Real Stories, real people.
quad citizens
CONSIDER A
move to the QC
A dynamic region in the Heart of America
We’re a sweet spot on the Mississippi River with affordable living and more than our share of fun. Commutes are short, housing is affordable and the region is filled with possibilities.
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Where can residents have a balanced lifestyle that is affordable for both families and individuals? QC, That's Where!
It’s where Midwesterners are so down-to-earth you can strike up a conversation with a stranger and become best friends. Where Quad Citizens call home and welcome new residents from wherever they hail. For young families, returning "Boomerangs", professionals of all ages, the QC offers excellent opportunities to fulfill your dreams. It provides a change of pace that is just right with a low cost of living and a balanced lifestyle. Quad Cities is a region where people can afford to invest, buy, rent and live without sacrificing the leisure and family time that makes it all worthwhile. QC well-being is more than just access to nature and the riverfront; it's heart and soul, peace of mind and worry-free freedom.
Come join us where the living is easy, and the folks are friendly.
#QCTHATSWHERE
Learn why you should live here from those who call QC home!
Amber C. | Lifer | QC
Rachel H. | Transplant | Seoul, South Korea
find your perfect career in the QC
Explore QC companies and land a career
The job market is hot, and employers here are seeking talent. Deere & Company is a global giant, a Fortune 500 company that calls the QC home, as do 150 other companies on that exclusive list. Here, you can make an impact, professionally and personally.
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BOOMERANG BACK, We'll see you soon!
Remember all the reasons why you love the QC
Hear from others on why they moved back to the QC to reestablish their roots. Learn what they love about living in this region and how the Quad Cities quickly became the perfect place to raise their families.
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Seth C. | Lifer | QC
Valentine E. | Transplant | Oklahoma
Alana C. | Boomerang | Nashville, TN – QC
The QC is the heart of the Midwest,
a proud, forward-thinking family of
communities connected by one of the
world’s most renowned rivers, the
Mississippi River. The region attracts
returners and explorers, investors and
entrepreneurs because it offers the
well-being and comforts of the accessible,
the homegrown and the local, combined
with an inventive imagination that embraces
arts, entrepreneurship and global aspirations.
QC offers original ways to experience one of the world’s great waterways and an open-minded network and drive that make the region a hub of ambition for a new generation.
People love QC because they want to be part of its roots and its reach — to live in a place that’s as genuine as it is quirky, a region where they can start something and make a difference and where they enjoy the well-being of an authentic community and the freedom of connection to the world.
QC, THAT'S WHERE?
QC, THAT'S WHERE YOU BELONG!
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Amber C. | Lifer | QC
Amber is a mother of two, and a Business Retail Account Representative born and raised in the QC. She met her husband Alex here and they’ve stayed in our vibrant community because they wanted to be close to family. “It’s a great place to raise a family. My family and I like to take advantage of the outdoors, going on walks along the Mississippi River, hiking new trails and participating in 5K races. I love how there are a lot of small local businesses, whether that’s trying out new restaurants, going to museums, or taking advantage of the year-round fun, family events and activities. I love exploring all of coffee houses that the area has to offer.”
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Rachel H. | Transplant | Seoul, South Korea
Rachel was born in Seoul, South Korea and moved to the QC when she was in grade school. She has a cute little French bulldog named Lilo and a very busy career as a DJ for Sirius XM FLY, a show host for Monster Jam and owner of a music and management company Local Traffic Only Media Group. Her love for sports and music started in high school where she played soccer. “I love all sports (to watch or play), art (paint, draw etc.) and I'm a huge foodie.” She and her fiancé Xavier enjoy the diversity of this community from the people to food, music and social life. “I love that it's affordable to live here and a beautiful community. I enjoy how close I am to the airport and how accessible it is for me, especially since I travel a lot for work.”
Seth C. | Lifer | QC
Seth grew up in a small township in the Quad Cities and now lives in the metro area with his partner Bryan, their adorable son Jett, and two cats Ezri and Foxy. They met while working at a local credit union where they both still work today. Their family enjoys being outdoors and spending time together. “Jett loves going to Hodge Park and the Quad City Botanical Center. We also love to swim. In the summer we spend a lot of our time at Whitewater Junction and when it gets cold, we move indoors and swim at the RIFAC.”
Valentine E. | Transplant | Oklahoma
Valentine and his wife Guyla, both transplants, met in the QC. They chose to stay and raise their children (9, 7 and newborn) in the Quad Cities. “We love the people, the different communities and that
there is a wide variety of opportunities for our family to enjoy ourselves. We’ve got
everything from kids’ events to the theater - and in such a close proximity.” The family is very active with sports, enjoys spending
time outside, as well as attending events with live music. Some of their favorite spots are the Family Museum, John Deere Pavilion and of course, Whitey’s Ice Cream.
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Alana C. | Boomerang | Nashville, TN – QC
Alana, Managing Director – Tax for Deloitte, and her husband Matt grew up just outside the QC metro and attended St. Ambrose University. After graduation, they both took jobs in the QC and made it home for 5 years. They opted to move to Nashville, TN for nearly 4 years when Matt received a job offer from a fellow Ambrose alum. While they had a great experience in Nashville, nothing beats being close to family and long-time friends in the QC. “We also knew we wanted to raise our children and send them to the wonderful public schools, similar to those we attended. We love how accessible and affordable the area is – whether it’s attending the Quad City Symphony, riding the bike path, going to the farmers’ market, dinner with friends and family, youth sports and more. These things are available and easy to plan.”
