Moving to or from Davenport?
The largest of the Quad Cities on the Mississippi River — anchored by John Deere's global headquarters in nearby Moline, featuring a riverfront Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival and the unusual distinction of being the only US city of its size without a floodwall on a major river.
- 105,000 City population
- 380,000 Metro area
- 1836 Founded
- Quad Cities / Eastern Iowa Region
Why people move to Davenport.
- Being the largest of the Quad Cities (Davenport-Bettendorf IA, Moline-Rock Island IL)
- John Deere's global headquarters in nearby Moline
- The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival — honoring the Davenport-born 1920s jazz cornetist
- Figge Art Museum — regional fine arts anchor
- St. Ambrose University and Palmer College of Chiropractic (the birthplace of chiropractic)
- Being the only major Mississippi River city without a permanent floodwall
Davenport is the only major US city on a major river that has chosen NOT to build a permanent floodwall — a controversial civic decision stemming from a desire to preserve Mississippi River views and downtown connectivity. Instead, the city builds temporary HESCO barriers during flood events. Major floods in 1993 and 2019 caused significant damage. The decision is hotly debated every flood season.
Where people live in Davenport.
A quick guide to Davenport's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Downtown
Revitalized historic core with Figge Art Museum, restored buildings, and riverfront access
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Village of East Davenport
Walkable historic district with restored 1800s buildings and small-town feel
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McClellan Heights
Upscale neighborhood with larger lots and mature trees
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Bridgeview
Established residential near the Mississippi
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Northwest Davenport
Newer subdivisions with family-oriented layouts
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Bettendorf
Adjacent Iowa city; more affluent with top-rated schools
Where people spend their time in Davenport.
- Figge Art Museum Downtown
- Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival Downtown
- Family Museum Bettendorf
- Palmer College of Chiropractic Central Davenport
- Putnam Museum & Science Center Central Davenport
- Vander Veer Botanical Park Central Davenport
Planning a Davenport move.
- Mississippi River flooding is a recurring spring risk; check FEMA flood maps for any riverside property
- Quad Cities span Iowa and Illinois; tax implications vary significantly between states
- Winter brings snow and ice; plan weather-buffer days November-March
- John Deere Moline is the metro's anchor employer; housing cycles reflect agricultural-equipment industry cycles
Moving in Davenport: FAQ.
What are the Quad Cities exactly?
Four cities forming a metropolitan area on both sides of the Mississippi River: Davenport and Bettendorf on the Iowa side, Moline and Rock Island on the Illinois side. (A fifth city, East Moline, is often included making it 'Quint Cities' in some branding.) Residents routinely cross the river between Iowa and Illinois for work and shopping, so state-line tax planning matters significantly.
Should I be worried about Mississippi flooding?
Depends on your specific address. Davenport's refusal to build a permanent floodwall means downtown and low-lying neighborhoods flood during major river events. Properties in FEMA flood zones require flood insurance; properties on higher ground are safe. The 1993 and 2019 floods caused significant damage downtown. Research specific addresses and flood history before buying.
How does Davenport compare to Iowa City?
Different cities with different character. Davenport is larger (105K vs 75K), more industrial (John Deere region), and more working-class. Iowa City is a college town (University of Iowa) with strong tech/professional employment and a more liberal/cultural identity. Both are reasonably affordable; Iowa City has seen faster appreciation recently.
Are the schools good in Davenport?
Varies. Bettendorf Community School District (adjacent) is consistently top-rated. Davenport Community School District has more mixed ratings depending on specific feeder schools. Pleasant Valley Community School District (also adjacent) is another strong option. Many families choose specific neighborhoods based on school attendance boundaries — research carefully.
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