$139,671Average Value$115Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
A resilient and close-knit community in Rock Island
While people often come to East Central Rock Island to be close to grocery stores, restaurants and parks, it’s another kind of closeness that gets people to stay. Tony Gonzales, who runs his Suit You business from home, is familiar with that other kind of bond. In April 2023, a rare tornado touched down in the neighborhood, knocking down trees, blocking roads and damaging houses, including Gonzales’. “I drove 15 minutes home, and by the time I got there, everyone was outside, and you could already hear neighbors running chainsaws,” Gonzales says. In a neighborhood where homes are physically close, the storm managed to bring people closer together. “A week-and-a-half later, my neighbor had a little powwow for the neighborhood and we all sat around and got to know each other more and express how happy we were to all be OK and moving forward.” Today, Gonzales’ house and everyone else’s are fixed as they resume everyday life with a renewed appreciation for each other.
Modest houses from the early to mid-1900s
The neighborhood’s grid-pattern streets are lined with modest houses built between the early 1900s and 1950s. Alex Skeen, a local Realtor with eXp Realty, says, “A lot of the homes are older houses that might remind you of the ‘gangster days’ of the 1920s.” In fact, notorious gangster John Looney lived just over a mile from East Central. The neighborhood has many one- to four-bedroom bungalows, Cape Cods and ranch-style homes built a few feet apart on approximately 0.15-acre lots. They range from around 650 to 2,000 square feet. Depending on the size, fully renovated houses sell for around $65,000 to $200,000. Fixer-uppers typically range from $30,000 to $75,000. Most houses have detached garages that are accessible from a back alleyway. However, some people park out front in the street. Some residential blocks have trees in the front yards, while others aren’t as leafy. There’s also a mix of streets with and without sidewalks. Either way, this is a low-traffic area where people can go for walks around the neighborhood, especially during Halloween. “Everyone comes to trick-or-treat here,” says Gonzales. “It’s just that kind of neighborhood. We give out the big candy bars and soda cans.”
Enjoy the shade of old trees in East Central Rock Island.
This renovated Cape Cod in East Central Rock Island is charming.
East Central Rock Island also features homes of brick construction.
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Several grocery stores and local restaurants
East Central is right between two busy junctions, with 18th Avenue intersecting 30th and 38th streets. Shoppers can get groceries at Aldi, Hy-Vee or Jewel Osco and find other essentials at Family Dollar and Walgreens. There are plenty of places to eat, from fast food chains to mom-and-pop restaurants. Poor Boy’s Pizza & Pub is a local favorite for watching sports over pizza and beer. The mainstay hangout is complete with comical signs, arcade games and a suspended shark model. There are several multicultural restaurants as well, including Thai Flavors, Great Wall Chinese and New Oriental Express.
Dine in or carry out at Poor Boys Pizza & Pub in East Central Rock Island.
Poor Boys Pizza & Pub is a local favorite in East Central Rock Island.
East Central Rock Island's Poor Boys Pizza & Pub has plenty of menu options.
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Little League games at Hodge Park
Some houses are just steps from Hodge Park, while others are no more than a mile away. Kids play baseball at the park through the Rock Island-Milan Little League. People also head there to play pickup basketball, sand volleyball and tennis. There’s a gazebo with picnic tables right by the playground and volleyball court, as well.
The kids will enjoy this new playground at Hodge Park.
Hit a home run at Hodge Park in East Central Rock Island.
Basketball, baseball, and tennis are all there at Hodge Park.
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Close to elementary and middle schools
Each public school that serves East Central earns a B-minus grade from Niche. Denkmann Elementary School and Washington Junior High are both located in the neighborhood. Students go on to Rock Island High, which is rated the 13th most diverse high school in Illinois out of 709. The Rock Island Rocks also have the largest high school football stadium in Illinois, with a nearly 16,000-seat capacity.
Rock Island High School is one of the area's premiere schools.
Denkmann Elementary School serves students grades K through 5.
Washington Junior High School serves students in 7th and 8th grade.
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Public transportation via MetroLink buses
Quad Cities MetroLink operates bus routes along the neighborhood’s surrounding main roads, such as 18th Avenue and 30th Street. From those roads, it’s an approximately 3-mile drive to the downtowns of Moline and Rock Island. The Milan Parkway is 2.5 miles south, and Interstate 74 is 3 miles east. Travelers can take either highway to drive about 5 miles to the Quad Cities International Airport, which offers non-stop flights to 10 U.S. cities.
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
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
East Central Rock Island
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
East Central Rock Island Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in East Central Rock Island, Rock Island sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in East Central Rock Island, Rock Island over the last 12 months is $129,500, down 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
3-bed, 1.5-bath home in Rock Island, beautifully renovated and move-in ready! This 1.5-story home features fresh paint throughout, new flooring, a brand-new kitchen, and an updated bathroom. The main floor includes a spacious living and dining area, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and a full bath. The upper level is dedicated to the second bedroom and a convenient half bath. The full basement provides
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home in Rock Island—full of warmth, character, and timeless appeal. Step inside to find a light-filled living space highlighted by original woodwork, built-ins, and classic details that make the home feel truly special. The kitchen offers plenty of storage and workspace, ready for everyday meals or weekend cooking projects. Both bedrooms are comfortable and inviting,
This 3-bedroom, 2-bath bungalow offers a functional layout and plenty of room to grow. The main level includes a front living room with a fireplace and a kitchen that opens to the family room. The finished walk-up attic adds additional living space, ideal for a bedroom, office, or hobby area. The partially finished basement features a recreation room, a bathroom, and a potential non-conforming
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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.
