2023 Best Places to Live in the Rockford Area

• Suburb of Rockford, IL

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  33 reviews

Current Resident: One of the most amazing aspects of this town is its environment. There is always a positive atmosphere and a sense of security no matter where you are. The town also offers a variety of locally owned businesses all within a reasonable distance. Overall it is a friendly, diverse, and safe environment for everyone!... Read 33 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 8,051

• Town in Illinois

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  Rating 4.18 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: I live in Byron and have never had any issues with where I live. I would like to see more options for food/restaurants in the area other than bars. There are many things to do while the weather is nice, but once it gets cold, there are not as many things to do for the whole family. It is a very family oriented town that everyone, young or old, can do something. The crime is very low, if any at all. The schools are amazing and one of the best in the states. I am very pleased so far with my kids's experiences within the school district.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 3,740

• Suburb of Rockford, IL

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  Rating 3.46 out of 5  39 reviews

Current Resident: Roscoe, IL has been a wonderful place to grow up. Being a very safe little village of approximately 10,000, I was always able to play in my yard, on the sidewalk, and even in the street without a worry. I have never felt the need to ensure all of my doors and windows are locked simply because it is such a safe community. Furthermore, the residents of Roscoe, IL are some of the kindest, most compassionate people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. If you ever need assistance with anything at all, you are often times able to simply ask your neighbor for help and they are more than willing to help however they can. My only somewhat negative experience with Roscoe is the need for more family oriented activities and businesses.... Read 39 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 11,092

• Suburb of Rockford, IL

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  Rating 4.1 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: Poplar Grove is a small town, just outside of Rockford. Although we live in Poplar Grove, we attend Belvidere school district. BNHS was a great school and helped prepare me for my next chapter - college!... Read 21 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 4,514

• Town in Illinois

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: I appreciate receiving the opportunity to grow up in a small town. Everyone knows you and you know everyone, however small towns refuse to change their ways. That is why I would love to see new families join the community bringing in their own ideas from their towns. Given the opportunity, I would be joyful to learn the ways of others at college and be able to come back to my hometown and introduce new ideas and beliefs to others. I know my small town is capable of big things, but it all starts with creating a more diverse community. The best way to introduce new ideas is by bringing diverse backgrounds so children can grow up learning the ways of other diversities. That will help them as they grow up, to be accepting of all people regardless of their: race, religion, or background. Overall, Stillman Valley is your typical small town in the Midwest, people are always there to support you and the community is a big family and I wouldn't trade my experience here for anything.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Population 1,277

• Suburb of Rockford, IL

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  Rating 3 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: I’ve owned a home there for 14yrs and it’s beautiful. Especially comfortable for families and retirees. Where else can you waterski, golf, and relax in a safe place behind the gates. Yes it has some challenges like every other community that’s over 5000 residents, but those objections exist in any community of this size. It has its beautiful homes, and some that need updating, it has good leaders, as well as some curmudgeons. The positives completely outweigh the the challenges though. Some of the best memories of my life are from my time there. Also low taxes! Pros: Lake living, private golf course, safe, great neighbors, low taxes especiallu compared to anywhere else in norther IL with Lake access. Cons: Security should only be at the gate, we don’t need em driving around, it’s overkill.... Read 21 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 5,154

• Suburb of Rockford, IL

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 1,323

• Town in Illinois

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  Rating 3.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in Davis Junction since I was 3 years old; seems like it has always been home. Small town, big heart. I do wish there were a few more conveniences, but keeping the small town feel; it is nice there are only a few. We have all we need and not much else. Neighboring towns provide a little more convenience, but you will travel through the corn to get there. Love the country life.... Read 6 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Population 2,684

• Suburb of Rockford, IL

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  Rating 3.28 out of 5  71 reviews

Current Resident: Loves Park is a beautiful town composed of hard working individuals and run by level headed authorities. This suburban area is cleanly and safe; there is truly not a better place to raise your children. There are plenty of job opportunities throughout the town to help strengthen work ethic upon many. The only con, I say, is the amount of homeless individuals. This does not affect my experience but surely affects others!... Read 71 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 23,223

• Town in Illinois

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  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 1,594

• Town in Illinois

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived here my whole life. It's a small town, but the people are friendly, and in typical small town fashion, you end up knowing a lot of people and running into each other all the time. Population was last counted at 1,200 (my family makes up 1% of that). I like how it's slow paced here and that everywhere you look is a farmer's field, and in the summer you can get fresh corn and produce, Summers here are great! I would change one thing though, people speed down the street I live on right now, and it's very dangerous, it's posted as 55, and you can easily tell they are going over. Small children and pets are out here, and having cars flying down the street like that just isn't safe.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 1,312

• Suburb of Rockford, IL

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  Rating 4 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: I love Cherry Valley! I always feel safe. I live comfortably and I am just ten minutes from grocery stores, fast food, and the mall.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B

• grade C

• Population 2,726

• Suburb of Rockford, IL

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  Rating 3.22 out of 5  18 reviews

Current Resident: Great Place to live. The school district is small, but not too small. The city has a great Main Street area. The local park is wonderful and an awesome place to fish.... Read 18 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 7,943

• Town in Illinois

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  Rating 3.51 out of 5  35 reviews

