middle range as well.
Moline falls somewhere in between. Its growth is constrained by geography—flanked by rivers and other cities—which has limited new development. But that also helps keep prices more stable and manageable.
Job Opportunities
Moline is all about John Deere. It’s the city’s economic powerhouse, with headquarters, manufacturing plants, and the John Deere Pavilion downtown. But being so dependent on one employer has its risks—layoffs can hit hard.
Bettendorf is more residential. While it has employers like Arconic and UnityPoint Hospital, many residents commute to jobs in other cities.
Rock Island offers a variety of jobs, especially in manufacturing and small businesses. It has a very local, small-business-friendly economy.
Davenport is the largest and most diverse in terms of employment. Big names like Amazon, Eaton, and Sterilite all operate here, plus a strong base of small businesses and service industries.
Community Feel
Bettendorf still holds on to its small-town roots even though it’s rapidly growing. Parades, family-friendly events, and strong community involvement make it feel tight-knit and welcoming.
Davenport is big and bustling, with a lot of events, festivals, and diverse neighborhoods. The downtown area is a major hub for culture and entertainment, but the suburbs still offer a cozy community feel.
Rock Island leans into its history. From gangster legends to historic architecture, it’s a city with character. Its Broadway District and downtown area are going through a revitalization that’s bringing back charm and walkability.
Moline is a mix of both. Its downtown area offers events and attractions, while the surrounding neighborhoods maintain a suburban vibe. It’s a happy medium between the feel of Davenport and Bettendorf.
Outdoor Recreation
Bettendorf has 26 well-maintained parks, and I’ve personally volunteered with the Park Ambassadors. It’s great for families and outdoor lovers.
Davenport has even more parks, and they’re diverse—from riverfront green spaces to wooded trails. Vander Veer Botanical Park and Sunderbruch Park are two of my personal favorites.
Rock Island is home to Black Hawk State Park, one of the best places to hike in the fall. It’s beautiful, historic, and right inside the city.
Moline offers Ben Butterworth Parkway, one of the best bike trails in the entire region. You’ll also find Prospect Park and the Music Guild, which adds community theater to the mix of outdoor fun.
No matter where you end up, the Quad Cities has something to offer.
Still unsure? That’s what I’m here for. I help families like yours figure out where to move based on your lifestyle, goals, and budget. Text or call me anytime—my number’s popping up down below.
And if you want to see what these cities look like, check out this video right here:
