Hey, I've been here for 14 years and Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Median household income is $64,497, which feels about average for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Davenport sits at 594.8 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Thanks! There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
56 upvotes
6 Replies
Andrew N.
100%
40 upvotes
Kai Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 30, moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Raleigh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
27 upvotes
Linda A.
I've lived in East for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- The food scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Paisley C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 6 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Avery Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
sd_amelia
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.