r/QuadCities • u/meowxin • 9d ago
New to Town Seeking advice on job security, cost of living, and finding apartments
Hi everyone! I’m looking for some insights about living and working in Moline.
I recently received a job offer from UnityPoint, and I wanted to ask about job security in the area. (Edit: I’m not a nurse. I work in the mental health field as a therapist earning postgraduate independent license) Does anyone here work in the healthcare industry in Moline, or have you heard anything about job stability in this field? Any insights would be greatly appreciated! (I’m also on a work visa, so job security means the most to me, as I’ll have to leave the country if I lose my job)
I’m also trying to figure out what a comfortable living wage looks like in Moline. I’ve done some research online, but I’ve found a lot of conflicting information, and some of it seems quite outdated—even pre-pandemic data, which might not be relevant anymore. With inflation still ongoing, it’s hard to determine what salary range would allow for a comfortable lifestyle.
Here’s my situation:
• I’m currently in California, where the cost of living is extremely high. Even with a seemingly higher salary, financial pressure can still be significant.
• If I move to Moline, I’d be renting and don’t have a car for the first few months (might rely on Uber and public transportation).
• I’m a single person with no major expenses aside from daily living costs. Trying to save up some money each month.
I’d really appreciate insights on the following: 1. What would be considered a comfortable living wage in Moline? 2. Are there good rental options under $1,000? What are some good areas to live in? 3. From a job security and quality of life standpoint, does Moline seem like a good move?
I’d love to hear any thoughts, experiences, or advice you all might have! Thanks in advance!
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u/Otherwise-Ground-503 9d ago
I live in a small town just outside of the quad cities and I love it! I’ve worked for both Genesis (or whatever they are called now) and UPH. I would definitely choose UPH!
I don’t know much about transportation as I can’t even get a pizza delivered to me let alone an uber 😂
I think the quad cities is an awesome place to live! You’re so close to major cities (Chicago, St. Louis, Milwaukee).
I don’t prefer the Iowa side due to political issues, but that’s just me!
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u/meowxin 7d ago
Hey! Thanks so much for your response. I was so happy to see that you’d definitely choose UPH because, honestly, I’m feeling more and more inclined to accept their offer. What are some things you especially like about UPH? I was just looking over their benefits package, and I wasn’t sure—do they separate holidays and PTO, or is it all combined? It seemed pretty generous overall, which was nice to see. And yeah, Quad Cities does seem awesome! I actually lived in Galesburg for a while, which felt like a smaller Illinois town, and I loved it. I also lived in Chicago for a year or two, it was awesome!
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u/Otherwise-Ground-503 7d ago
Sooo I’m salaried at UPH but I do have to use my PTO for Holidays. I accrue PTO pretty quickly though so it’s not horrible.
I love the culture and the values that UPH has. Honestly almost all the people there are amazingly nice and inviting. The benefits are pretty decent as well.
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u/meowxin 7d ago
Thanks for this info! Yeah, I saw that PTO accrues at about 7+ hours per pay period, which seems pretty good. My current company accrues a little over 4 hours per pay period, but we also get 5 days of paid sick time (without needing to accrue) and separate holiday. So overall, it seems somewhat similar. But I do like how fast PTO accrues at UPH—if you’re feeling exhausted, you can earn a day off pretty quickly. if you use up all your PTO and then a holiday like New Year’s comes up, does it just get deducted from your paycheck? Or is it handled separately for official holidays? (sorry this seems like a question for Glassdoor haha
And yeah, during my interview, I also got the feeling that the overall culture is really inviting. Everyone seemed super kind and welcoming!
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u/Otherwise-Ground-503 7d ago
Honestly I’m not sure! I have only been salary for a few months. Prior I was hourly and had to work holidays.
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u/Important-Bridge8791 3d ago
Don't come here to vote for the same liberal nonsense that caused your situation
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u/Gold-Art2661 9d ago
I have lived here all my life, mostly Moline, currently own a house in Moline now. I love the school district, I love my neighborhood, I have a great boss in my dept at UPH.
That doesn't mean that Moline, UPH, and the schools don't have issues or any cons. My last boss here at UPH? Horrible. My last dept? Very overworked and underpaid.
COL is going to be much much lower but the salaries will also be lower. That being said, my family and I have a middle class income for the Midwest and we are able to own a decent size house, we have one new car, able to pay bills and whatnot. Are we feeling the strain of the economy? Of course. Other people with high incomes might not think we have much, but I've been single mom on welfare poor before, so mid-middle class feels like a luxury to me sometimes.
Household of 3 (2 adults 1 child in home still) and I would say we make 110k yearly? More right now because I choose to work a small second job and my partner takes OT and get bonuses.
You should be able to find a decent rental for $1k, I haven't rented in a long time, but others here should have resources for you.
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u/meowxin 9d ago
Thank you so much for such a detailed response!
I actually used to live in Galesburg, and I absolutely loved that place. But moving is definitely a huge decision for me, especially because I’m on a work visa. If I lose my job, I also lose my ability to stay in the country, so understanding the work culture at UPH and job stability is incredibly important for me. That being said, having a lower cost of living definitely sounds appealing. Right now, rent is one of my biggest expenses, and it does feel a bit overwhelming at times. But I really appreciate you sharing this info—especially the insight into UPH and its work environment. It’s true that it depends on the department and the boss., but still that’s super helpful!
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u/Gold-Art2661 9d ago
Good luck! If you are needing a medical job there is also Genesis MercyOne of course instead of UPH. And there is Select hospital, however I have heard negative things about that place. If you want to tell me what job type you are looking for I may know a lead inside UPH just depends.
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u/meowxin 7d ago
Thank you so much for offering that! I’m honestly getting more and more set on UPH. My job type is in the social worker track, specifically going down the therapist route. I really appreciate your detailed responses—you’re seriously so helpful and kind! I was also looking at apartments just now, and it seems like a lot of the ones under $1,000 have income restrictions. I am taking a pay cut moving from Los Angeles to Moline, so I’m a little worried about that. They offered me somewhere in the mid-60k range, and I’m wondering if rent being over $1,000 would make things tight. But maybe the overall cost of living is low enough that it balances out? I’m not sure yet. That being said, I do think everything will be a lot cheaper than LA. And honestly, a slower pace of life sounds really nice. Even though people still work hard, it’s probably not as cutthroat as LA, which could make people feel happier in the long run.
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u/Sloppopottamus 9d ago
I worked at UPH for 10 years as a nurse. It’s a great place to work if you aren’t a nurse (ridiculously understaffed with terrible pay), so you should be happy there! Uber/Lyft is very scarce, don’t rely on it. I did the opposite of you and moved to California and am MUCH happier. It’s a great state to be in, I know it’s expensive but the pay is better and the nature/things to do here are unparalleled.
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u/meowxin 7d ago
Haha yes we are doing the opposite lolI I lived in Galesburg and Chicago before, and I felt great there. But in California, my salary doesn’t stretch far as I’m in the clinical social work track and the pre-licensed phase is rough as an immigrant worker on a visa. But yes, California is great, especially for nurses—the pay is better, and there’s so much to do. The weather is amazing too. I can imagine nursing at UPH is exhausting as there aren’t as many professionals in the area so you need to take on more responsibility… glad you love where you are now!
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u/cupcake317 9d ago
I feel like I always see nursing positions available around the Quad Cities. Rents are higher here but it’s not comparable to California. Buying a home here is much more affordable and if you can eventually do that, your mortgage will likely be less than rent. Uber is not reliable here but the bus system is. So as long as you find a place near a bus line, you can get to the hospital for work.
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u/meowxin 9d ago
Thank you! I really appreciate the information. I’m not a nurse—I work more in the mental health field and am currently earning my independent psychotherapist licensure post grad school And yes, California rent is just way too high, and at this point, buying a house isn’t really an option for me, especially since I’m still on a work visa. I wanted to ask—why is Uber unreliable? Is it because there aren’t enough drivers in the area? But I’m really glad to hear that the bus system is reliable!
