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Are you ready to Rock (Island)?! Neither a rock nor an island, your new city is undergoing recent renovations to make it more livable. So, you could say you’re getting in on the ground floor of this thing. Let’s check out some apartments for rent and find you the home of your dreams!
The large Mississippi River island that the city is named after is now known as Arsenal Island. The largest government-owned weapons manufacturing arsenal in the US is located on this island, so many area residents commute here for work.
Rock Island is part of the Quad Cities—a large urban area that encompasses Moline and East Moline, as well as Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa. So, no matter what you’re looking for in terms of shopping, dining and entertainment, you’re bound to find it in one of these surrounding cities.
Much of the Rock Island rental market is dominated by military. This means that if you’re looking for apartment rentals with short term lease options, then you’re in luck! Similarly, if you’re on a tight budget, you may qualify for outstanding housing at a fraction of the market rate.
Rock Island is in the process of reinventing itself. Downtown revitalization efforts have led to a lot of development along the riverfront. New galleries, restaurants, stores, and bars dot the main streets, and many of the lofts, condominiums, and townhouses for rent in this area have luxury amenities, as a private gym and clubhouse. Additionally, these buildings also offer some of the city’s best studio apartments for rent. Two bedrooms in posh downtown buildings generally range from $1,300 - $1,500.
Augustana College, located just east of the city center is a relatively safe area and has many inexpensive apartments for rent. Two bedrooms here generally range from $650 - $900.
You’ll have no trouble finding rental homes in Rock Island, as older single-family houses for rent are scattered throughout town. The farther south you go, the more suburban and newer, the rental properties will be. Neighborhoods south of 19th Avenue, including Bel Aire and Blackhawk, tend to have the best safety record in town. Two bedrooms here generally range from $700 - $900.
So, about those pet friendly apartments… Good luck finding them! Most Rock Island rentals have strict no pet policies. Locating a dog friendly apartment in town is particularly difficult since many of the city’s rentals are operated by private landlords who are convinced your pooch is going to pee on the carpet. Don’t despair. Just allow yourself plenty of time to find that one rental in a million that will welcome Fido.
So welcome to the Rock! Enjoy kickin' back in this old city on the Old Muddy. See more
Parking can be at a premium in some cities where spaces are challenging to find. Some Rock Island apartments offer parking options, either outside in a common area or within a private garage.
Ask about the stipulations around the parking. Those may include how many guests are allowed and where tenants park.
Some apartments may only allow parking in front of your own unit. Guest parking may be in a common area for up to one person.
If parking is scarce, look around the area before you sign a lease. Ample street parking in a neighborhood championed for its safety is probably fine. However, it’s probably not worth signing a lease if it means battling for daily parking for you and your guests.
Research whether you need a city permit to park in the neighborhood. Look into the associated costs and what to do about visitors who need parking.
Some tenants prefer garage parking near their units. However, an open-air lot may prove cheaper.
Keep in mind that the cost of wear and tear from parking outside can add up. It may be less expensive, in the long run, to look for an apartment with garage parking.