Young professional Relocating to Quad city area (Des Moines, Davenport: apartment complexes, rental)

[mo48813]

Hi everyone,

I've been offered a job in Moline,Il. I am a young professional relocating from NYC.
I am looking for a rental apartment in a safe area, that preferably has covered parking available.
I have searched and read the forums for information about Moline/Quadcities, and I still have a few questions.

1- How is it driving to Moline during the winter snow days, can a non AWD/4wheel drive car navigate the streets?

2- How is the cost of living on the Iowa side, considering higher income taxes?

3- Any rental community recommendations would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

[Dport7674]

No one I know at home drives a AWD/4x4 and everyone gets around fine.

Cost of living in Davenport is probably a little cheaper..The Iowa side always seems to have lower gas prices. And maybe rent is a little cheaper..Think of the QCA as one large town with the same cost of living.

If I were a young professional I'd probably live in some of the new condos/lofts/Apts in downtown Rock Island near 'The District'.

Don't believe the hype about crime in Rock Island and Davenport.

Covered parking isn't common in the area.

Anymore questions just ask.

Good luck!

[mo48813]

Originally Posted by Dport7674

No one I know at home drives a AWD/4x4 and everyone gets around fine.

Cost of living in Davenport is probably a little cheaper..The Iowa side always seems to have lower gas prices. And maybe rent is a little cheaper..Think of the QCA as one large town with the same cost of living.

If I were a young professional I'd probably live in some of the new condos/lofts/Apts in downtown Rock Island near 'The District'.

Don't believe the hype about crime in Rock Island and Davenport.

Covered parking isn't common in the area.

Anymore questions just ask.

Good luck!

Thank you for your reply.
I didn't come across any new condos or lofts in rock island in my search though.

[ElleTea]

I don't live in the QC, but I have lived in SE Iowa and now Des Moines. I drive front wheel drive cars and get around fine in the snow. I did have a 4x4 for a short time (a Jimmy) and it was actually worse in the snow, IMO. The high center of gravity seemed to be easier to slide or something. You will be ok without AWD.

The winters can be extremely cold, though, so I recommend a good, warm coat. (I love my Columbia jacket!) And boots.

The QC area is like Dport said. It is pretty much one big metro area that happens to be in 2 states. Travelling from one side of the river to the other is pretty easy.

[Dport7674]

Originally Posted by mo48813

I didn't come across any new condos or lofts in rock island in my search though.

Davenport, Moline and Rock Island have all been building condos in their downtown areas. I couldn't tell you the names of the buildings tho'...(Despite my screen name, I haven't lived in the QCA for awhile, I do come back to town often.)

(And some of this "new" construction I'm talking about is getting to be a few years old by now.)

[QuadCityImages]

Most of the bigger downtown apartment developments in Davenport have underground parking, for a fee. Some of the newer apartment complexes outside of the downtowns have garages or covered parking available as well.

[Yuptag]

NYC to Iowa. Wow.

[rusty2006]

I moved to the QCA eight years ago. I've driven a rear-wheel drive pickup the entire time with few problems. Take your time, REPLACE YOUR BALD TIRES, and you'll be fine.

[mo48813]

Originally Posted by rusty2006

I moved to the QCA eight years ago. I've driven a rear-wheel drive pickup the entire time with few problems. Take your time, REPLACE YOUR BALD TIRES, and you'll be fine.

Thanks for the advice, you reminded me that I need new tires