Current Resident: If you are looking for a quiet, country town than this is town is for you! There are several state parks within an hour drive, and some great mom and pop BBQ restaurants around too. There isn't much to do for nightlife in Rochelle, but it is within 2 hours of Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee.... Read 35 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 9,380

• Suburb of Rockford, IL

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  7 reviews

Niche User: Growing up in Winnebago has taught me how to value the small town vibe. I believe that growing up in a small town has provided me comfort and safety. The area is cornfields surrounding this small town but it is not far away from other heavily populated areas. Rockford is near Winnebago where there are plenty of things to do such as shopping, dining, and going on new adventures such as Rock Cut State Park. People are very nice in Winnebago and will say hello driving by. I would definitely choose to live here again and do it all over and I could see myself coming back to the area to raise my children in the future. Very safe area and great school district. I see this small town expanding but remaining a great town.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Population 3,323

• Suburb of Rockford, IL

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  Rating 3.24 out of 5  90 reviews

Current Resident: Belvidere is a small town, but it has a good population and high economic ability; the biggest job supplier belongs to Chrysler they produce and manufacture cars at their facility. This is where a lot of locals are employed. The town is divided into two sides the north and the south side. Both of which have a small highway running though them for a fast and easy commute to neighboring cities/towns. Belvidere also harbors to entrances to get on to both I-90 and I-39 for travel to farther cities or other states.... Read 90 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 25,179

• City in Illinois

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  Rating 3.09 out of 5  428 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Rockford about 3 years ago. It has been a good experience. There are lots of events during the summer. My neighborhood is very quiet and there are plenty of opportunities for community engagement and participation. The community is very welcoming and there is a wide variety of activities that are low or no cost. There are also many social service agencies in the area. If help is needed there are so many programs that are readily available to assist both individuals and families. The library system in Rockford is very technology forward and offer a wide variety of print and electronic resources. I have not experienced many negative aspects of the town. I have noticed that Police and Emergency services are slow to respond. That is not necessarily a blemish on the town's reputation, but if you do experience an emergency, you may find the wait time for help is a little unsettling. Ultimately, I have found this town to be a great place to call home for both me and my family.... Read 428 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 148,942

• Suburb of Rockford, IL

• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  100 reviews

Current Resident: My experience with Machesney Park has been wonderful. The school district is great and offers many opportunities to students. There are also many opportunities for jobs in different areas. There are a lot of events that are offered to the community throughout the year. The area is growing with more shopping stores being added. We also have more fast foods and chain restaurant opening in the area. There are of course a few more stores or food places that can be added like a Trader Joes. As for entertainment, we have a great Forest preserve that many residence get use out of. We have a place to watch movies, bowl, and parks to explore. There is a great sense of community here with locals selling food and plants.... Read 100 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Population 22,870

• Suburb of Rockford, IL

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Its a small close net community... Very friendly... Not many shopping places but has many small business' and family restaurants... Lots of gaming choices... Has older and younger ages lots of family's... Reasonable housing market.... several parks and off road trails... Snowmobile trails, Four/three wheeler tails.... summer activities for all ages. Close to grocery stores. Very rural... Read 3 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 1,242

• Town in Illinois

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  Rating 3.38 out of 5  8 reviews

Niche User: This small town of Byron has almost no crime. There is the occasional speeding ticket and marijuana find but never anything dangerous to the area. It's a very quiet and safe town in which everyone feels very comfortable and safe. Anyone can walk around freely without fear because the police force is large for such a small town and they are very quick to act if the need comes. I have lived hear my whole life and feel safe enough to be able to walk around any part of the town freely as I wish on my own. Yes it is that safe that I can walk by myself anywhere!... Read 8 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 6,428

• Town in Illinois

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Population 1,902

• Suburb of Rockford, IL

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: Roscoe is a small town just outside of Rockford Illinois. Everyone is very local and small businesses are supported.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Population 20,061

• Suburb of Rockford, IL

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: Rockton is a very good place to live! I moved to Rockton about five years ago from a town that I really did not enjoy. The main pulls of Rockton for my family were the incredibly good schools and the very low crime rates. The high school, Hononegah, is, in fact, very good for academics (but lacking in other areas such as the focus on mental health among students). Overall, it is a great town!... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 16,101

• Suburb of Rockford, IL

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  6 reviews

Former Resident: I have lived in this town since I was 4 years old. This town is a very small and quiet town to live in if you aren't a big city person. This town is far enough out to get that peaceful feel and close enough to the next town over to get anything you need and want.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Population 7,330

• Town in Illinois

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Niche User: I love my home town Winnebago Illionis there is a population of 3,000 people. I know for a fact that it is a very good place to live compared to other places, because I live about 20 minutes away from Rockford a big city with lots of people and high crime rate. the atmosphere of Winnebago is very small town Friday night football games, coming together to support our community together, and we even have a tractor day. I would definitely make a choice to live here again if I could do it all over again I have had a great experience all around here! Compared to the rest of the country I feel we are pretty well off. All though I do worry of Rockfords crime spilling into our territory at some point. Right now I am beyond satisfied with where I live, if I could change one thing it would be less corn fields and more mountains, forests, and oceans!... Read 3 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 748