|
The City of Rockford straddles Rock River on both banks near the northern border of Illinois. It has recently become the third largest city in the state. Known as "The Forest City", Rockford real estate is set along tree-lined streets amongst friendly residents.
Rockford's Past
Originally named Midway, Rockford real estate began as two separate settlements on either side of the Rock River, Kentville and Haightville. In 1837, Midway was changed to Rock Ford.
Rockford College started out as Rockford Female Seminary in 1847, becoming co-ed in 1958 and has become one of the top liberal arts institutions in the United States. In 1852, the Galena & Chicago Railroad came to newly chartered Rockford, prompting huge economic growth to the area. Shortly after that, the Water Power District harnessed the Rock River's power by constructing a dam, spurring indsutrialization.
By the early 1900s, Rockford became an industrial hub and manufacturer of furniture, machine tools and more. This brought large manufacturers to the area, including Ingersoll, Barber-Coleman and Greenlee Brothers. The military utilized Rockford real estate to train soldiers for WWI at Camp Grant.
After WWII, Rockford's industrial businesses took a huge hit, like so many other industrial cities across the country. By the 1960s, most of the industries that formed the core of Rockford's economy were almost extinct. The industries that remained in business were only a fraction of their former glory. Today, however, Rockford's economy has turned around to include more professional businesses, becoming a commercial hub in the area with a wonderful entertainment and cultural identity.
Rockford's Economy
Long known for its auto parts and machine tool production, Rockford real estate is quickly becoming a huge part of the aerospace industry, manufacturing components for major companies. Rockford's economy has also expanded outside the manufacturing field and now includes call centers and distribution centers.
Education in Rockford
Residents of Rockford real estate pride themselves on their emphasis on education. Their Head Start and child care programs offer educational opportunities for all income levels. Junior Achievement, La Voz Latina, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the Booker Washington Community Center and the Harlem Community Center are just a few of the educational support programs available to children in the Rockford area.
The Boone/Winnebago ROE and Rockford School District oversee public education for students living in Rockford. There are 37 elementary, 13 middle and 10 high schools in the Rockford public school system. For an alternative to public education, parents have 31 private schools available to their children.
Several institutions of higher learning call Rockford real estate their home. Northern Illinois Univerity, University of Illinois and University of Illinois' College of Medicine all have campuses located in Rockford. Additionally, Rock Valley College, Rockford Business College, Rockford College, St Anthony College of Nursing and Judson College all operate within Rockford's city limits.
Attractions in Rockford
The diverse culture that thrives amongst Rockford real estate has cultivated numerous attractions for anyone that finds themselves here. Art lovers will enjoy the many museums and galleries in the city. Theater comes alive in the performing arts centers. The city hosts music in the park in warm weather. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy baseball, hockey, ice skating, car races, bicycling, soccer, waterskiing, BMX racing, rugby, volleyball, golf, football, basketball, tennis and so much more at any of the sports facilities, parks, golf courses and raceways in the Rockford area.
In addition to Rockford being known as "The Forest City", it is quickly becoming "The Garden City", thanks to its prevalence of gorgeous Japanese, Botanic and American gardens and arboretums.
Families can enjoy entertainment at the Discovery Center Museum, Rockford AirFest, On the Waterfront music festival, Magic Waters and Volcano Falls Adventure Park theme parks. Rockford also plays host to a number of festivals throughout the year that are open to all ages, including the 4th of July Fireworks, Greenwich Village Art Fair, St. Patrick's Day Parade and Party, ArtScene and Fiesta Hispana.
Whatever you are looking for, you will find it here in Rockford! |
Rockford Demographics:
Population - 155,138
Median Household Income - $35,356
Median Home Value - $93,600
Search Homes in Rockford
Search WI MLS
Search IL MLS
|