OK so Born and raised here. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 10.3%, which is around average. With a population of 101K, Davenport is a mid-size city. You can expect to pay around $930 for rent here. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Thanks! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
45 upvotes
3 Replies
wyatt_heart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 50, moved here 6 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Old Town and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cultural scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K 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.
37 upvotes
Robert Ramirez
wish I knew this sooner
32 upvotes
Kayla W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 12 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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