move to rockford (Chicago, Freeport, Loves Park: low income, real estate, buying a house)

[julianna]

can Anyone give some info on moving to Rockford?
Im currently living in Scotland UK, and have been offered a job. Whats it like to live as a single person? is it safe, friendly, welcoming? Please help!!

[tasham76]

Hello,

First of all I grew up in Rockford and am now going back to raise my 2 kids there with my husband. Everybody else here is saying to stay away from the west side of town but that is where I was raised and I plan on raising my kids there because the East side is all money, and always had so yes, people from the west side hate that they look down on us West siders. The west side is majority low income, however the only wasy to make it better is to stop the fights and just be friends. I also lived in Loves Park a suburb and i found it very uppity. Pretty houses don't make a community, friendship does. If you don't put your nose where it doesn't belong the neighbors will just get along.
I love Rockford and I think it is welcoming compared to Chicago where I now live. Chicago is very segregated racially, Rockford is not.
As far as being single, I would just suggest that maybe Rockford is not the night life place to be.

[Doug Bergren]

Hi Julianna-I used to live in Rockford, both single and married. I would recommend Rockford to anyone who is single and likes to have a good time. I wouldn't recommend that you buy real estate in that town, especially new. Most of the houses are so cheaply made, that you'll have to put major money in upkeep after a few years. Vinyl and chipboard don't make great building materials, but because they're so cheap, builders use it to make more profit. Coming from the UK, the buildings are built so they last hundreds of years. Americans have a tendency to waste. If you're older too, you may want to live in a neighboring small town and commute to work. What company are you going to work with? Good luck in your move, if you haven't already. Doug

Originally Posted by julianna

can Anyone give some info on moving to Rockford?
Im currently living in Scotland UK, and have been offered a job. Whats it like to live as a single person? is it safe, friendly, welcoming? Please help!!

[julianna]

Hi,
Thanks, I think thats the most positive feedback Ive had so far!! Im pretty easy going and love to meet new people, but its alittle daunting not knowing anything about a city!! Im going to work at St Antonys, and have only good feedback about it. I am slightly older 33!! and not that Im looking for a wild party scene, but able to meet people and not be lonley!!

[Doug Bergren]

Hi Julianna-Nobody wants to be lonely, especially in a new town. If you're going to be working at St. Anthony's, good for you! If you want to meet people, then by all means, live in Rockford. You'll meet dozens! I wouldn't recommend buying real estate in town though. Especially new. If you do end up buying, please consider buying a house built before WWII, brick preferably. There are wonderful neighborhoods in the middle of town, just off East State. Gas is about $3.30/gal. at this time. I can imagine what it is in the UK. Good luck in your quest. Doug Bergren

[Joe83]

Hello Julliana. I am also moving to Rockford near July with a new company. I am also intersted in seeing how the community is as well as other popular interests. Also being 34, I am curious about points of interest in Rockford.

[cavewoman]

Not sure where everyone is coming from, but "friendly" Rockford is not. St Anothonys is a good hospital, you should meet a lot of people there.
I have been here 7 years and alot fo the people are NOT friendly at all. That is why it is such a "PIT". It will never grow or expand cos all people do is comlain and talk about one another. Its so sad...

[julianna]

Thanks Joe
Quess u no how Im feeling!! Im really looking forward to the move, despite some negative posts. I was brought up in a tiny highland village in Scotland which has both good points and bad!! I am gonna embrace this adventure with good heart and open mind, cant be that bad right???

[M TYPE X]

Wow, another Brit interested in Illinois. People, do your civic duty and steer them to places that don't reek.

I suggest Paxton ...

[artemis]

Julianna, I lived in Freeport which is about 30 miles or so to the West of Rockford. But we spent a lot of time over there shopping, dining, etc. The people are friendly, we had no problem there.

Plus, St Anthony's has an excellent reputation. I'm sure you'll like it there !