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Installation Guide

Rock Island Arsenal

Army Rock Island, Illinois

Off-Base Living

Top neighborhoods near Rock Island Arsenal

Bettendorf

Upscale Iowa Quad City with excellent schools, riverfront parks, and newer development — the preferred address for officers and senior civilians.

10–15 min to main gate

SuburbanFamily-friendlyWaterfront

Moline

Illinois city directly across from the Arsenal island with established neighborhoods, good amenities, and easy bridge access to the installation.

5–10 min to main gate

SuburbanAffordableHistoric

Davenport (NE Davenport)

Iowa's largest Quad City with diverse neighborhoods, the University of Iowa's satellite campus, and a range of housing options.

10–15 min to main gate

UrbanAffordableCollege town
Schools

Bettendorf Community School District / Moline-Coal Valley School District

Bettendorf CSD consistently ranks as one of Iowa's top performing districts. Moline-Coal Valley serves the Illinois side with solid academic programs.

What families should know

  • Bettendorf High School is consistently rated among Iowa's best
  • Moline High School has a strong career and technical education program
  • Both districts have experience with military family enrollment from the Arsenal workforce
Things to Do

Life around Rock Island Arsenal

Attraction

Rock Island Arsenal Museum

The second-oldest U.S. Army museum, housing an extraordinary collection of weapons and military artifacts in a stunning Civil War-era building.

Outdoors

Mississippi Riverfront (Davenport/Rock Island)

Extensive riverfront parks and trails along the Mississippi through all four Quad Cities — excellent for cycling and family outings.

Attraction

Niabi Zoo

Beloved Quad Cities zoo in Coal Valley with over 500 animals and family-friendly exhibits.

Dining

Bent River Brewing Company

Popular Moline craft brewery with house-made beers and elevated pub fare, a favorite Quad Cities gathering spot.

Shopping

SouthPark Mall

Major Moline mall with national retailers serving the Illinois Quad Cities community.

Entertainment

Celebration Belle Riverboat

Historic Mississippi paddleboat offering dinner cruises and sightseeing tours from the Moline waterfront — a unique Quad Cities experience.

Housing Market

Buying or renting near Rock Island Arsenal

Home Prices

$180,000–$310,000

Typical Rent

$950–$1,500/mo

The Quad Cities market is very affordable by national standards. Bettendorf commands the highest prices for its superior schools; Moline offers the best value for Arsenal commute. Inventory is generally healthy.

Popular neighborhoods: Bettendorf, Northeast Moline, Northeast Davenport

Buying near Rock Island Arsenal with a VA loan: $0 down and no PMI. Estimate your allowance with the BAH calculator, follow the PCS checklist, and read the full VA Loan Guide before you go under contract.

Orders to Rock Island Arsenal?

Get pre-approved before you arrive. A VA loan specialist can have your numbers ready this week.

Call (719) 259-2246