Forest Hill - Moline, IL

European settlers first arrived in the Quad Cities area in the early 1800s and Moline was incorporated in 1848. Inventor John Deer brought his steel plow company to town the same year. The country's first transcontinental railroad arrived in 1854, bringing with it an immigrant labor force that settled in the area.

For cultural activities, residents of Forest Hill head across the river to the Figge Art Museum to view their permanent collection of fine art and traveling exhibitions. For a night of improv, stand-up and sketch comedy, The Blacklist showcases the talents of the funniest comedians in town.

Quad Cities hosts numerous festivals throughout the year for residents to enjoy. Quad Cities Museum Week, held in June, provides the opportunity for locals to visit the area’s many museums. Families love watching the Red White and Boom fireworks display as it bursts over the Mississippi on Independence Day.

For the highest concentration of good dining and nightlife spots, residents of Forest Hill don’t have to travel far to Moline’s downtown area.

Folks throughout the Quad Cities love the mix of Asian food served by Lemon Grass Café. If a big bowl of Vietnamese pho soup and appetizers of edamame and shu mai don't satisfy your appetite, the Korean-inspired Kimchi fried rice and Thai classics of pad Thai and pad keemao can do the job.

Barley & Rye Bistro presents a farm-to-table experience highlighting the best locally grown food available. Visitors can feast on appetizers of fried pickles or a brussel sprout salad before feasting on a grass-fed sirloin steak. For a classic American chop house experience, Bass Street Chop House delivers the best cuts of meat in town. The prime brisket plate features a double cooked brisket glazed in peach poblano sauce and the grilled prime rib sandwich, sautéed with mushrooms and onions, comes with a tasty side of pomme fries.

Pub 1848 attract locals who come enjoy an impressive beer selection served by a friendly staff. Folks in the Forest Hill often wonder what happens at the Wunder Y. With a rear entrance, no signage, and few windows, this bar hides its true identity as a great watering hole. Wunder Y has been in business since 1935, and the prominently featured antique shuffleboard table looks like it's been there since that era.

To hear live music, folks in the know head to Rascals to catch rock or blues played by some of the best musicians in the area. The area features a rich and vibrant nightlife scene.

Most residents travel around the Forest Hill by car with quick access to Route 6 for trips downtown and across the river to Davenport. Metro, the Rock Island County mass transit system, provides bus routes throughout Moline and the rest of the county. Biking and walking provide safe and enjoyable options for getting around Forest Hill. While designated bike lanes remain scarce, several paved bike trails await throughout the area for residents to use.

Options for cab service in Forest Hill can be found, although calling for service provides the better results than trying to hail one. Uber ride sharing has not yet arrived in the area. US Route 6 can be used to make connections to I-80 and I-74. I-80 ranges west to Des Moines and east to Chicago, and I-74 provides travel east to Bloomington, IL.

Residents of Forest Hill have several options for free public parks. While none of these parks sit directly inside the Forest Park neighborhood, these parks are just a stones throw away.

For exercise options, folks take advantage of the 60 miles of asphalt and crush stone path on the Great River Trail which travels along the banks of the Mississippi from Rock Island, through Moline, and up to Savanna. The trail can be used for short or long workouts of biking, roller blading, jogging or cross country skiing.

Moline has over 900 acres of free public park space which residents can use for recreational activities. Small neighborhood parks can be found scattered across Moline, hosting many local activities but no big annual events. Optimist Park and Kiwanis Park are great places to take the kids for a few hours of fresh air and playtime. The Green Valley Nature Preserve provides the opportunity to hike, bike and jog with fishing and boating options available as well.

Crow Creek Park in nearby Bettendorf provides dog owners the opportunity to exercise their dogs in a fenced enclosure. The dog area features sections for both large and small dogs.

The cost of living in Forest Hill falls in line with the rest of the city of Moline, well below the national average. Fares on the Metro cost $1 for adults and $0.50 for children aged 5 through 15. Reduced fares are available for seniors and people with disabilities. Children under 5 ride for free.

A one-bedroom apartment in Forest Hill rents for an average of $500 per month. Fuel prices in Moline fall about 5 percent below the national average. A beer at a local bar costs about $3 for a bottle of domestic and around $4 for an import.

SouthPark Mall, to the south of Forest Hill, is the nearest shopping center. The mall features Dick’s Sporting Goods and Bath & Bodyworks. Shops for women’s clothing and accessories include Christopher & Banks and Claire’s.

For locally owned businesses, residents of Forest Hill have a wealth of options as well. For a more upscale retail experience, Charm Boutique has a large selection of quality fabrics and styles in clothing and accessories from a dozen different designers. While Charm does exude a high-end appeal, their sales rack provides something for any budget.

Locals visit Isabel Bloom to buy handcrafted sculptures for their home, garden or gifts for any occasion. To satisfy that sweet tooth, Lagomarcino's has been selling fine chocolates in Moline since 1908. This family-run business provides a rare opportunity to enjoy ice cream, malts and sundaes in an old-school soda fountain setting.

For groceries in Moline, there exist several Hy-Vee stores located throughout the Quad Cities, but for meat, cheese and produce, the independently owned Jerry’s Market provides good daily deals on all of the above. The Freight House Farmer’s Market provides a large selection of vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, jellies, jams, flowers and handcrafted items for the home or garden. The markets runs year round in the Freight House Building every Tuesday and Saturday just across the river in Davenport.