Living in Davenport, Iowa
From the band shell of LeClaire Park on the Mississippi to the corn fields stretching to I-80 and north, Davenport is a city rich in history of the river, industry, and jazz. Davenport, IA is the largest of the four surrounding Quad Cities – an area comprised of four cities – Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Moline and Rock Island in Illinois. Surrounding communities in Illinois and Iowa are nestled along the river or are close by. Where else will you find a North/South running river that runs West. This is the mighty Mississippi.
A renewed interest in the downtown and riverfront areas has led to wonderful development and construction. The Figge Arts Museum is an impressive addition to the city and features a museum with incredible children’s programming and a family activity center. A new sky bridge provides a safe and beautiful walk-way from downtown to The Rhythm City Casino. The historic Blackhawk Hotel is in the process of being restored to its earlier glory as a premier hotel. The newly renovated Modern Woodmen Park, home to the Quad Cities baseball team The River Bandits, sits at the base of the Centennial Bridge right along the riverfront. Paths right along the riverfront allow for an enjoyable walk or bike ride.
Northpark Mall, Kimberly Road, and a multitude of new commercial development along 53rd Street are shopping destinations for the entire Quad Cities area. With a great variety of clothing, furniture, technology, and specialty stores there is something for everyone.
There are many parks and recreation facilities throughout Davenport. Vander Veer Park, right in the middle of the city, has a small pond for skating in the winter and a botanical center to enjoy year round. Each July Davenport is host to one of the premier marathon races in the country – The Quad City Times Bix 7 Run and the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival.
The Davenport School district has 3 public high schools, 6 intermediate, and numerous grade schools. There are many alternative private and parochial schools in Davenport available. The Palmer School of Chiropractics, St. Ambrose University, and Scott Community College provide higher education opportunities for local, national, and international students.
The grand homes of McClellan Heights, Vander Veer Park, and the “Gold Coast” are part of the historic housing available in Davenport. Many wonderful older residential areas exist in price ranges from $75,000 – to $500,000. Affordable and premier new construction subdivisions are being built on the western and northern areas of the city ranging from $200,000 - $750,000.