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Lydia AH. | Transplant | Peoria, IL
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Lydia AH. | Transplant | Peoria, IL
Lydia’s parents were Missionaries who moved from Ghana West, Africa, to Chicago, where she was born and raised. She and her two siblings grew up eating and cooking African foods, attending church and listening to her parents’ stories about their home. Her family moved to Peoria when she was 13, and together they grew their faith which sustained them during some tough times. Her church family introduced her to Cory, a QC native, and he proposed on her birthday in 2017. Shortly thereafter she made our region her home, too. “It has been an awesome experience and I'm glad to share that with my husband,” she said, adding the QC is a supportive community with so much to offer. “There are many organizations working to build up the community, like How About HOPE which is having conversation about mental health and suicide, especially in Black and Brown communities. I also love AALS, which is working to improve the lives of African Americans through education, income and health.” Lydia loves to sing and dance, and shares her talents as a member of the praise team and a choir director at her church. She also works to build confidence in youth. “I am the Step team coach at Williams Junior High, so I spend time coming up with step and dance routines for our students.”
Lydia AH. | Transplant | Peoria, IL
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Alana C. | Boomerang | QC
Alana, Managing Director – Tax for
Deloitte, and her husband Matt grew
up just outside the QC metro and
attended St. Ambrose University.
After graduation, they both took jobs
in the QC and made it home for 5
years. They opted to move to
Nashville, TN for nearly 4 years
when Matt received a job offer from
a fellow Ambrose alum. While they
had a great experience in Nashville,
nothing beats being close to family
and long-time friends in the QC.
“We also knew we wanted to raise our children and send them to the wonderful public schools, similar to those we attended. We love how accessible and affordable the area is – whether it’s attending the Quad City Symphony, riding the bike path, going to the farmers’ market, dinner with friends and family, youth sports and more. These things are available and easy to plan.”
Carlos G. | Boomerang | Chicago, IL – QC
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LaQuanda H. | Transplant | Louisiana – QC
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Carlos G. | Boomerang | Chicago, IL – QC
Born and raised in the QC, Carlos and his wife moved back from California to raise their two daughters in a region where they would make happy memories — as well as two horses, two dogs, four goats and three cats that live on their little homestead. “We enjoy small hobby farming and gardening, as well as hockey games at Vibrant Arena and Moline High School football games. And we love to indulge in our Midwest best, Whitey's ice cream. The cost of living is low here and income is above average. We are right in the middle of all the fun and within driving distance to Chicago, Wisconsin Dells, St. Louis and more,” he said. “I love the Quad Cities because you get the big city experience with the little town feeling of being a homey place. Everyone is always willing to help, and I love the support for local businesses and small businesses.”
LaQuanda H. | Transplant | Louisiana – QC
LaQuanda grew up in Louisiana and her husband, Cecil, grew up in Michigan. They initially came to the QC for work, and after moving away, chose to return. “It was our connection to friends and the QC vibe that brought us back. I love the small town feel and the number of family-oriented activities available here. I also appreciate being so close to larger cities,” like Chicago and Des Moines – each roughly
2 1/2 hours away from her home. “My oldest daughter Kayla is 8 and has developed a love of golf and tennis since being back in the QC. She’s also joined a swim team. Kaci is 5 and is enjoying kindergarten and loves gymnastics. They are always finding something new and fun to do and love their new school and playing with friends. I love all the options the QC has to offer. I’ve taken up tennis and enjoy meeting new people through that community. I’ve also been catching up with old friends and colleagues and made new friends along the way.”
Alana C. | Boomerang | QC
Alana, Managing Director – Tax for
Deloitte, and her husband Matt grew
up just outside the QC metro and
attended St. Ambrose University.
After graduation, they both took jobs
in the QC and made it home for 5
years. They opted to move to
Nashville, TN for nearly 4 years
when Matt received a job offer from
a fellow Ambrose alum. While they
had a great experience in Nashville,
nothing beats being close to family
and long-time friends in the QC.
“We also knew we wanted to raise our children and send them to the wonderful public schools, similar to those we attended. We love how accessible and affordable the area is – whether it’s attending the Quad City Symphony, riding the bike path, going to the farmers’ market, dinner with friends and family, youth sports and more. These things are available and easy to plan.”
Alana C. | Boomerang | QC
Alana, Managing Director – Tax for
Deloitte, and her husband Matt grew
up just outside the QC metro and
attended St. Ambrose University.
After graduation, they both took jobs
in the QC and made it home for 5
years. They opted to move to
Nashville, TN for nearly 4 years
when Matt received a job offer from
a fellow Ambrose alum. While they
had a great experience in Nashville,
nothing beats being close to family
and long-time friends in the QC.
“We also knew we wanted to raise our children and send them to the wonderful public schools, similar to those we attended. We love how accessible and affordable the area is – whether it’s attending the Quad City Symphony, riding the bike path, going to the farmers’ market, dinner with friends and family, youth sports and more. These things are available and easy to plan.”
Carlos G. | Boomerang | Chicago, IL – QC
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LaQuanda H. | Transplant | Louisiana – QC
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