The City of Moline has been selected as one of the 10 Best Places to Live in Illinois by Travel + Leisure. The rankings were based on input from local real estate experts and detailed in an article posted on March 16.
“These are the best places to live in Illinois, from small towns offering a laid-back lifestyle and low cost of living to big cities with top-notch amenities,” according to Dobrina Zhekova, a freelance writer for publication, formerly known as Travel & Leisure.
The cities of Moline, Peoria and Rockford joined the City of Chicago and the following suburbs on the 10 Best Places list: Wilmette, Hinsdale, Lake Forest, Naperville, Evanston and Park Ridge.
“It’s easy to see what makes Illinois a great place to call home,” the article said.
“With its stunning and varied natural landscapes, the Prairie State is also home to charming small towns and vibrant cities with tight-knit communities, great schools, excellent public transportation, and low costs of living.”
The Moline entry, which appears in the ninth spot on the Best Places list – just ahead of Chicago, said this:
“The Quad Cities area along the Mississippi River (which includes Bettendorf and Davenport in Iowa and Moline, East Moline, and Rock Island in Illinois) ranked 54th in the U.S. News & World Report 2023 list of the best places to live — higher than any other city in Illinois, scoring high in the value and quality of life categories. However, statistics don’t tell the whole story.”
Waterfront, housing cited
The Best Places piece quotes Lynsey Engels, president of real estate brokerage at Mel Foster Co.
She told Travel + Leisure: “Moline’s waterfront along the Mississippi River is active with a popular bike path, shops, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues. Downtown is walkable and has something to see and do every season.”
She added “The housing market is still very affordable compared to other cities with similar amenities. Inventory is increasing as more sellers prepare for a spring or summer move.”
There also is a mix of affordable properties available in a city with a median home value around $135,000, according to Zillow.
“There are newer downtown housing developments, charming historic neighborhoods, and affordable homes throughout the city offering easy access to amenities,” Ms. Engels told Travel + Leisure.
