Relocating to Rockford (Chicago, Crystal Lake, Belvidere: sales, home, school district)

[Shocker_alum]

My husband and I are considering a move to Rockford from Kansas ... Any advice on where to live ..

We have done a lot of research and considering the Latham Park area or moving clear out to Crystal Lake

Feedback from the blogs have not been very positive and we are a bit worried about the possible move from KS ...

Are there any catholic communities in the area?

Any feedback would be appreciated ...


Thanks

[Drover]

Without knowing what you're looking for in a community other than Catholic institutions, I would say consider Beloit. It's nicer, safer, cleaner, and generally more scenic than Rockford (but don't get me wrong, it's still a fairly modest place) and IMO the people are generally a bit nicer and less mopey. Except for the western portion (i.e. the Scandinavian portion), Wisconsin is a fairly Catholic state, and Beloit is Catholic enough to have 3 parishes in a town of 35,000. Rockford itself apparently has a large enough Catholic population to have its own diocese. Beloit is part of the Madison diocese.

[Jmmiller]

Roscoe, Rockton area are nice

[djbridgeland]

Group of thugs targeting the homeless - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

[cubssoxfan]

From what I hear, Choose a home in Cherry Valley School District. Any posters know if Belvidere is a good alternative? Also look into Marengo area instead of Crystal Lake-closer commute. I do give a thumbs up to Crystal Lake. As far as WI. goes, it depends on overall cost of living. Are sales & property taxes less in WI? Are schools better?

[Jeff Hill]

I live in Boone County within the Belvidere School District and I love it. Take a look at Northwestern area of Belvidere. You can draw a circle a couple square miles around the intersection of Spring Creek and Olsen and you'll be just fine.....very nice.

[ccjarider]

WI person transplanted to IL.

Most of WI has very good schools. You may find very good housing stock at good prices in Rock county now that GM is closing Janesville truck factory.

Property taxes in WI are about the same and sales tax is 1-2% lower than IL. Income taxes will take about 2% more gross than IL.

All in all however, I think with lower gas prices, lower utlity prices and lower income tax, I thnik WI is a cheaper alternative than IL and also a very nice place to live.

I could be wrong however because I transplanted to Chicago area which is different I am sure than Rockford.
Good luck.

[Shocker_alum]

Thanks so much for the info ... Sounds like we'll be staying on the Il side. Was hoping to find more positive info on Rockford...but it seems our concerns were realistic.. Does anyone idea on the commute time between CL and Rockford?

[Havasu]

Back when I lived there the commute time was 1.5 hours to Chicago but depending what part of Chicago you are going to will depend on the time.
Dont forget Tolls they add up.

[Prairiefox]

Shocker,
Don't let some of the posts scare you off of Rockford. Like any city, there are bad parts and good parts. Boylan High is the Catholic High School in the area and is very good. There are many Catholics in the area. Holy Family on Alpine is probably one of the largest congregations in the area. There is even a Catholic hospital, if that is important to you.
Unlike what many will say on this site, I will tell you that Rockford has many good points. Its size makes it easy to get around, the people are friendly, Rock Cut State Park is nearby, there are many forest preserves, golf courses and a water park. There are lovely areas to live in. If you would rather live in small towns, look at Byron, Stillman Valley, Durand, Winnebago, Pecatonica, Sherland, Rockton or Roscoe. Belvidere is larger and very close to Rockford. Crystal Lake is not close by.