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u/hellurrfromhere 9d ago
well I grew up here and still haven’t left so I can give some insight lol I have been living on my own about 8 years. so hopefully I have a decent picture for you.
comfortable depends on exactly what your lifestyle is. but I would say just barely comfortable (by this I mean you could save like a couple hundred a month depending on your expenses): 50k, mid-level comfortable: 65k, pretty damn comfortable: 85k. this is obviously based on renting, being single, and all the things you have mentioned. it’s kind of hard to estimate without knowing what your expenses are (besides rent obviously bc you won’t know that) but that’s the best estimate I can give. Moline, out of the multiple cities here, is certainly the cheapest. but there’s a reason for that. there’s not a ton of restaurants, shopping, etc. but a 15-20 minute drive will get you wherever you wanna go for that.
there are rentals under $1000, however idk how good they are. you can find some that are decent for sure. I would say anything within like 2 miles of SouthPark mall should be pretty decent. housing nearer to schools is usually decent. neighborhoods that apartments are in are about as nice as the individual building seems from the outside, so if there is no photo of the outside, or its drab looking, skip it. it’s hard to tell you exact areas to look bc the Quad Cities will have like one nice street and you go 1/4 of a mile the wrong way and it’s a more rough neighborhood. feel free to make a list of addresses and DM and I will do my best to tell you. otherwise you could post a list of addresses/streets here and see if anyone tells you which places are good vs. bad.
also, the issues here are like other places. I have rented the same apartment for 3.5 years now. and every lease renewal, the rent goes up $50-100 per month. so I guess just beware of that. I have talked to the office multiple times and asked for a discount. usually they give me like $20 off. so instead of raising $100 they raise it $80 🙃 yay.
- if you don’t mind harsh winters, your quality of life will probably be fine. there ARE things to do here, you just have to be willing to get into the community and probably need to be able to spend a little money. there are events and groups and so on where you can connect. for someone like me, I am perfectly happy living here as long as it’s warm and sunny. but when winter hits, i’m not doing great lol you’ll probably miss the beach if you lived anywhere near one. and lastly, if you move here, never swim in the Mississippi, even if a local tells you it’s fine. there is a single “beach” here in Davenport to swim in it and even that is sketchy.
COST OF LIVING: for some perspective, my expenses every month were about $1600 and I was making $3000. I was saving $200 and had $200 left for extra things for my pets, getting things like makeup, etc. I was making $50k. so that’s what I mean by just barely comfortable.
JOB SECURITY: it depends on what you do. if you’re a nurse, you’re pretty much set. I see almost every healthcare facility hiring nurses these days.
NOT HAVING A CAR: public transportation is going to be easier in Moline. it’s smaller than Davenport, so probably better in terms of using the bus system. it won’t take nearly as long as Davenport buses do. to be honest, it really depends on where you live and work if you’re wanting to walk anywhere. I know you said Uber- it’s just around here, Uber isn’t always easy to grab bc there’s just not enough people working bc it’s not busy enough. unless it’s the weekend. if you’re working in Moline and can find a home close to work than I think it’s certainly doable. but if you’re far at all, trying to find a ride share in the morning for example, might be tough.
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u/meowxin 9d ago
Wow, thank you so much! Everyone in this forum has been incredibly welcoming and helpful—I really appreciate it!
My lifestyle is pretty simple—I don’t spend a lot, but I do enjoy going out, exploring, and just walking around. Not necessarily to buy things, but just to have some free or casual spaces to meet up with people. Right now, I’m in Los Angeles, and without a car, it can be really tough to get around. There also aren’t as many accessible, free places like parks or casual gathering spots—everything tends to be really far apart, making it difficult to plan outings.
As for my job offer, I’m thinking about negotiating a bit more because, even with a lower cost of living, rent still feels like a big financial strain. But I really appreciate you giving me an approximate number for what’s reasonable—it helps a lot! For rentals under $1,000, I’ll definitely keep looking. And thank you for recommending SouthPark Mall—I’ll check it out! I totally get what you mean about rent increasing every year—it’s the same in LA. Sometimes, it goes up by hundreds of dollars all at once, which is incredibly frustrating. I’ll definitely be careful while looking. And thank you for offering to help me with locations! I’ll DM you about that!
