DeWitt is at the crossroads of major highways near the Quad Cities
DeWitt earns its nickname, “Crossroads to Opportunity,” because of its location at the intersection of U.S. Route 30 and U.S. Route 61. Residents have access to city amenities like a medical center, local businesses and public parks. The highways offer easy access to the Quad Cities, about 25 miles away. Despite its name, the Quad Cities actually comprises five communities: Rock Island , Moline and East Moline in Illinois, and Davenport and Bettendorf , Iowa. “It’s a good, busy community, but still close to a metro area,” says Realtor Phil Bousselot with Associated Real Estate Counselors DeWitt, who has worked in the area for over 25 years.
Architecture includes older Foursquares and modern ranch-style houses
Shaded sidewalks line DeWitt’s residential streets. Most properties are half an acre or less, with grassy front lawns and driveways leading to small garages. The oldest homes feature National Folk and Foursquare styles, built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Mid-20th-century and contemporary ranch-style houses are also common. Depending on size and condition, prices range from $100,000 to $330,000. Newer properties may sell for $420,000 to $570,000. DeWitt receives a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
DeWitt public schools are rated B or higher by Niche
Central DeWitt Community School District serves the area. Preschoolers through third graders attend Ekstrand Elementary, which receives a B from Niche. Central DeWitt Intermediate, which covers fourth through sixth grade, and Central DeWitt Middle earn B-plus ratings. The Science Bowl is one of the long-standing traditions at the B-rated Central DeWitt High School. For nearly 40 years, grade levels and staff have competed to answer questions ranging from anatomy to physics. Private education is available at St. Joseph Catholic School, which teaches kindergarten through eighth grade and is unrated by Niche.
DeWitt is a car-dependent community with an industrial park
DeWitt is a car-dependent community. It is close to the Quad Cities, and U.S. Route 30 leads about 65 miles to Cedar Rapids . Quad Cities International Airport is about 30 miles away and offers direct flights to 11 destinations. MercyOne Genesis DeWitt Medical Center is located in the area. Crossroads Business Park is an industrial park next to U.S. 30 that houses major employers like Guardian Industries. The Union Pacific Railroad goes through the park.
Local places range from Urban Eats to The Crossroads Inspired Living
Most DeWitt restaurants are in the downtown district. "Urban Eats is a really big name and a fine place," Bousselot says. This casual eatery focuses on locally sourced ingredients. The menu at The Old Library includes hamburgers, shrimp and other American fare. Summit Cafe is a coffee shop with a drive-through. The Crossroads Inspired Living is a gift shop located at the highway's original intersection, now 10th Street and Sixth Avenue. Residents get groceries for Randy's Neighborhood Market and find fresh produce at the DeWitt Farmers Market every Thursday afternoon from May through October. Big-box stores like Walmart and Target are in the Quad Cities.
Westbrook Park, fitness center and nearby golf clubs offer recreation
There are over half a dozen parks in DeWitt, the largest of which is the 100-acre Westbrook Park. Amenities include baseball fields, two playgrounds, a disc golf course and a dog park. The Paul Skeffington Memorial Trail is a multiuse path through the park’s forested area. At Lincoln Park downtown, a playground and band shelter hosts community events like Tunes on the Town, a free concert series every Tuesday night from May to October. The DeWitt Aquatic Center is open during the summer and has water slides, a lap pool and a shallow area where kids can play. There's also a library and a fitness center. Springbrook Country Club is a private, 18-hole course on the city’s northern end, although Bousselot says that many golfers travel to nearby public courses like Valley Oaks Golf Course, about 15 miles away.
Popular events include Autumn Fest and the Fourth of July Parade
Autumn Fest is an annual event held by the DeWitt Chamber & Development Company that has been happening for almost 40 years. It starts with a movie night at Lincoln Park on Friday night. On Saturday, residents enjoy live music, a beer garden, obstacle courses and a sidewalk chalk contest. Holiday celebrations include Hometown Christmas, which includes a visit from Santa and the Lighted Parade, and the Fourth of July Parade.
