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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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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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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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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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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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.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andy Rodriguez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Longview Park
Bike Trails
Disc Golf
Picnic Area
Hodge Park
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Denkmann Park
Webber Park
Douglas Park
Transit
Airport
Quad Cities International
17 min drive
Bus
30 St & 28 Ave
Bus
Chippiannock Trails
Bus
24 St & 23 Ave
Bus
Trinity West Shelter
Bus
30 St & 21 Ave
Bus
Unity Point Hospital
Bus
17 St & 20 Ave
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Central Rock Island
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Central Rock Island Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central Rock Island, Rock Island sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Rock Island, Rock Island over the last 12 months is $157,500, up 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover this beautifully updated mid-century modern gem, combining classic charm with contemporary style. Centrally located in Rock Island, this home offers 3 generous bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and an open, flowing layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The spacious living room welcomes you with soaring ceilings and a gas-lit wood-burning fireplace, creating a warm and inviting
This home has tons of character! Arched doorways, built in cabinetry, beautiful oak staircase and hardwood floors. The kitchen and bath are updated. The exterior provides a cute little patio that has a covered roof. You can enjoy your coffee in the rain and watch your pets enjoy the fenced yard. Roof new in 2020. New A/C unit 2025.
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,
Welcome to your new apartment in the heart of Rock Island, Illinois! This charming 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment offers approximately 700 square feet of comfortable living space. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood up on the hill in Rock Island, IL, you'll find yourself just minutes away from various restaurants, a stores, and parks like Longview Park.Key property features include two
Available for rent July 1st! Walking distance to Rock Island HS. Come check out this 3 bed, 2 full bath and huge 2.5 detached garage. Pets welcome with a deposit and fee.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andy Rodriguez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
4,778
Median Age
46
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$58,073
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$73,230
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.6%
College Graduates
30.4%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12.6%
% Population in Labor Force
59.3%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
15°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
23''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
35/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
35/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
33/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