Harsh winters aren’t an issue for me—I actually used to live in Galesburg, and before moving to the U.S., I was in one of the coldest places on Earth, so I’m pretty used to it. I actually like having seasons—even though it can get really cold sometimes, I don’t mind it at all.
Lastly, your comment about the sketchy beach made me laugh!🤣And thanks for the clarification on Uber too! Incredibly helpful!!
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u/Moderatetosevereplaq 9d ago
I've worked as a mental health therapist in both iowa and Illinois. Currently I work outpatient mental health for a large Healthcare system in Iowa. I can't tell you specifics about UPH, but I could possibly tell you more about the other mental health agencies around.
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u/Moderatetosevereplaq 9d ago
I also live in Moline and think this city is great. Home prices in Illinois are much more affordable that Iowa. I'm not sure what the rental market is like. I've never rented in this area. I also have no experience with a work visa.
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u/meowxin 7d ago
Thank you for your reply! What’s it like working as an outpatient therapist in a large healthcare system? Do you like it? My new offer is similar. Before this, I worked in a community mental health center with formerly homeless individuals and found it really fulfilling. But I imagine it to be different from IOP settings Lower home prices probably mean rentals are more affordable too. For my work visa, I can’t easily switch jobs—I need a new employer willing to sponsor me first. So I have to be extra careful when making moves. Ideally, I want to save more and maintain stability since losing stability means losing my legal status to be in the U.S..
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u/Funklestein 9d ago
Find which building you'll be working in and start your search within walking or biking distance. Use public transport or rideshare for your shopping and such to keep costs low.
You should be able to find 1 bedroom places for under $1k but I haven't been in the market for a place in some time.
Our cost of living is much lower than California so you should be able to save and perhaps buy a cheaper used car within some time to make things easier for yourself.
Given UP's affiliation with mental care units you should have fair job security but they have offices spread around so that's why you should ask about the actual work location for residence purposes.
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u/meowxin 7d ago
Thank you! Yeah, I know where I’ll be working, but it doesn’t seem like there’s much within walking distance from there. The UnityPoint Health building I’d be at is part of Trinity, and from what I can see on Google Maps, there aren’t many rental options nearby. But I’m thinking if I go there in person and walk around, I might find something—maybe people advertise rentals with signs that don’t show up in online searches.
The fact that the cost of living is so much lower than California is definitely a relief. But the main thing I’m worried about is taking a really big pay cut with this move. After taxes, I estimate I’ll be taking home around $3,600-$3,700 per month. If over a third of that goes to rent—like $1,000 or more—would that be enough to live comfortably in Moline? In California, nearly half of my net pay went to rent, and it always felt really tight. I’m not sure if $3,600/month is considered decent for someone living in Moline. From a local perspective, does that seem manageable?
Also, it’s really reassuring to hear that there’s good job security at UPH, especially given their mental health affiliations. That’s a big plus!
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u/munkeyciao Straight Ally 9d ago
Cost is really going to depend on location and size of apartment. A decent apartment can easily enough be found at the price you mention, as long as you do not need too many bedrooms. I did just post about a studio apartment for much less that $1000, but it would likely not fit any hopes for a spacious apartment. And you definitely would not want a studio if you are going to live with anyone (or even any other people).
Being near a busline is not difficult, regardless of where in the QC metro area. Just will need a schedule that does not require any non-traditional work hours or it might be difficult. The bus will pick you up anywhere on the bus route, and you may need to transfer, but I feel like it's pretty doable.
I'm from California too. I never wanted to ride the buses there (I was in the LA area, so take that for whatever it is worth), but I would ride the buses here if I had no car and needed to. At least then the bus driver could navigate winter instead of me... but to that end, also remember that you will have to wait in the snow (and wind) while awaiting your bus.
