Overlook - Moline, IL

While the Overlook area of Moline once provided a rich dwelling spot for the Saux and Fox tribes. Eventually following the Black Hawk War, Americans had paved the way for European-American settlers, mostly of Belgian descent, to come to the area. In 1837, David Sears built a 600 foot dam along the Mississippi River in the area, which brought more travelers and opportunities for trade to the area.

In 1948, John Deere relocated his steel plow company to the area, which began the industrialization and rapid growth of Moline. Those wishing to find out more about John Deere’s history and its influence on the Quad Cities can visit the John Deere Pavilion to learn more about the company. At the Belgian Museum of the Quad cities, visitors can learn more about the Belgian influences in developing Moline, which has the second largest Belgian population in the United States. The Quad Cities Marathon is held every year in Moline.

The Overlook neighborhood of Moline hosts a variety of restaurants from small, locally owned pubs to five-star formal dining establishments, meaning something for every taste is always available in this neighborhood. Most restaurants can be found along River Drive in the heart of the neighborhood.

Those seeking a gourmet meal and traditional Italian fare can visit Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, located right along bustling River Drive. This iconic Moline establishment boasts a large menu filled with American- and Italian-inspired dishes. Make sure to try the establishment's signature ribeye steak for a real treat, or visit on holidays to try one of the chef’s prix-fixe specialty menus.

Just down the street, at the Bass Street Chop House, traditional American cuisine and fresh seafood makes up a diverse and elegant menu. With an inviting atmosphere, river views and traditional white-tablecloths, this restaurant provides diners with a welcoming place to enjoy traditional fare and some of the bar’s infamous brown spirits. Make sure to try the locally caught catfish, direct from the Mississippi River, or the restaurant’s infamous lobster corn chowder.

Most of the bars and nightclubs in the area are also located along this strip. Visit the River House Bar and Grill for weekly drink specials and local tap beers. This casual, local watering hole not only has an impressive list of drinks, but it also has live music most weekend nights. From regional rock groups to acclaimed cover bands, the live music provides the main draw for those seeking some late night fun and dancing.

Most residents in Overlook choose to travel by car around Moline thanks to the number of free parking lots and ample free street parking. The community’s convenient location along Interstate 74 makes traveling around the area and across the bridge to the Iowa side of the Quad Cities simple. Since the Quad Cities consists of four interconnected cities in Iowa and Illinois, traveling between the cities and across the bridge is important to many Moline residents.

Cabs can be easy to find in the area if residents call one of the local dispatch companies, but visitors are unlikely to hail a cab directly, and unfortunately Uber does not operate in Moline. Those seeking public transportation can use the Moline Metro Bus. With several routes around Moline and Rock Island and across the river into Iowa, traveling around the area on this bus is simple.

The Overlook neighborhood itself is quite walkable and several bike lanes make the area cyclist friendly, but those seeking to travel to downtown Moline may need to take a car or public transportation.

At the heart of Overlook lies Velie Park. Centered in the middle of the neighborhood, this park has walking trails, playground equipment and plenty of green space for both kids and dogs to enjoy with no cost for regular recreational use. This park also hosts a Spanish Veterans War Memorial, making it a popular stop for those visiting the neighborhood.

On the Fourth of July, Velie Park hosts a number of residents who gather to see the fireworks over the river. The park also hosts several community fundraisers and events throughout the year.

Life in Overlook, Moline carries an average to below average cost of living, when compared to the state and national level. The cost of living is only slightly below that of other Quad Cities areas. Gas in Moline settles in at around 0.8% lower than the national average, while a trip to city center using public transportation costs $1.

A pint at the local pub costs residents approximately $3 per glass. The average one-bedroom apartment in Overlook Moline costs residents around $672 per month.

Shopping in Overlook Moline consists primarily of boutique shopping. Along the river in the historic Moline district, residents can enjoy all types of shopping experiences.

Stop in any buy some fresh-made chocolates and candies at Lagomarcino’s, or stop by Shooting Sports to browse the latest in workout gear or pick up a new pair of running shoes. At Carmen’s Jewelry handmade fine jewelry and costume jewelry from local designers is always available. Right along River Road, residents can stop in at MAC Cosmetics for the latest in beauty products, or stop by Isabel Bloom, where locally made gifts and sculptures from the acclaimed local artist can be purchased.

Those seeking high-end department stores can visit the Southpark Mall in Moline, just minutes from the heart of Overlook. Here department stores like Dillards and Von Maur offer plenty of shopping opportunities for residents.

Residents living in Overlook do their grocery shopping at the local Hy-Vee grocery store. Known for its low prices and impressive deli, this store has all types of cooking and baking supplies as well as grocery essentials. Residents can shop for beer and liquor at the connecting Hy-Vee Spirits or pick up fresh-made Chinese food at the store’s in-house restaurant.

Moline also hosts its own farmers market at the Growers Market, just steps away from the heart of Overlook. Here, shoppers can find everything from fresh produce to handmade jams from area farmers.