With grand Mississippi River views, Moline enjoys a lively riverfront vibe
Situated along the Mississippi, Moline offers a grand river backdrop to its vibrant, but humble community. The Illinois municipality is part of the Quad Cities region, straddling not only the river but also the Iowa state line with a common legacy of industrial and agricultural history. Moline, though, has grown into a cultural riverside hub that continues to deepen its roots through its dining, shopping and entertainment venues, especially those in the city’s waterfront Downtown.
Perhaps most famous for its familiar green and yellow color scheme, the region is home to John Deere, both as a top employer since 1848 and an attraction. Deere Pavilion, the official visitor center of the agricultural-machinery empire, promotes the history of John Deere’s impact while giving visitors an up-close look at its creations, both vintage and new. Other major employers in Moline are Heart of American Management, a hotel and restaurant operator, and Rivervalley Health Care, which provides health benefit plans and services.
Downtown Moline is connected to the Quad Cities area by the Mississippi River Bridge.
The John Deere Pavolion and Museum is a big attraction in Downtown Moline.
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A mix of fixer-uppers and renovated old homes welcome buyers and investors
“When I meet with buyers in Moline, we often talk about architecture, history and the city’s growth,” says Michael Rebitzer, a Realtor with Quad Cities Iowa Realty and a Quad Cities resident for 25 years. “Moline has worked hard in recent decades to improve the local economy. We can see that with new businesses coming to the city. We also see amazing renovations and remodels of historic and older homes. Investors and old house lovers can still find fixer-uppers here for very competitive prices. With recent growth and people investing in real estate in Moline, I believe that the housing climate here is in a good position.”
The most common styles in Moline include cottages, bungalows, and American Foursquares, which are commonly found in the historic Overlook neighborhood. Two-story farmhouses from the early 1900s sit alongside mid-century ranch-style homes and Craftsman-style homes in Keystone. Park Hill, a quiet, traditionally blue-collar neighborhood tucked beside Interstate 74, features bungalows, cottages and small ranch-style homes. While many homes in the city have been updated or completely renovated, buyers can still find plenty of fixer-uppers.
The median price of recently sold homes in Moline is $146,000, compared to the national median sold price of $406,100.
Homes in Downtown Moline sit on cozy, well maintained lots.
Craftsman bungalows in a variety of styles and colors are a mainstay of Karstens-City Line.
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Parks along The Mississippi River draw residents to enjoy history and recreation
The Ben Butterworth Parkway’s riverside bike trail stretches along the length of the city and links parks along the way. The 50-acre parkway features a fishing pier, boat launch, playground, and outdoor exercise equipment. A truss bridge takes hikers and bicyclists to the supposedly haunted Sylvan Island, a former industrial site with limestone hiking trails and bike paths that offer scenic views of the river. Highlights of the region’s artistic talent can be found throughout the 100-location display of sculptures, murals, art galleries and museums along the Quad Cities Public Art Trail, which weaves through the entire Quad Cities region.
A view of the Mississippi from the Ben Butterworth Parkway in East End.
Riverside Park in Park Hill has multiple baseball fields to play in.
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Strong public schools and several colleges and universities
Moline Unified School District No. 40 offers public education for prekindergarten through 12th grade across 14 schools. It scores a B from Niche. Moline is also home to three private schools: Seton Catholic School, Villa Montessori School and Temple Christian Academy.
A handful of post-secondary institutions are also located in Moline. Enrolling 12,500 full-time students, Black Hawk College is Moline’s main public community college. Western Illinois University’s new Quad Cities campus is situated along Moline’s riverfront and has a growing student body of 1,500. Nearby Augustana College, in neighboring Rock Island, is a private Lutheran liberal arts college.
Jane Addams Elementary serves Greater Homewood's younger students
Kids can participate in a variety of competitive athletic programs at Moline High School.
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Dynamic downtown for local shopping and dining
Most of Moline’s local stores and restaurants are downtown, providing a handful of pedestrian-friendly blocks with lots of options. Microbreweries like Ben River Brewing Company offer a laidback yet trendy atmosphere, while the Syndicate in the Axis Hotel serves craft cocktails in a sophisticated setting. Residents can enjoy schnitzel at Bier Stube, a beer garden that celebrates the region’s German roots, while long-standing Lagomarcino’s is known for its homemade candies, old-fashioned fountain drinks and ice cream sundaes. For a casual night out, family-friendly Old Mexico is known for its brightly colored building and large portions. Big box retailers and grocery stores can be found at nearby Rock River Plaza or SouthPark Mall in Moline.
Moline is a city rich with history for locals to explore.
Moline's South Park Mall gives locals a variety of shopping options along the Rock River.
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Temperate summers and snowy winters but minimal accumulation
Moline’s climate ranges from warm and humid summers where highs rarely exceed 85 degrees, to cold, snowy and windy winters. Snowfalls are frequent in winter, but accumulations aren’t significant. The Mississippi poses an annual springtime flood risk.
Rates of reported violent crimes and property crimes in Moline are above the state and national levels but have held relatively steady since 2021. The Moline Police Department runs several outreach programs including Coffee with a Cop and school events.
Public transportation includes a nearby airport and river taxis
With its location along the Mississippi River and encircled between major interstates, Moline offers easy accessibility by car, bus, boat and plane. Interstate 74 and State Highway 92 run right through the city, while proximity to thoroughfares like Interstate 80 and 88 connect residents to the rest of the Quad Cities. Recent expansions to Interstate 74 were completed in 2021 and included the addition of lanes to lighten traffic and a new pedestrian-friendly bridge with an overlook.
Public transit options include bus service, Amtrak rail lines and water taxis. Less than 10 minutes from Downtown Moline, the Quad City International Airport offers nonstop flights to 11 destinations on four airlines.
Events in Moline celebrate The Mississippi River, local history and sports
The Celebration Belle offers a unique view of Moline. From April through September, the 750-passenger paddlewheel boat takes passengers on guided lunch and dinner cruises down the Mississippi River. Live concerts, musicals and sporting events are held at the waterfront Vibrant Arena. The 12,000-seat multi-purpose venue is also home to the Quad City Storm professional hockey team, the Quad City Steamwheelers arena football team, and the Missouri Valley Women’s Basketball Tournament.
The Celebration River Cruises offers beautiful dinner cruise in East End.
Residents of Moline enjoy their proximity to the Vibrant Arena.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