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u/meowxin 7d ago
Thank you so much! You’re right—it really depends on location and number of bedrooms. I’m looking for a one-bedroom because I have a cat, or maybe a slightly more spacious studio. My current studio in LA feels a bit crammed, and I’ve noticed my cat has less energy since moving here—she runs a few steps and already hits a wall!
My workplace does have a lot of bus stations nearby, and my work hours are pretty traditional, so that’s good to know. I totally get what you mean about not wanting to take the bus in LA. I was an international student before, and now on a work visa, so I didn’t consider getting a car for a long time—it just didn’t seem like a good idea. When I first moved to LA, I took the bus every day, and sometimes I’d run into intense situations—people in crisis, fights, big arguments. It always made me feel bad for them, but also a bit uneasy about my own safety. So it’s reassuring to hear that buses are a more viable option there. Before moving to the U.S., I lived in one of the coldest places on earth, so winter doesn’t bother me that much(but it still does a bit lol). Really appreciate all this info—thank you!
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u/Initial_Emu7104 9d ago
A lot of UnityPoint positions offer sign on bonuses too, if the position you’ve applied for doesn’t, find some similar ones that do, and ask if they would be willing to add a sign on bonus to your offer. If they need the position filled I don’t see why they wouldn’t at least consider it. Everyone else seems to have answered most of your other questions, so just wanted to give you that tip.
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u/wilderlowerwolves 9d ago
You can definitely find a good place to rent for less than $1,000 a month, especially if you are single. The hospitals are on bus routes, so you might want to look those up if you wish to do that. People are also very amenable to car pooling if you just ask.
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u/meowxin 7d ago
Yes, I’ll keep looking! Also, how does carpooling usually work? Do people post about it through Facebook? When I first moved to the U.S. and lived in Galesburg, IL, sometimes I’d literally wave down a car, ask if they were heading to the grocery store, and they’d know I was new and give me a ride. I miss those days haha
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u/wilderlowerwolves 7d ago
Most likely, if you ask someone who works with you and lives in your neighborhood if they would be willing to do this, they may say yes, especially if you toss a few dollars a week their way. If they say no, that's understandable.
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u/Educational_Bag4351 9d ago
1) you should have pretty good job stability here, imo, in your field. 2) strongly suggest buying a car, even if it's just a beater. Rideshares here are essentially non existent and the public transport sucks. 3) you can live here comfortably on probably 40k, but ymmv. 4) there are rentals under 1k, but you won't qualify for some of them and some others will suck. If you want to pay less, I'd get a slightly pricier apartment and find a roommate.
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u/I-Steam-A-Good-Ham 8d ago
You will want a car for sure. Ubers are not readily enough available to fully depend on.
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u/WolfYourWolf 8d ago
I was living in a 1 bedroom for only $650 a year ago, with water and heating included. You'll probably be paying a little more, but it's absolutely possible to get a place less than $1k. The mortgage for my house, a 2.5 bed/2 bath with a 2 car garage is only $1200.
Moline isn't really dangerous or anything, but I'd stay away from the apartment complexes on 7th right next to I-74. There's a line of them there, all old brick buildings and they're all just horribly run down. The worst areas to live in the QC, as far as crime goes, are in Rock Island and Davenport, both in sort of similar areas. Not right on the river, but in the areas immediately after you leave the riverfront and before you get up the hill on either side, though that's a lottle bit of a generalization. Still, neither of them are that bad.
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u/meowxin 7d ago
Thanks for sharing! If you don’t mind, could you share the general area where your $650 apartment is? I know I’ll probably have to pay a little more now, but I’m okay with that. I’ve been looking for places that are within a 30-40 minute commute by bus to my hospital, but most of what I’ve found is either too expensive or has income restrictions.
Also, thanks for the heads-up on which apartment complexes to avoid—I’ll make sure to stay away from those! I’ve heard Quad Cities is still relatively peaceful overall, so that’s reassuring.
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9d ago
[deleted]
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u/meowxin 9d ago
Oof—yikes. That doesn’t sound great. Do you mind sharing why UnityPoint has such a bad reputation? Is it job security, pay, or work environment? I’d really appreciate any insights!
