Moving to Iowa City vs Davenport

[TootsieWootsie]

The Quad Cities is loaded with African Americans and, particularly, biracial kids. I think you would be most comfortable here in that sense. I have noticed really an amazing lack of prejudice here, also. One thing about this area is everyone gets along, and I've lived in Chicago, D.C. and Houston so I have some basis for comparison.
As for things to do, this area is loaded with festivals and activities for you and the kids both. And it is cheap--alot cheaper than most of the U.S. The low cost of living will be pleasing to you.
For instance, someone I know lived here and the moved to Springfield, Illinois, and could not believe how little there was in Springfield and realized how much there is in the Quad Cities to do for fun. They really work here to bring in top name big city type acts and organize so many events here to draw people into the area (remember they want visitors to visit the gambling boats here which brings in the big bucks).
The cost of living is much higher than here in Iowa City, plus, it's really a students town. I think you would be much more comfortable as a mother in the Quad Cities as it's more of a family town than Iowa City, which is more of a student place.
As for taxes, the Illinois side is MUCH cheaper regarding State income tax rates (Illinois has a flat 3% rate compared to Iowa which can go up to 8.95%--you can pull this information up with the Tax Foundation).
If you were my sister, I would say move to the Illinois side (Rock Island or Moline is just a 5 minute bridge trip to Davenport) where taxes are much cheaper as is your overall cost of living.
As for working in retail, you could work at the Mall in Rock Island-Moline or at the Mall in Davenport if you have a car. If not, there is a good bus system in place here for years to take you there.
I say, without a doubt, the Quad Cities is a MUCH better bet for you, Mom.

[QuadCityImages]

Northpark is Davenport's mall, and Coral Ridge is in Coralville (Iowa City). They're similar in size, but Coral Ridge has more square footage because it has a Target and Best Buy glommed onto it, along with an ice rink and children's museum. I think Northpark might actually have more stores.

[TootsieWootsie]

After doing alot of homework, the economy in Iowa and Nebraska, South Dakota (well, this entire region of the U.S.) is going to be excellent during this downturn. Not that I think you should live on the Iowa side if you come to the QCA. It is still cheaper overall to live in Illinois, but to be that 5 minute bridge ride over to Davenport. Just being totally practical about it.

[aw48203]

Originally Posted by TootsieWootsie

After doing alot of homework, the economy in Iowa and Nebraska, South Dakota (well, this entire region of the U.S.) is going to be excellent during this downturn. Not that I think you should live on the Iowa side if you come to the QCA. It is still cheaper overall to live in Illinois, but to be that 5 minute bridge ride over to Davenport. Just being totally practical about it.

Do you live in Illinois? I have family in Rock island. I hadn't really thought of living there though.

[TootsieWootsie]

I pm'd you with information.

[Hope73]

I would move to either. We live in Bettendorf and own rental properties in Dav. Do you have a job lined up? The economy is pretty bad in either place-to be honest. Be careful in Dav there are getting to be some pretty bad areas! Yes NP is the largest mall. Do you have a college degree we have a few friends with businesses. Iowa city is about 50 minutes away and the coral ridge mall is large there. The schools are better there however the schools in Bett are great.