North Side - Davenport, IA Area Guide

The North Side of Davenport first made its way onto the map in 1814, as part of the Louisiana Purchase. The city was officially established in 1836 by Antoine LeClaire, who named the town after his friend Colonel George Davenport. While the area of North Side once mostly consisted of farmland, by the turn of the century, the northern area of the city began to be developed for residential purposes, and by the economic boom in the 1920s, businesses began turning the area into a commercial corridor.

Visit Colonel Davenport’s Historic House and Museum on the North Side to learn more about this colonel and Antoine LeClaire. Just down the street at the Palmer Museum of Chiropractic History, visitors can learn more about BJ Palmer and the school that was instrumental in developing this area of Davenport.

Dining in North Side Davenport means enjoying dining establishments that offer all types of internationally-inspired cuisine. Those in the mood for authentic Mexican dishes can visit Azteca. The North Side location is the original establishment of the three Aztecas now in the Quad Cities. Make sure to try the famous chicken tacos, made fresh with the restaurant’s secret house-made sauce, for a spicy twist on a traditional south-of-the-border favorite.

If traditional Japanese cuisine is your more style, then visit Osaka Sushi, where they specialize in authentic Japanese dishes and hand-rolled sushi. Make sure to try their signature Dragon Roll for a real treat or start off with one of their squid appetizers, a local favorite among patrons.

When it comes to nightlife in the North Side of Davenport, several bars create a laid-back scene for patrons of all ages. At Rookie’s Sports Bar, late-night drink specials and live bands create a fun and vibrant nightlife scene. Make sure to try one of their specialty ski shots

Most residents of Davenport choose to travel by car, and with plenty of free parking in the area and a location near Interstate 74 and Interstate 80, it remains the best and most convenient for residents. The Davenport CitiBus travels throughout the city and across a more than 30-mile-wide boundary. As the only mode of public transportation in the city, many rely on this bus for convenient travel around the North Side and to other neighborhoods.

Cabs are typically difficult to hail on the street, but those who want to find a cab can call one of the local stations for a ride. The Uber car service doesn’t service the area, but both paved sidewalks and bike lanes in the neighborhood make it easy to get around the area.

Residents of the North Side can enjoy access to several community parks that create a family-friendly sense of community in the area. At Vander Veer Botanical Park, walking trails and plenty of green space provide a kid- and dog-friendly community gathering space. The park also hosts a greenhouse and duck pond. Several events such as ice skating in the winter, gardening classes in the spring and plant sales in the summer bring the whole community together at this park.

?At Jungle Park, residents can enjoy a community space filled with manicured lawns, walking paths, a baseball diamond and play equipment for little kids. Here area little league baseball teams and adult kickball leagues all gather during the summer months. Dogs can enjoy plenty of green space in this area as well.

Life on the North Side of Davenport carries an average-to-below average cost of living when compared to the rest of the city. A ride to the center of downtown Davenport costs $1 on the CitiBus. Gas settles in around 0.8% lower than the national average, while a beer at the local pub costs around $3 per pint. The average one-bedroom apartment costs around $631 per month.

Trusted brands make up a majority of the shopping experience on the North Side of Davenport. Most residents do their shopping at the sprawling NorthPark Mall in the center of the neighborhood. Drop by Barnes and Noble to check out a high-end shopping experience, visit Von Maur department store at the mall. You'll also find a Finish Line, Dillard's and Bath and Body Works. Those interested in more of a boutique shopping scene can visit Four Seasons for women's fashions for mature women. At Charm Boutique, find women's clothing, shoes and accessories for young on-trend fashionistas. Community members do their grocery shopping at the local Hy-Vee grocery store. Shoppers can also visit the Freight House Farmers Market. On Saturdays, the market opens to the public and offers fresh produce, breads, jams and jellies to those who want local items from area farmers, cooks and artisans.