Central Rock Island, located just across the Mississippi River from the Iowa state line, is an established community with access to urban and outdoor amenities. A historic city with modern revitalization efforts, Rock Island fosters community engagement through numerous annual events and the creation of gathering spaces for residents. “Rock Island has a lot of history,” says Mayor Mike Thoms, who is a lifelong resident of Rock Island. “It’s the oldest Quad City – an old river town that used to have a prominent logging industry. Now, it’s an established community, with a lot of long-termers and new residents coming in.”
Central Rock Island is primarily residential, with businesses, parks, and restaurants.
Central Rock Island in the center point of the area, and close to downtown.
Central Rock Island sits atop a hill with views of the Mississippi and downtown.
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Upcoming renovations to pedestrian mall
Residents grab breakfast in the morning from Wholly Grinds on 11th Street. In addition to coffee, the restaurant is known for its waffles and waffle sandwiches. For dinner, Alfano's Pizza is a neighborhood go-to. Locals say that the family-owned pizza parlor gives spots in Chicago a run for their money. To eat at home, Hy-Vee Grocery Store on 18th Street is where residents pick up groceries and everyday essentials. And there’s more to come for the city of Rock Island. Mayor Thoms says the city is updating roads and the pedestrian mall about 2 miles north of the neighborhood. “We’re taking Downtown’s existing pedestrian mall and renovating it,” Thoms says. “The main thing we’re focusing on is creating curb-less streets and widening sidewalks. That way, in the evenings, you can block the street off, so people can walk around and go from one bar or restaurant to the next.”
Alfano's Pizzeria is a local favorite amongst Central Rock Island residents.
Wholly Grinds is a popular cafe and eatery near Central Rock Island.
Central Rock Island residents can find groceries and essentials at the local HyVee.
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What’s happening in Rock Island
Rock Island residents gather throughout the year. In the summer, free live music, lawn chairs and blankets dominate the banks of Riverfront Park at Thursday Night Groove. In Lincoln Park, the Genesius Guild puts on classical theatre performances every summer weekend. A Labor Day Parade and St. Patrick’s Day Marathon with other Quad Cities also occur annually. But that’s not all. With Downtown Rock Island’s current revitalization, Mayor Thoms says that old community favorites, like the popular Ya Maka My Weekend Caribbean culture festival, will return around 2025 once construction is complete.
Central Rock Island are close to the shore of the Mississippi, perfect for watching the sun set.
Central Rock Island is just minutes from downtown Rock Island.
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Quaint homes and condo options
“It’s hilly and a beautiful area. There are ravines and big ol’ oak trees,” Mayor Thoms says. “You’re not living on top of your neighbor – it’s not like you can open your curtains and see what your neighbor is doing. Things are a little more spread out.” Homes in Rock Island sit on sloping streets with an irregular grid pattern. While lots are small and somewhat uniform, no two homes look alike. Some homes have driveways, others have cars parked in front of them, and mature trees overlook sidewalks. Buyers can find a four-bedroom bungalow, ranch-style or Cape Cod property in the $120,000 to $140,000 range. In the $150,000 to $200,000 range, they can expect two-story bungalows, Colonial Revival and split-level homes. Those wanting a home with newly renovated interiors can find a property in a similar style for $200,000 to $300,000. There are also condo options available, and they span $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the property’s size, condition and age.
Central Rock Island features some beautiful cape cod homes with picket fences.
Colonial revival homes are on almost every block in Central Rock Island.
Central Rock Island is home to one of the tallest condo buildings in Rick Island.
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Indoor and outdoor recreation
While there aren’t any parks in the neighborhood, residents can get active at the Rock Island YMCA on 30th Street. Opened in March of 2023, the building has state-of-the-art fitness equipment and facilities. Just outside of Central Rock Island sit Longview Park and Hauberg Estate Park. At the former, families can walk through the open-air greenhouse and flower gardens before taking the kids to run around the playground. Locals can wander sloping walking paths to the swimming pool and tennis or volleyball courts while taking in scenic views of the surrounding greenery. A few blocks over is Hauberg Estate Park. As the name suggests, it features a historic Prairie-style mansion that can be rented for events or booked for tours. There’s also a playground, baseball fields and family-friendly events throughout the year at the park.
