Greater Homewood - Moline, IL Area Guide

In 1848, shortly after European-American settlers took present-day Greater Homewood over from Native American tribes, the inventor of the steel plow, John Deere, relocated his company to Moline. Today, the Fortune 500 John Deere Corporation is often considered the lifeblood of this city.

With John Deere in the community, many new mills, factories and companies began finding their way to the area. During the Civil War, new lines were drawn around the city of Moline, separating the very Republican town from its neighboring community of Rock Island, which was sympathetic to the Confederate States of America. The separation eventually led to the development of four distinct cities making up the Quad Cities, instead of the metropolitan area existing as one larger entity.

At the local John Deere Pavilion, residents can learn more about this company, its founder and its influence on Moline. Other notable employers, according to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report are Moline School District No. 40, Black Hawk College, United Healthcare, McLaughlin Body Company, and Kone.

Locally owned establishments make up the majority of the dining scene in the Greater Homewood area. Residents looking for a quick sandwich or lunch to go can visit the Hungry Hobo. This local chain is known for fresh-baked bread, classic subs and homemade soups. For a real treat, try out the baked potato menu, which allows diners to pile as many toppings as they want on a traditional baked potato.

Just down the street, Happy Joe’s pizza shop has earned the tagline “A Quad City Tradition” because it has been a favorite in the area for decades. Known for being the innovator of the Taco Pizza, this shop's signature offering is a must-try if you visit the establishment. Happy Joe’s serves more than just pizza; browse the menu for fresh draft beer, pastas, and hot-pressed hoagies as well.

Most residents of Greater Homewood choose to travel by car. With free parking and convenient access to Interstate 74 and the 74 Bridge that connects Iowa and Illinois, cars are simply the most convenient method of transportation in the area. Residents can call a cab from a local dispatch station and should plan accordingly, as cabs can be difficult to hail in the area. Uber does not service this neighborhood.

While the spread-out nature of Greater Homewood does not make the community particularly cyclist or pedestrian friendly, public transportation does service this neighborhood. Residents can easily take the bus around Moline and neighboring Rock Island seven days a week.

At the heart of the Greater Homewood area lies two parks for the community. At Wilman Park, residents enjoy plenty of green space for both children and canine companions to frolic. This well-manicured park also has its own lagoon for public fishing.

At Green Valley Park, acres of open space are available for residents to enjoy. Dogs can run about in the two-acre, fenced-in dog park. A walking and jogging path also circles the park, or visitors can access the starting location of the Kiwanis Bike Path. This 60-acre park comes equipped with softball and soccer fields for area leagues as well as two different playgrounds.

The cost of living in the Greater Homewood area is cheaper than the rest of the state and the greater city of Moline generally. A ride to the city center costs approximately $1, while gas prices trend about 1 percent lower than the national average.

The average one-bedroom apartment costs residents around $524 per month, while a pint of beer at the local pub costs around $3.

While limited shopping opportunities exist within the borders of the Greater Homewood area, Moline has a number of unique shopping opportunities for residents to enjoy. Locals seeking high-end shopping and a traditional mall experience can visit South Park Mall. Major department stores, such as Dillard’s and Von Maur, provide shoppers with access to designer fashions, shoes, beauty products and accessories.

Just steps away from the heart of Greater Homewood, several boutiques provide shoppers with a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Fashionistas can visit Little Black Dress to find a collection of cutting-edge fashions and accessories for women. For a selection of plus-size clothing, head down the street to locally owned Catherine’s, where items for women size 16W to 24W line the racks. At Special Effects in Moline, formal wear for both men and women can ensure shoppers always look their best, no matter what the occasion.

Residents shop for groceries at the Hy-Vee food store in the neighborhood. Shoppers not only enjoy aisles of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and cooking and baking supplies, they can apick up some of the area’s best to-go items. In the Hy-Vee, shoppers can visit the bakery for fresh donuts or croissants, stop by the pizza department for a single slice to go or indulge in some house-made Chinese food. Shoppers on a budget can also visit the local Save-a-Lot, where all types of grocery essentials and everyday items are offered at a discount.

At the Trinity 7th Street Farmer's Market, residents interested in shopping for produce from local farmers or handmade jams, jellies, and breads can stop by Saturday mornings for a fresh selection of items. The market is held at Trinity Hospital on John Deere Road.