Skip to main content

Living in Davenport, IA: Your Complete Guide to The City

Living in Davenport, IA: Your Complete Guide to The City

Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi, Davenport offers a mix of small-town charm with big-city amenities. Davenport is the biggest of the four cities that make up "The Quad Cities," a metropolitan area that straddles the Iowa-Illinois border. The population of Davenport is about 100,000 and serves as a key hub for commerce and culture. Here at Candlelight Park, Davenports premier apartment community, we want to help you explore the city we call home. Our local team has put together this handy guide to the city, complete with information about weather, culture, entertainment, employment, and more.

If you're considering making a move to Davenport, IA, then this guide is for you!


Weather in Davenport, IA

Davenport is well known for having comfortable summers and chilly winters. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, all with their own unique charm. If you're moving from a more temperate climate, be prepared for notable temperature swings. Dressing in layers is key for most of the year. According to WeatherSpark, Davenport will enjoy cool to comfortable temperatures for about half of the year.

Summers are typically warm and humid, with temperatures hovering around 66 F to 85 F. While this sounds comfortable, the humidity can make it feel much warmer. Most residents prefer air conditioning, which is available in our apartments.
A field of green crops under a bright sun.

Fall is arguably the best season in Davenport, IA. The humidity drops and daily highs tend to hover around the mid-70s. It's a gorgeous time of the year, as trees along the Mississippi burst into vibrant and beautiful colors.


Winter is typically the least popular season, as cold, snow, and wind are unavoidable. Daily highs tend to stay just below freezing (32°F). Snow is fairly common, and you can expect about 4 inches of snowfall in December and January. The roads will be slick, so good winter tires and slip-resistant boots are recommended.


Spring is much more enjoyable, although March tends to still feel winter-like. In April and May, daily highs will crawl back into the 60s. Spring is often accompanied by heavy rainfall, which helps green up the landscape after its winter dormancy.



Entertainment and Culture

For a city of its size, Davenport certainly punches above its weight class in terms of fun things to do. From minor-league baseball to world-class art, there are plenty of fun weekends to be had in Davenport. The Figge Art Museum is a treasure to behold. Located in an iconic glass building along the banks of the Mississippi, this art museum houses over 4,000 works. Particularly, the Figge really shines with its collections covering American Regionalism, Mexican Colonial, and Haitian Art. It is also home to a significant amount of works from Iowa-native Grant Wood.

For live performances, the historic Adler Theater is a fantastic venue. The Adle hosts a little bit of everything, from stand-up comedy to ballet to concertos; you're sure to find all kinds of live performances here.

During the summertime, Davenport hosts an internationally recognized jazz festival called Bix Lives. Named after famed local Bix Beiderbecke, this event is a hit both with locals and tourists. Visitors from around the world descend on Davenport for the festival, creating a fun jazzy atmosphere across the whole city. For fitness-focused residents, the Bix 7 is a prestigious 7-mile road race that attracts thousands of runners and spectators. Of course, no culture list of Davenport would be complete without mentioning the Quad Cities River Bandits, the local minor league baseball team. Even if you're not a baseball fan, the ballpark is one of the most beautiful sporting venues in the whole country, warranting at least one visit. The ballpark sits on the banks of the Mississippi, providing gorgeous views of Centennial Bridge.

A bridge spans over a body of water.

Cost of Living in Davenport, IA

The cost of living in Davenport, IA is only slightly lower than the national average according to PayScale. Residents will enjoy significantly lower costs in regards to utilities and groceries. But housing costs are comparable to the national average.Transportation is particularly pricey and is about 6% higher than the national average. Residents in Davenport, IA tend to pay a little more for gas and bus fares.

All things considered, the cost of living in Davenport, IA is 3% lower than the national average.


Jobs in Davenport, IA

With its location on the Mississippi River, the bedrock of Davenport's economy is in manufacturing. While the sector has evolved over the city's history, Manufacturing remains a key contributor to the local economy. International giants like John Deere and Arconic have major manufacturing operations across the Quad City area. Like most cities, healthcare is a major source of jobs in Davenport. Key players include Unity Point Health- Trinity and MercyOne Genesis.

The agriculture sector also has a significant presence in Davenport, and this goes beyond farming. There are plenty of firms in Davenport that provide services for agriculture technology, food processing, and producing farm equipment. John Deere is often ranked as the biggest private employer in the Quad City area.

An old barn sits in a field of corn.

Get the Best Davenport, IA Has to Offer and Move to Candlelight Park

If you’re ready to make the move to Davenport, visit us at Candlelight Park. We offer cozy 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartment floor plans that blend comfort, style, and spaciousness, providing every resident with a home to call their own. The apartments are fitted with exclusive amenities like open-concept kitchen layouts, energy efficient appliances, hardwood-style flooring, plush carpeting, and a private patio or balcony. Schedule your tour today and discover your next home at Candlelight Park.