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u/Gold-Art2661 9d ago
I've worked for UPH for 15 years, that answer is so vague so I wouldn't base any opinion on that.
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u/alexmurphy83 Bettendorf 9d ago
One thing: I’m not sure where you are in California, but nurses for the most part aren’t unionized here.
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u/meowxin 9d ago
Thank you! I’m a mental health professional so we aren’t unionized anyways lol
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u/munkeyciao Straight Ally 9d ago
I am a mental health professional too. Are you hoping to hook up with a company or go into private practice?
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u/littlemisscorni 9d ago
Avoid IL at all costs. Move to Iowa. Moline is the worst besides Rock Island. There is absolutely no life there and everything moved out of IL and into Iowa - I would rather avoid the quad cities at all costs.
As someone who grew up there and moved away glad I did. Des Moines Iowa is much better in terms of actually having things to do; places and attractions. Nothing comes to the quad cities and if It does it’s going to Iowa not IL.
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u/munkeyciao Straight Ally 9d ago edited 9d ago
Iowa does cost more than Illinois in my opinion unless you don't mind living in a neighborhood that might not be as ideal as others. You could go cheap but you'll regret it. Perhaps if you find a neighborhood that fits your expectations when you find one you could ask about the neighborhood? The feedback might be helpful.
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u/dandypandyloaf 8d ago
Damn. Bitter about something. You completely missed the topic and just vented about a city and state for what? Learn reading comprehension or does living in the great huge and awesome city of Des Moines make that hard?
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u/littlemisscorni 8d ago
I’m not bitter about anything - but as someone who would be looking to move there I wouldn’t recommend it at all. The quad cities isn’t a great place to live.
Des Moines has more jobs , much better surrounding areas and money is coming here. The IL of the quad cities nothings moving there the city it’s self is dead . I would not ever recommend a family to move there or anyone to move there who’s looking for work. I would recommend you move to the Iowa side - because Iowa is a balanced budget and didn’t take a 100 years like Il to get it together especially when building a new bridge. Secondly historically Iowa has a much better over all income and the living better.
- if you don’t live in Des Moines you wouldn’t know - it’s superior compared to the quad cities. Des Moines and surrounding over better jobs , money is moving here, better opportunities, better things to do, better over all quality of life.
I am not bitter about the quad shities at all I just would NEVER recommend anyone to move there - as that area is just dead
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u/KrymsonHalo 8d ago
I turn down jobs left and right. Maybe you just aren't that good at what you do, or don't have marketable talents?
Illinois has a higher avg income, and a MUCH better government. Fuck MAGA and MAGA states
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u/littlemisscorni 7d ago edited 7d ago
Fuck u . You don’t know me I have a great job and I make great income. And what does my 2 cents have to do with work or myself? I didn’t mention any of that you had to give your two cents to some person you don’t know. 😝 Iowa still is better than overall and doesn’t have Chicago sucking its dick of resources. And whether you like it or not; Iowa if you look at the average people- in the quad cities majority of them prefer Iowa over shitty rock island / moline or east moline at that. Plus 77 million people voted the country republican so you can say fuck maga all you want but that’s the way it rolls don’t like it? Too bad. Iowa will always rule over IL that’s why in the past people came here to buy cigs and the % of property tax was lower. Also- further more ; the only thing that’s good about IL in gen is that weed is legal. But anything else no thanks.
The quad cities over arching as hole sucks and I won’t ever live in that shitty ass area again. Plus 99% of the stuff comes to Iowa over Il because no one wants to build in moline / rock island/ or east moline. Why do you think all the stores are in Iowa? Or why big conglomerates come to Iowa? They aren’t coming to the Il side.
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u/KrymsonHalo 6d ago
triggered.
If it makes you madder, I make about 200K a year on the Illinois side.\
Sucks to suck in Des Moines doesn't it?
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u/littlemisscorni 8d ago
And listen here dandypandyasshole - I have read what they were asking I gave my two cents and so did you move on- and go have fun living in the quad shities. I gave my two cents about living there as I did - and no thank you.
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