- Public SchoolsB-
- Crime & SafetyC-
- HousingC+
- NightlifeA-
- Good for FamiliesB
- DiversityA
- JobsC
- WeatherC+
- Cost of LivingB+
- Health & FitnessB
- Outdoor ActivitiesA
- CommuteA
Real Estate
Median Home Value
$94,200
National
$178,600Median Rent
$728
National
$928Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety
C-
Based on violent and property crime rates.
Residents
Diversity
A
Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
Median Household Income
$38,716
National
$53,889Children
22%
- Public Schools
- Private Schools
- Colleges
Rockford Reviews
237 reviews
All Categories
Rockford has been my home, for 17 years. This place definitely defines who I am, but not in the negative light that others see about Rockford. People view Rockford as a place of crime, and a city full of danger. Even with these terrible things, Rockford will always be seen as my home. This is where I have meet my best friends, grown up, and made plenty of memories. There are things in Rockford that I would absolutely love to change to make it safer, but for now it's my favorite place to be!
Rockford is in the process of reshaping itself. The mainstay of Rockford was manufacturing (ever heard of the Sock Monkey??? Originated in Rockford!) and when businesses closed or moved, the situation darkened. A movement is in place now called Transform Rockford, which is a group trying to bring the community back together to work for the rebuilding of a once great city.
Rockford has a beautiful park district with so many great parks where a family can enjoy a sunny day. The Rock River flows through Rockford giving all kinds of boating opportunities -- motor, canoe, kayak, rowing, etc.
Rockford is just an hour from Chicago, so a trip to the big city is easy and affordable. But a real effort is underway to redevelop downtown Rockford.
Rockford has a beautiful park district with so many great parks where a family can enjoy a sunny day. The Rock River flows through Rockford giving all kinds of boating opportunities -- motor, canoe, kayak, rowing, etc.
Rockford is just an hour from Chicago, so a trip to the big city is easy and affordable. But a real effort is underway to redevelop downtown Rockford.
Rockford, IL is trying to improve itself. Riddled with poverty and the issues that come with it, Rockford leaves many citizens feeling unsafe in their own backyards. Safety is a very large public concern. Health issues are also rampant in Rockford, with many of it's residents falling on the obese side of weight. The public schools, in part due to the widespread poverty and a huge lack of funding, leave a lot to be desired. As a tutor in the Rockford area, I can see that the children that are in poverty stricken neighborhoods are being let down. With that said, there is a very diverse population in Rockford, and the cost of living is next to nothing. Rockford is struggling to rise up from the metaphorical ashes of disaster in the town. Unfortunately, most of the changes seem to be superficial. I love Rockford and will always think of it as one of my homes, and hopefully the changes we are attempting to make work, but until then I cannot give it anything more than 3 stars.