Haubert Estate is a large historical property overlooking Central Rock Island.
Central Rock Island residents have plenty of green space to enjoy with their beloved pets.
Central Rock Island residents will love the modern and well equipped YWCA.
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Getting around Central Rock Island
Bus stops travel throughout the city of Rock Island, which is about 85 miles southeast of Cedar Rapids, 100 miles northwest of Peoria and 170 miles west of Chicago. U.S. Route 67 is the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare and leads across the Rock River to Milan. When it’s time to fly, the Quad Cities International Airport is about 7 miles southeast.
Central Rock Island residents will find bus routes and stops throughout the neighborhood.
Route 67 is the main concourse running through Central Rock Island.
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School days
Students are zoned for Rock Island School District No. 41 and can attend Eugene Field Elementary School, which earns a B from Niche. Then, they can attend Edison Jr. High School, which gets a C-plus from Niche, before Rock Island High School, which receives a B-minus. Rock Island High School – or “Rocky” as locals call it – offers nine Advanced Placement (AP) classes and nearly 30 Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses.
Eugene Field Elementary School cultivates a supportive learning atmosphere.
Nearby Edison Junior High serves Central Rock Island and surrounding neighborhoods.
Rock Island High School, also known as "Rocky", in southern Central Rock Island.
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On average, homes in Central Rock Island, Rock Island sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Rock Island, Rock Island over the last 12 months is $152,300, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this condo for sale in Rock Island IL that could be cheaper than most rent. Why rent when you can buy! With nicely taken care of woodwork throughout. Beautiful stain glass in some of the windows with plenty of sunlight. Separate walk in showing. This unit has character & charm Galore. Has it's own washer & dryer hookup in the unit with all appliances staying. HOA covers lawncare, snow
SPARKLES LIKE NEW! Fabulous ONE OWNER Watch Hill Oaks condo nestled in wooded privacy. Meticulously maintained 3 bedroom, 3 bath FREE-STANDING RANCH with over 3,000 SQUARE FEET of beautifully designed living space. Wonderful open floor plan with soaring cathedral ceilings, 3 skylights, spacious living room with fireplace and view of the NEW maintenance free deck (2025) and wooded rear yard.
Historic 1927 condo converted from luxury apartment building built by Sam Weisman. Large living/bedroom combination with built in Murphy bed. 9 foot ceilings, hardwood floors, wood casements and baseboards. Original historic window give excellent light. Leaded glass cabinets, farmhouse sink and vintage wall sconces provide classic charm. 3rd floor has both interior and exterior entrances. Comes
Spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house with fenced in yard and two car garage has over 1800 square feet of living space within the boundaries of Eugene School in Rock Island. Primary bedroom on main floor with full en suite bathroom, 3 additional bedrooms and a full bath upstairs. LVP throughout most of the house, newer kitchen cabinets and countertops. Home has two hvac systems - perfect for
Spacious and inviting, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort and functionality. The open floor plan features a bright living area that flows seamlessly into the dining space and kitchen, ideal for everyday living and entertaining. 4 bedrooms provide plenty of space for guests and or a home office. A 2-car garage offers great parking and extra storage. With modern
Start your dream business in Rock Island: a fully updated 5,600 square foot commercial/residential property with incredible potential. Whether you’re looking for an income-producing investment or a spacious live/work setup, this versatile building offers endless possibilities. This property has been completely updated top to bottom including new 600amp electrical service, updated HVAC, plumbing,
This is a MUST SEE apartment, 500sq feet Chicago style apartment with features that include, dishwasher, gas stove. Laundry facility and one car garage on premises. Owner pays for heat, water, trash and sewer. Near Rock Island Hy-Vee, YMCA Fitness Center, Walgreens easy access to public transportation. Snow removal, landscaping and building is kept very clean. Building sits on a snow route for
- WASHER AND DRYER IN UNIT. - Apartments available for lease at the northwest corner of 31st Avenue and 24th Street in Rock Island, Illinois. - 2323 31st Avenue and 3030 24th Street. - Units are each 825 square feet with two bedrooms and one bathroom. - Units on the 2nd and 3rd level have decks. - 1 Unit becoming available on June 16th, 2025.Please reach out for more
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