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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Central Rock Island Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central Rock Island, Rock Island sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 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.
Nicely remodeled bungalo on a quiet cul de sac street. Close to everything. Brand new vinyl siding, floor coverings, paint and many other updates. Fenced backyard. 1 car detached garage. Great new kitchen with lots of cabinets and counter space! Must see!
Welcome to your next chapter at 2721?30th?Ave, a timeless all-brick ranch-style home nestled in the heart of the Glenwood Heights neighborhood of Rock Island. Built in 1955, this thoughtfully updated residence offers 2 comfortable bedrooms and 1?1⁄2 baths across approximately 1,660 square feet of living space — complete with a finished basement that significantly expands your usable area. Step
Located only a block from the high school and down the street from the hospital, this 3 bedroom ranch offers and updated kitchen and two updated bathrooms. Enter through the front porch / sunroom into the large living / dining room with all hardwood floors. From the large kitchen window, you can enjoy the view of the extra deep and fence backyard with a storage shed and 2022 built 2-car garage.
This property at 2629 24th St features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within a total of 850 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and is suitable for various furniture arrangements. The bathroom is equipped with standard fixtures and provides essential amenities. Each bedroom is designed to accommodate a comfortable living environment. Additional amenities include smoke-free
Fully furnished 3 bed, 2 bath with a 1 car detached garage ready for immediate possession. No pets. $40 background/credit check required. This home is set up for short term/mid-term rental.
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