📍 About MLI & The Quad Cities
Quad City International Airport (MLI) is located in Moline, Illinois and serves the broader Quad Cities area including Davenport and Bettendorf (Iowa) and Rock Island and Moline (Illinois). This region is known for its affordable living, friendly Midwestern charm, and a strong sense of community. The area provides the benefits of a small metro with access to parks, the Mississippi River, and family-friendly neighborhoods.
🏡 Where to Live
Singles & Couples
- Downtown Davenport – Lively, walkable, with new apartments and a growing food scene
- Moline – Close to MLI and offers newer condos and urban living
- East Village of Davenport – Trendy and artsy
Families
- Bettendorf – Best schools, quiet neighborhoods, suburban feel
- Eldridge – Growing suburb with strong schools
- Coal Valley – Quiet and affordable family housing
- Blue Grass – Rural/suburban mix, peaceful living
🚗 Commute Times to MLI
- 5–10 min: Moline, Rock Island, Coal Valley
- 10–20 min: Bettendorf, Davenport, East Moline
- 20–30 min: Eldridge, Blue Grass, Silvis
🎓 Top School Districts
- Bettendorf Community Schools: Highly rated, strong academics and athletics
- North Scott School District (Eldridge): Great reputation and facilities
- Davenport Community School District: Large, with magnet programs and school choice
- Moline-Coal Valley School District: Solid performance and supportive community
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
- Mississippi Riverfront: Riverwalks, biking, and boating
- Figge Art Museum & Putnam Museum: Local art and science exhibits
- John Deere Pavilion: Interactive exhibits in Moline
- Modern Woodmen Park: Minor league baseball with river views
- Day Trips: Iowa City, Galesburg, and Starved Rock State Park
✈️ Nearby Airports
- MLI: Quad City International – regional commercial service
- CID: Eastern Iowa Airport (Cedar Rapids – ~1.5 hrs)
- ORD: Chicago O’Hare – ~2.5–3 hrs for international options
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Safest areas: Bettendorf, Eldridge, Coal Valley
- Moderate areas: Downtown Davenport, parts of Rock Island
- Check current crime stats
💰 Cost of Living
- Median home price: ~$190,000
- 1-bedroom rent: ~$850–$1,100
- Utilities: ~$160–$210/month
- Taxes: Moderate property taxes; no Illinois state tax on retirement income
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Bettendorf: Best schools, suburban, great parks
- Moline: Close to the airport, riverfront access
- Davenport: Larger city feel with dining and arts
- Eldridge: Suburban with excellent schools
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold, snowy (highs in 20s–30s°F)
- Spring: Mild with rain, temps in 50s–70s°F
- Summer: Warm and humid (80s–90s°F)
- Fall: Crisp, pleasant, and colorful foliage
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- MetroLINK: Bus service across Illinois-side cities
- Public Transit: Limited outside main cities – car recommended
- Traffic: Very manageable; 15–20 minutes gets you most places
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Genesis Health System: Major hospitals in Davenport
- UnityPoint Health: Locations throughout the region
- Walk-in & Urgent Care: Numerous facilities in all four cities
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Live Music & Festivals: Bix Jazz Festival, Riverfront Pops
- Farmers Markets: Davenport Freight House, Moline Riverside
- Community Events: Great River Brewery tours, art strolls, river runs
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Front Street Brewery (Davenport): Beer and riverfront burgers
- Exotic Thai (Moline): Local favorite for Thai cuisine
- Duck City Bistro: Upscale modern American fare
- QC Coffee & Pancake House: Beloved local breakfast spot
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Traffic type: Mix of general aviation, regional commercial flights
- Runway layout: Easy to manage; crossing runways
- Weather factors: Fog in river valley and snow in winter
- Team: Friendly and cooperative facility with opportunity for growth
📦 Moving Tips
- Best times to move: Late spring or early fall for ideal weather
- Snow gear: Invest in a snow shovel and scraper if relocating in winter
- Use local movers: Several cost-effective options in the Quad Cities
❓ FAQs
- Is MLI a busy facility?
Moderate traffic volume – mostly commercial and GA - Is the Quad Cities area affordable?
Yes – low cost of living with many amenities - Is the region family-friendly?
Definitely – great schools and family events year-round