Rockford historic neighborhoods (Chicago, Machesney Park, Loves Park: crime, houses, school district)

[MovingBack243]

I may have to move to Rockford in the next several months. I know the westside of town is out of the question. I want to know if the historic neighborhood around main st and harlem/churchill are safe and well kept. I have a school age child that will most likely attend private school as I already heard many things about the inadequacy of the public schools. I really love old historic homes but I refuse to live in an neighbor that is questionable to crime or if the other homes are unkept. If anyone can give me some advice to cross streets of great historic neighborhoods I would greatly appreciate the feedback. Also, I have read some previous posts about Rockford, I am not interested in hearing all the negatives about the town, I am interested in finding a good quality neighborhood, thanks!

I think the neighborhoods are churchill's grove and edgewater...is one nicer than the other? How are these neighborhood's? On the way up or down? thanks!

[MovingBack243]

I think the neighborhoods are churchill's grove and edgewater...is one nicer than the other? How are these neighborhood's? On the way up or down? thanks!

[leewy23]

My husband grew up in Rockford in Loves Park/Machesney Park area. Very Nice schools in the Harlem District ( don't let the name fool you). We looked for houses specifically in this area , just for the school district. Rockton/Roscoe area is nice too. All of these are on the north end of Rockford area. The problem with the Rockford school district is that in their efforts to integrate all students, you may live in one neighborhood but your child will be transported across town 45 minutes away. Which makes it kind of difficult for kids to make friends in their neighborhood. In the past few years, control of the school district was taken away and given over to the State because it was doing too poorly financially and academically. I don't know much about the historic areas of Rockford, but if you are considering something public, the Harlem district is the way to go.

[Sally Faber]

I am very active in preserving historic neighborhoods and districts in Rockford. Additionally, I am a Realtor in the area that has a love of our older homes. Please do not let people dissuade you from pursuing homes in Rockford. The historic districts (Garfield, Brown Hills, Indian Terrace, Haight Village, etc.) are all lovely and have great homes. Additionally, there are other areas where their are great older homes that are not in a Historic District. For example, Edgewater, Churchill Grove, Highland area...all of them are very nice. In fact, I've lived at one time or another in several of these areas. I suggest that you tour all of the areas first and then you be the judge of what area you are most interested in because you have options! Be sure to check out the City of Rockford's website under Community Development / Historic Preservation Commission.

As far as schools. I know you said that you are probably going with private schools and there are many private schools for you to choose from. I read one posting about the Rockford schools and I believe it was misleading. Rockford Public Schools are, in fact, going back to more of a neighborhood school format. The high schools recently were "zoned" as well as middle schools. Thus, depending upon where you live, you will know which school your child will attend. This plan will be implemented in the elementary schools in the next couple of years. You may want to go directly to the Rockford Public Schools to get additional information on the schools, zoning and school performance. The schools have had their troubles, but the data shows that performance is improving.

As you can see, I am passionate about our area and our history. I also try to make sure that information provided is accurate!

Good luck finding that gem of a home!

[kristinelise]

Hello,

I may be relocating to Rockford and I love old homes. Are there any neighborhoods that you recommend that have older homes? Is Rockford a nice place to live?

Thank you.

[Havasu]

I don't think Rockford is a nice place to live
Do your homework on the place.
//www.city-data.com/forum/illin...-rockford.html
//www.city-data.com/forum/illin...ttle-more.html
//www.city-data.com/forum/illin...ford-help.html
//www.city-data.com/forum/illin...-good-bad.html Read this one for sure.

[BlueSimple]

It is what it is. I am from there and it's far from perfect and it's definitely not a Chicago suburb. And yes I have lived in other places, quite a few. As far as other places in Illinois itself to live, other than Chicago I wouldn't prefer any place more really. And it has some really beautiful areas.


As far as neighborhoods, I don't know half these places that are mentioned above. The only place on the west side I myself would live is the National Avenue area. I think the neighborhood north of Auburn right there surrounding the Rockford Country Club is inredibly overrated.

[djbridgeland]

Churchill Grove, Edgewater, and Highland are good choices. Just avoid the west side and midtown (Kishwaukee - 11th St. - its basically the west side light).

[Pugetsoundman]

is a very nice neighborhood. The homes on the river are pricey for the area but nothing like the Chicago suburbs. We lived in Churchill Grove for a year in 1998 and 1999. There is a real sense of community in the neighborhood. Very safe. In 1999 we moved to a home behind Rockford College in a small neighborhood know as Regents Park. Again, very safe and good neighborly. The kind of place that you would love I'm sure. Our kids went to Keith School (private) and Guilford High (public). We really loved the area and only left to find better weather and recreation opportunities.

PS Don't believe the negatives on this website. Read them but consider the source before you form your perceptions of Rockford. Rockford is an excellent place to live for the most part.

[Homesinrockford]

This post was back in 2007