Rockford and its northeast neighbor, Loves Park, share a park district and access to the Rock River, but the relationship extends further back to the latter's founding. Known as "The Heart of the Midwest," Loves Park began as a single tract of land purchased by Rockford industrialist Malcolm Love for social gatherings. Over the past century, it's grown into a suburban community of over 23,000 residents. While often paired with neighboring Machesney Park, which falls under the same school district and Chamber of Commerce, Loves Park has unique features such as the largest state park in northern Illinois, several athletic venues, nearby big-box grocers and access to a major interstate.
Loves Park locals go for a walk along the Rock River in Martin Park.
Loves Park includes a variety of nearby big-box grocers including Target.
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Waterfront properties to the west, new construction to the east
Homes in Loves Park average 16 days on the market, nearly a third of the national average of 44 days. The median price is $190,000 – slightly higher than Rockford, on par with Machesney Park and well below the national average. "There are lower property taxes in Loves Park and better value for the dollar compared to Rockford, so you can often get a bigger home for the money," says Milena Cojkic, an agent with Keller Williams Realty Signature who’s in Loves Park. The closest neighborhood to Rockford, Martin Shorewood, contains waterfront properties with private docks on the Rock River, one-bedroom Cape Cods and bungalows with 3-season porches. Winding streets of ranch-style and traditional-style homes characterize the rest of the city along with townhouses and low-rise apartments. New construction continues to pop up on the far east side.
During heavy rains, the eastern banks of the Rock River are at risk of flooding, and noise levels are elevated close to main roads like North Second Street. The FBI's Crime Data Explorer reflects higher reported rates of violent crime in Loves Park than in the nation or state, while property crimes trend below these averages.
Loves Park waterfront homes are loved by the residents of the area.
New construction is common among homes on the far east end, such as these townhomes.
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Commuting within Loves Park or to nearby employer hotspots
Varied transportation and ease of commute allow residents to work close to home or a bit farther from the city. "I see people who work nearby, people who go towards the city and those heading in the opposite direction towards Wisconsin," Cojkic says. Danfoss Drives, a Danish engineering firm, has been a major employer in Loves Park since it completed its large-scale manufacturing center in the city in 2001. Rockford commuters head about 4 miles southwest by car or one of several Rockford Mass Transit District bus routes. Interstate 90 is the main north-south thoroughfare near Loves Park to cross the Wisconsin border. There are urgent care centers in Loves Park and Machesney Park, and the closest emergency room is Javon Bea Hospital—Riverside, located just beyond I-90. Chicago Rockford International Airport is about 9 miles away.
Home of Rock Cut State Park and Shorewood Park
Loves Park has recreational facilities for its varied seasons, from the hot, humid summers to the snowy, below-freezing winters. A 10-mile paved pathway connects to two Rock River access points and Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, an athletic megaplex and tournament hub for soccer, baseball, volleyball and more. Rock Cut State Park’s 3,092 acres sprawl across the city's northwest corner and are a beloved regional attraction for hiking and biking, horseback riding and waterfront activities on Pierce Lake and Olson Lake.
Rock Cut State Park is the largest state park in Illinois.
Shorewood Park in Loves Park offers bike trails with newly paved paths for the community.
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Full stands throughout the summer in Loves Park
The Ski Broncs, Loves Park's all-volunteer water ski team, performs weekly summertime shows at Shorewood Park and provides lessons to all ages and ability levels. The park also hosts regional and national waterski tournaments. The city stabilized the shoreline along the park with a floodwall and added a new stage in 2024. The Rockford Rivets baseball team plays at Rivets Stadium on Loves Park's far east end. A live stage, folding chairs and vendor tents cover the grassy fields at Arthur W. Anderson Peace Park during the annual Rhythm of the Heart Music Festival: a free, one-day event capped off with an evening fireworks display.
Arthur W. Anderson Peace Park in Loves Park includes a Veteran's Memorial.
Rivets Stadium is home to the minor league baseball team of Loves Park.
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Attending school with students from Machesney Park or Rockford
Most of Loves Park is zoned for Harlem School District No. 122, which Niche grades a B, but some students on the far east side are zoned for Rockford School District No. 205, which scores a C-plus. Rock Valley College partners with high schools in both districts to give students access to college-level classes.
Spring Creek Elementary, of Rockford School District No. 205, scores a C-plus with Niche.
Harlem Middle School in Loves Park is part of Harlem School District No. 122.
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North Alpine Road commerce in Loves Park and Machesney Park
Busy North Alpine Road runs through Loves Park and is the main drag for Valli Produce, Aldi, Schnucks and Walmart, pharmacies, and fast-food restaurants. "People will also go to Machesney Park for shopping, and there's a bunch of new businesses going up in both cities," Cojkic says. Walkable commercial hubs nearby include downtown Rockford and mural-adorned Belvidere.
North Alpine Road runs through Loves Park and is the main drag for retail and restaurants.
Walgreens is a pharmacy located on North Alpine Road, the main retail stretch in Loves Park.
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