About Davenport
With an astounding supply of technology jobs and a rapidly growing population, there’s no doubt that Davenport, IA is a dynamic place to live, work and play. There are many reasons to move to this city—and not just because of the real estate—there are community art centers, history and science exhibits, beautiful river views, a thriving downtown district, and a business-friendly community.
Located along the banks of the Mississippi River, Davenport is a vibrant and progressive community, fondly referred to as
“The Most Livable Small City in America.” The city focuses on development and revitalization throughout the community while still preserving its unique character and history. Davenport is the largest of the
Quad Cities and the third-largest city in Iowa.
Davenport’s downtown area hugs LeClaire Park which offers access to riverfront biking, walking trails, and amazing river views. It is lively, active, and eclectic in this area and popular among young professionals and those who are looking for variety. Historic buildings line the streets and some even provide housing. Urban living in loft apartments, plenty of diverse restaurants, pubs, off-the-wall shops, and entertainment are just about everywhere that you look.
If you head a bit further east, you’ll land at the Village of East Davenport—a historic, 6-square block of shopping and entertainment. This district is a great way to spend the afternoon or the evening with boutiques, restaurants, and pubs.
To experience the residential side of this exciting city, head further east to
McClellan Heights. Wind your way through hilly streets and take in the unique architecture of each of the stunning homes in the area before making your way to the Gold Coast & Hamburg District to take in even bigger historic homes that were built by some of the very first settlers to what is now known as the Quad Cities. Current residents have even taken it upon themselves to restore these once-grand buildings to their former glory.
All in all, Davenport is one of the best places to live and grow a family. It’s perfect for young professionals as well. Because it is so diverse and continually expanding, there are opportunities for all left and right. With over 30 buildings and schools like Rivermont Collegiate, the Creative Arts Academy, four different high schools and over 15+ elementary schools within close proximity, no matter where you live, you will enjoy a short commute.
Employment Opportunities
In 2012, Davenport and The Quad Cities Metropolitan area were ranked among the fastest-growing regions in the nation for tech jobs. Its diversified economy offers manufacturing, wholesale and retail opportunities. While John Deere is the largest employer in the Quad Cities, the service sector includes a large number of jobs in casinos and tourism, too.
Most jobs are centered around the manufacturing of items like construction machinery, agricultural implements, airplane parts, military equipment, sheet aluminum, meat and food products, electronic parts, and cement and foundry products.
In collaboration with the entire state of Iowa, the region’s various banks and institutions have created a positive fiscal environment for new and existing companies that are looking to expand. In addition to this, job training programs are provided that offset employee wages and training costs to ensure a thriving economy and market for years to come. Top employers in the area include Deere & Co., Rock Island Arsenal, Kraft Foods, and more.
There are also non-agricultural employment sectors of course, too. Some of the popular occupations where the majority of the workers have a college degree include registered nurses, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, managers, medical and clinical laboratory technicians, computer systems analysts, computer programmers, and financial managers. Top non-agricultural employment sectors include government, finance, hospitality, and more.
About 22% of the residents over the age of 25 have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher, making the area ripe for job opportunities and a skilled workforce.
Things to Do in Davenport
There are many local events and festivals held here including the Quad-City Times Bix 7, Alternating Currents, the Great Mississippi Valley Fair, Beaux-Arts Fair, and Festival of Trees. Davenport hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parades in the country as well.
Home to a variety of craft breweries, fun local shops, and nationally recognized chains, Davenport is the largest city in the Quad Cities, making it one of the best places to experience the many restaurants, museums, music venues, farmers markets, historic and unique hotel properties, casino resorts, and more. Make sure to make time for a Quad Cities River Bandits baseball game before heading off to Ride the River.
The Figge Art Museum is a local favorite, and lovers of jazz and blues come from all over for the Bix Jazz Festival and Mississippi Valley Blues Festival. Sunderbruch Park Mountain Bike Trail is perfect for mountain bikers of all levels and road bikers can enjoy both the RiverWay Trail and Duck Creek Parkway. The River Center Adler Theatre is a great place to catch live music, and Front Street Brewery is definitely a taphouse you don’t want to miss.
If you’d like to dive deeper into the history of Davenport, check out the Palmer Family Residence Tour, the Colonel Davenport House, or the Isabel Bloom Tours. Catich & Morrissey Gallery and the Glavin Fine Arts Center are also great places to visit to get a better view of the art and artists that make this city so vibrant and eclectic. The Rock Island Arsenal Museum is also really fascinating, too.
4545 Welcome Way
Davenport, IA 52806