Bettendorf, Iowa is located on the eastern border of Iowa where the Mississippi River meets Interstate 80. Originally named Lillienthal in 1840, the city changed its name to Bettendorf in 1903 when the townspeople were so impressed by a recently attracted business called the Bettendorf Company, an iron wagon (railroad) manufacturer run by the Bettendorf brothers. Overall, Bettendorf is about youth and family. Growing nicely since 1950 with 5,000 residents, it reached 31,275 in population in a recent census. Bettendorf has a high proportion of residents with college degrees (38.8%) which is 50% higher than the national average. CNNMoney.com recently rated Bettendorf as the #10 Best City in the nation for affordable homes, and Family Circle Magazine selected Bettendorf as one of the "10 Best Towns for Families" in the United States in August of 2010. Bettendorf was selected based on affordability of homes, green spaces, schools and giving spirit.
