Real stories, real people

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 the coffee houses that the area has to offer.”

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.”

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. 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. 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 conversations 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, dance and share her talents as a member of the praise team and choir director at her church.

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. 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.”

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 and his wife Guyla, both transplants, met in the QC. They chose to stay and raise their children 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 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.

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. My oldest daughter Kayla has developed a love of golf and tennis since being back in the QC and she’s also joined a swim team. Kaci 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.”

QC, That's Where former residents are coming back to our community because we offer an openness that makes people feel welcome, valued and respected; a pleasing balance of urban and natural; and a choice of things to do where people can gather with neighbors and feel like they belong. Read the full stories about QC Boomerangs and why they're moving back.