$296,676Average Value$151Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Nuclear energy and small-town spirit in Byron
Byron is a small city on the Rock River in Northern Illinois. The community of less than 4,000 residents is surrounded by farmland about 15 miles from Rockford. Five miles away, the Exelon Nuclear Power Plant stands tall with its giant cooling towers and billowing plumes of steam. Not only does the plant help power 1.7 million homes in Northern Illinois, it also powers Byron's economy. “A lot of people move here to work for the power plant. It’s our biggest employer,” says city clerk Caryn Huber, who has lived in Byron since 1993. “Many of our taxing bodies also receive tax money from the power plant, including the library, the school system and the fire department.” The community comes together for Byron Tigers high school sports, and the small downtown is a hub for shopping, dining and annual events.
Exelon’s Byron station is the area’s largest employer.
The water tower overlooks Byron neighborhoods.
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Historic homes near downtown and newer builds on the edge
The median home sale price in Byron is around $270,000 compared to $190,000 in Rockford. Homes closer to downtown were built between the late 1800s and mid-1900s. Century-old homes include American Foursquares, Victorians and Nationals, while midcentury homes include ranch-style and split-levels. Toward the outskirts of town, developments offer a more suburban layout with New Traditional and ranch-style homes built between the 1980s and early 2000s. Byron also has several riverfront properties with large backyards and private boat docks that rarely hit the market. Riverfront homes on the east side of town have a greater flood risk than those on the south side.
Victorian home amid mature trees near historic downtown Byron.
A riverfront property with a large backyard and private boat dock.
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Downtown businesses and a riverside brewery
Downtown is a small, one-block section with shops, restaurants and entertainment on Second Street. Sun Rise II Family Restaurant has been serving homestyle food since 1992. Locals head to Weezy’s to watch sports over beer, pizza and other bar food. The restaurant’s paw print logo out front portrays the community’s Tiger pride. Right next to it, Uptown Lanes has six bowling lanes, axe throwing, a rooftop bar and an in-house restaurant called Back Alley Bar and Grill. There’s also a Family Dollar downtown. A block away, Illinois Route 2 is lined with more restaurants and two grocery stores, which include Felker Foods and County Market. Along the river, Hairy Cow Brewing Company offers a place to drink craft beer and eat artisan pizza on a patio by the water.
Downtown Byron anchors local shopping, dining, and annual events.
The Velvet Poppy, a local floral shop, is among Byron’s small business row.
Sun Rise II Family Restaurant has served homestyle fare since 1992.
Bub’s Pub is a local downtown hangout for drinks and pub fare.
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Byron Tigers boast a powerhouse high school football team
Most public school students attend Mary Morgan Elementary School, which receives an A grade from Niche, followed by Byron Middle School, rated A-minus, and Byron High School, rated B-plus. “People are very loyal to the high school,” Huber says. “There’s a lot of Tiger pride, and they really look forward to spending their evenings watching football.” The Byron Tigers have a competitive football team, making the state championship four times since 2018, winning in 2021 and 2023.
Byron Middle School scores an A-minus from Niche.
Niche scores Byron High School a B+.
Mary Morgan Elementary School serves grades PK, K-5.
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Auto racing and local parks by the Rock River
Racing is a big part of Byron’s culture. Byron Dragway has been attracting local racers and spectators since the 1960s. Drag races are held weekly between April and November. Byron Motorsports Park was also built in the ’60s and is one of the oldest motocross tracks in the country. Joe Parks Athletic Complex is used for local youth sports leagues and the high school’s teams. Donald B. Johnson Riverfront Park and Hamas Park are located along the Rock River with playgrounds, grassy fields and walkways by the water. The city has a boat ramp by the railroad bridge. The Byron Forest Preserve District features miles of prairie and woodland trails, an observatory and the Jarrett Prairie Center, where visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the area’s natural history.
Byron Motorsports Park is among the nation’s oldest motocross tracks.
Joe Parks Athletic Complex hosts events for youth and high school leagues.
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Celebrating ByronFest, ChiliFest and Christmas downtown
Most community events are held downtown, including ByronFest, which takes place every July. The weekend-long event features a carnival, family activities and live music from local artists. In October, residents head downtown for ChiliFest, whether to enter the competition or vote for their favorite chili. At the beginning of the Holiday season, downtown businesses decorate their shops, and a themed Christmas celebration is held with horse-drawn carriage rides, live music and a visit from Santa. Residents audition for the Byron Civic Theater, which puts on four performances a year at the middle school.
Getting to Rockford and Chicago
Locals take Illinois Route 2 to travel north and south and Illinois Route 72 to drive east and west. It takes about 25 minutes to drive to Rockford and the Chicago Rockford International Airport. It’s about a two-hour drive to Chicago and Chicago O’Hare International Airport, about 100 miles away. Chicago’s Metra commuter train is expected to expand to Rockford by 2027.
Radiation levels and safety plans at Exelon Nuclear Power Plant
Living near the Exelon Nuclear Power Plant comes with environmental, health and safety factors to consider. Small amounts of radioactivity are common, and radiation levels are monitored by the plant and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Every year, the plant mails residents a safety plan for what to do in case of emergency.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
Photography Contributed By
TJ Wengert
Video By
Mark Barakat
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cheryl Black,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Byron, IL sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Byron, IL over the last 12 months is $286,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
All Brick Ranch on 8.79 Acres. Main floor master bedroom and bath, formal living room with bay window, eat-in kitchen, family room with wood flooring and gas fireplace, fenced front yard, new wood deck in 2024, some newer windows, and newer AC unit. Lower-level rec room, storage room, half bath, extra laundry area, and full walkout to two car garage. Heated 42x30 outbuilding with cement floor
Peter DunnBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck RE
This charming three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath, two-story home features a welcoming front porch that invites you in. The first floor offers an open living area, modern kitchen, and a convenient half bath. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite includes an en-suite bath, while two additional bedrooms share a full bath. Step out to the deck off the back, perfect for outdoor gatherings or relaxing
Discover a rare gem in the heart of Byron, IL! This exceptional investment property features two separate, well-maintained units, each offering modern comforts and reliable rental income. Perfect for investors or owner-occupants seeking a smart addition to their portfolio, this property combines updated systems with the stability of long-term, established renters. Two distinct units, ideal for
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