Moving to the Rockford Area (Chicago, Belvidere: relocate, real estate, property taxes)

[MikeJames]

We are moving to the Rockford area. We don't need to live IN Rockford but don't know much about the area.

We are looking for an area with good school. We have a 10 year old daughter that has some special needs. She has ADHD and is a little behind and therefore requires some special ed classes.

We are also looking for a low crime area that is somewhat close to some shopping places. (mainly for the wife to go blow my checks at wal-mart or something like that) j/k

The area must also be affordable. Meaning we can find a decent 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with a decent yard, 2 car garage and a basement for under $150,000 and REASONABLE property taxes.

I am also wondering the price of registering a car and the rate of income taxes.

We are moving VERY soon so any and all help is appreciated. You can contact me via here, in a PM or even email me at amc_rebel_sst@yahoo.com

Thanks alot for all your help!

Mike

[Drover]

Registering a car is $78 yearly for a "basic" plate. Specialty plates cost more. Illinois income tax is a flat-rate of 3%. Sales taxes vary from place to place. The state sales tax is, I believe, 6.75% though municapalities are allowed to add their own so total sales tax is typically in the 7% range.

Areas to look are Rockton, Roscoe, Loves Park, Machesney Park, and Belvidere. Maybe Cherry Valley too, but that's a bit of a pricey area. Unfortunately I don't have much info on schools in these communities. Schoolmatters.com is a good place to get specific info.

[LadyLuck]

Mike,
I grew up in the Belvidere-Rockford area. First, might I say Belvidere is a great choice. The Belvidere School District is WONDERFUL. Allthough, they have been struggeling recently with the growth of so many new subdivisions. Struggeling in the sense that the teachers and staff are so devoted to the children, they truly hate to see the qualiety of education slip. Well enough of that..The taxes are a concern for the community at the moment as they have gone up. They are still considered very reasonable by surrounding areas. Eating at a local restraunt will prove this to be true, as you are sure to hear somone complaining of the real estate taxes. Or "Can you believe they built another new school?" The area is bound to continue climbing in real estate, as so many from the suburbs of Chicago are moving there. It will be interesting to watch the dynamics of that community change. It is definitely a throw back in time in some ways, with the small town, farming community feel. That is changing drastically however.

Now for Rockford-Stay away from the West side of Rockford period. This includeds "downtown". East side is desirable, with growth on a daily basis. South side is spotty, as some spots are older "well established" areas, and other either run down, or on the way to becoming slummy. The North side is also desirable as long as you are northeast. A general rule of thumb in Rockford is to stay away from the hospitals with the exception of St. Anthony. The bonus to Rockford, is definitely the prices. Homes are considerably cheaper than Belvidere. You can definitley find a better deal in Rockford, let's put it that way. Depending on where you live in Rockford the taxes are considered "not bad". These areas are usually on the outskirts of Rockford. Which is nice, because there is so much growth in these areas. I'm pretty sure I'm right about that. You may wish to check it out by comparing rates in different areas.. (good idea by the way). On the downside, the schools in Rockford continue to decline. The city itself is not so hot either. Downtown is a dump, and many only go downtown when going to a theatre show, or to the Metro Centre, musuem etc. Money is often mispent in the city (but really what larger city isn't money mispent?) The East side has grown tremendously and more and more variety is being offered. Cherry Valley is a good place as well. I would be glad to answer any other questions you have to the best of my knowledge. As always this is only one person's opinion. Best of luck to you. I'm trying to decide where to relocate myself, and it's not easy by no means! I must be getting older and wiser, because I'm putting much more thought into than ever before! Best of luck to you.

LL

[cavewoman]

as long as you don't mind poor government and roads.....

[julianna]

Hi
Can anyone give me sime advice on Rockford!! Im currently living in Scotland Uk. Im a Nurse and thinking of moving. Whats it like for a single person? Will it be easy to meet people.
help

[Drover]

Uh, I don't think Rockford is exactly the best place for a singles scene. The best singles scene in the immediate area, depending on age, would be either Madison or Chicago.

[JD.]

I grew up in Machesney Park/Roscoe area, about 15 miles north of Rockford, and I can truly say with exception of the East side of the city, Rockford is truly a decaying city. It is sad to say but the north, west, and south sides of town are overrun with gangs, crime, and delapitated housing. The east side of the city is nice, the Perryville Road corridor, but beginning to get pricy. Living in Machesney Park/Roscoe I must say that this area is MUCH nicer. Safe, clean, and growing. Machesney Park is experiencing incredible growth on Route 173 and Alpine Rd. Within the last few years we have seen a Chili's, Target, Home Depot, Pet Smart, Office Depot, etc. pop up on that corridor along with several fast food restaurants. You'd be much happier/safer there and the Harlem School Dist. is MUCH better. People in the Parks (Loves and Machesney) as well as Roscoe/Rockton tend to avoid Rockford at all costs. You'll be much happier in the towns north of the city.

[julianna]

Thanks for the advice. So basically I should find another area to move to?

[Drover]

Yep. Try Madison. Same area but a MUCH nicer, cleaner, safer city with a university of 40,000 students so a good singles scene if you're in your early 20s. Also in the same area is Chicago. Obviously it's a BIG city and it's more expensive than other cities around here But it's a true international city with tons of things to do and also a vibrant singles scene, especially if early 20s is too young for you.

[cavewoman]

u need to state what is important to you for anyone to answer in a proper manner.
what is important to you?