Need Some Straight Info (Chicago, Dixon: job, homes, crime)

[mira1]

Hi my family and I are moving to Il. We are looking to move to the area around Sterling or Rock Falls as this is where my husbands job is. My problem is we dont know anything about the areas such as how good are the schools are they safe places to raise a family etc. I have heard one good thing about the area but then i have also heard some bad stuff dose anyone have any first hand knowlege of the towns ( good or bad ) that can help

[Steve-o]

Sterling and Rock Falls are not that great, the better of the two being Sterling, IMO. If you absolutely must live in that area, pick Oregon, IL. Its not nearly as bad as Dixon, Sterling or Rock Falls. I suppose Dixon is semi-decent, but dont expect any nightlife, fine dining, etc. Schools, Ive heard, are not that great either. In Oregon the scenery is better, there are at least a few choices (still not many) of some nicer restaurants, Lowden-Miller State Forest access, Castle Rock State Park and the Blackhawk statue on the bluffs on the east side of the Rock River. Homes seem to be in better shape in most of Oregon too, and youre still a decently short drive from Dixon/Sterling/Rock Falls. The only thing I liked about living near Dixon is that it was close to I-88 so I could get the heck outta there and back to Chicagoland on the weekends to go eat/shop/etc.

[mira1]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Sterling and Rock Falls are not that great, the better of the two being Sterling, IMO. If you absolutely must live in that area, pick Oregon, IL. Its not nearly as bad as Dixon, Sterling or Rock Falls. I suppose Dixon is semi-decent, but dont expect any nightlife, fine dining, etc. Schools, Ive heard, are not that great either. In Oregon the scenery is better, there are at least a few choices (still not many) of some nicer restaurants, Lowden-Miller State Forest access, Castle Rock State Park and the Blackhawk statue on the bluffs on the east side of the Rock River. Homes seem to be in better shape in most of Oregon too, and youre still a decently short drive from Dixon/Sterling/Rock Falls. The only thing I liked about living near Dixon is that it was close to I-88 so I could get the heck outta there and back to Chicagoland on the weekends to go eat/shop/etc.

Do you know why the two towns are not that great? other than no entertainment and stuff? Im asking cuse we are from California and what might be bad to you is great for us that kind of thing

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by mira1

Do you know why the two towns are not that great? other than no entertainment and stuff? Im asking cuse we are from California and what might be bad to you is great for us that kind of thing

Well, what are you looking for? Rock Falls and Sterling are very small, with crime levels that are quite high considering their small size. Storefronts are old and rundown, the "mall" in town is tiny and 1/2 the stores are closed down. The hotspot is the super WalMart or Menards. The homes are old, not very well kept up. There is practically no diversity in those towns either. The only diversity youll see is what group of people likes what Nascar driver. j/k Im trying to think of a city in CA that can compare, but I cant. Maybe Needles? In any case, Id give Sterling and Rock Falls a 3 out of 10 (10 being highly recommended). Dixon is slightly better, as its larger and has more stuff to do, but its still not very desirable. Id really need to know more about what youre looking for in the towns, then I can tell you if its a good fit or not.

[mira1]

what kind of crimes are they? B&E My dog will stop anyone from that at our home Drugs(not to good) Assalts That kind of thing. Not to big on shopping and anyway I guess My husband already found some huge outlet mall out there I kind of like older homes they have more character. And as long as there are Gordon Johnson & Jr. fans well be O.K. Haha. Basicly I want to know if my kids can play out side and I wont have to worry about a drive by. Can I talk to my Next door Neighbor or is it like here where you dont even know the people you live next to and really dont want to. Thanks for your help by the way

[Drover]

This topic was also covered pretty extensively in this thread.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by mira1

what kind of crimes are they? B&E My dog will stop anyone from that at our home Drugs(not to good) Assalts That kind of thing. Not to big on shopping and anyway I guess My husband already found some huge outlet mall out there I kind of like older homes they have more character. And as long as there are Gordon Johnson & Jr. fans well be O.K. Haha. Basicly I want to know if my kids can play out side and I wont have to worry about a drive by. Can I talk to my Next door Neighbor or is it like here where you dont even know the people you live next to and really dont want to. Thanks for your help by the way

Well, then it sounds like you might like the area. Drive-bys? Nothing to worry about. Seems like most of the problems in the area are related to drugs and DUI's, some domestic violence. Im sure there are some gang members in the area, but they wont make a noticeable difference. And if you like older homes, youll love the area. Everything from Victorians to cookie cutters. But like I said earlier, all the ones we looked at were in dire need of repair, but once fixed would be beautiful. Im not sure what outlet mall your husband is referring to, it must be new?