Located just off the Mississippi River, Moline, IL began as a town very well known for harnessing the mighty water power of the Mississippi to fuel local businesses. Being situated perfectly within the Quad Cities, buying a home here means living right in the heart of the Midwest with all the perks of having a close community while being surrounded by some of the largest cities in the state. With a growing, vibrant downtown and a rich history, Moline offers residents a variety of attractions to explore and even more when it comes to entertainment.
“Moline” is an adaptation of the French word for mill town. Today, this city is known as the Farm Implement Capital of America for that reason! The city straddles the Illinois-Iowa border on the Mississippi River. The Mississippi Valley is very scenic, and the cities don’t fit the Midwestern stereotype of pancake-flat farmland, though you’ll experience that soon enough if you drive east or west from this region.
Living in Moline is a dream. In fact, compared to the rest of the country, the cost of living here is 22% lower. Job growth is positive, and when it comes to those who commute, the average commute time is less than 15 minutes (compared to the 25+ minute national average). If you’re visiting the area, the weather is very pleasant from May to September. It does cool off quite a bit in the winter, but there’s plenty to do during every season, no matter when you decide to check out the city.
Moline has strong ties to John Deere and serves as the global headquarters for Deere & Company, so it’s no surprise that John Deere himself has deep roots in the area. He even served as the mayor of Moline for two years. The Quad Cities as a whole offer a wide range of job opportunities spanning a dynamic handful of industries. Whether you are interested in working in agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, education, or entertainment, the market is thriving and the people will make it worthwhile.
The beauty of Moline is that everything is easily walkable. The John Deere Pavilion, hotels, restaurants, microbreweries, shops, nightspots, and the TaxSlayer Center are all within a short distance. You’ll quickly see that no matter what type of activity you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. When you’re exploring Downtown Moline, don’t forget that the area also serves as the entry point to the Rock Island Arsenal, a very popular point of interest!
You seriously can’t beat the riverfront access that Moline offers residents and visitors alike. The Channel Cat Water Taxi makes stops in town seasonally and you can board the Celebration Belle riverboat for lunch, dinner, or for a sightseeing cruise Spring through Autumn. If you follow the paved Great River Trail, you’ll find tons of opportunities for walking, biking, or even skating!
Enjoy live music and dancing during the free summer concert series at Stephens Square Park, or head to Riverside Park for the Riverside Family Aquatic Center to cool off. The Greenvalley Sports Complex has baseball and softball diamonds, soccer fields, and cricket fields as far as the eye can see and fosters an exciting meeting place for both youth and adults.
Notable events in Moline include the TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon, Bass Street Summer Concert Series, Mercado on Fifth, and the Lighting of the John Deere Commons in November, which officially kicks off the holidays in the Quad Cities.
In the cooler months, head to Lagomarcino’s Confectionery for some old-fashioned soda fountain drinks, famous hot fudge sundaes, and homemade candy, or to The Fifth Avenue Syndicate, which is nestled in the Axis Hotel, for the contemporary feel and artisanal libations.
If you are ready to start your home buying or selling journey, browse the latest real estate listings in Moline, IL. You can also contact us—we are here to help!
Nearest Ruhl & Ruhl Office: Moline
1701 52nd Avenue
Moline, IL 61265
(563) 441-1776
In 1837, David Sear and his associates built a stone-and-brush dam between the south shore of the Mississippi and Rock Island. This dam provided the water flow for a mill that powered a sawmill, a mill for grinding corn, and other uses. Other factories sprang up and in 1842, a town was platted with the name Rock Island Mills. However, the name Moline was later adopted and incorporation in 1848, the same year John Deere relocated his plow company from Grand Detour to this growing mill town. John Deere has grown to be the dominant business in Moline.
Moline is located on a bluff on the south bank of the Mississippi River directly across from Bettendorf, IA. The city is also adjacent to Arsenal Island, originally known as Rock Island. The island was originally established as a government site in 1816, with the building of Fort Armstrong. It is now the largest government-owned weapons manufacturing arsenal in the United States. Moline is also home to Western University, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs to students of Illinois, across the nation and around the world.
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