Rock Island is close to several cities as it is a central part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area, an urban region spanning the Mississippi River.
Understanding the Quad Cities Area
The Quad Cities is a vibrant region comprising five main cities that are geographically close and share a common economic and cultural identity. Rock Island is one of these core cities, making it inherently close to its fellow Quad Cities municipalities.
The cities that constitute the Quad Cities include:
- In Illinois:
- Rock Island
- Moline
- East Moline
- On the Iowa side of the Mississippi River:
- Davenport
- Bettendorf
These cities are interconnected by bridges and transportation networks, forming a cohesive community.
Key Cities Near Rock Island
Given its position within the Quad Cities, Rock Island shares close proximity with the following major cities:
- Moline, Illinois: Directly adjacent and well-known for being the home of John Deere's world headquarters.
- East Moline, Illinois: Also in Illinois and contiguous with Moline, forming a significant part of the region's industrial and residential areas.
- Davenport, Iowa: The largest city in the Quad Cities, located just across the Mississippi River from Rock Island. It serves as a cultural and commercial hub for the Iowa side.
- Bettendorf, Iowa: Situated east of Davenport on the Iowa side, offering various amenities and residential areas.
To visualize the relationship and location of these cities, consider the following table:
| City | State | Relation to Rock Island |
|---|---|---|
| Moline | Illinois | Adjoins Rock Island, forming the core Illinois Quad Cities. |
| East Moline | Illinois | Adjacent to Moline, part of the Illinois Quad Cities cluster. |
| Davenport | Iowa | Across the Mississippi River; the largest city in the region. |
| Bettendorf | Iowa | Northeast of Davenport, also on the Iowa side of the river. |
This close proximity allows for a shared infrastructure, economy, and community identity, making the Quad Cities a unique bi-state metropolitan area. For more information on the region, visit the official Quad Cities Info page.
