Monroe Center is a quiet and rural bedroom community close to Rockford
Living in Monroe Center, residents are close to Rockford but bordered by nature and the peaceful surroundings of the country. Few people and homes are in the area, where amenities are limited. But it's the remote atmosphere that homebuyers look for in Monroe Center. "It's basically a bedroom community for Rockford," says William Hunt, a former Monroe Center resident and Monroe Township assessor. "People work around Rockford or in the suburbs of Chicago and then live in Monroe Center for the quiet atmosphere." The area has a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, well below the national average of 4. Monroe Center offers more space, more privacy, less noise and lower crime, all while remaining a short drive from Rockford.
Rockford and Rochelle are both a short drive away via Interstate 39
While Monroe Center is remote and rural, it's not a far drive from some sizeable cities with shopping, dining, parks and employers. "Interstate 39 is less than a mile from most of the homes, and it goes north to Rockford and south to Rochelle," Hunt says. "Each is a 15-minute drive away." Downtown Rockford is 17 miles north, while Rochelle is 16 miles south. Chicago Rockford International Airport is to the north and has flights to 10 destinations. Chicago O'Hare International Airport offers more destinations and connections 74 miles east. No buses or forms of public transportation exist in the area, so residents rely on cars for travel.
Houses come in a variety of styles but rarely go on the market
Most homes in Monroe Center are near the intersection of North Milford Road and Illinois State Road 72. The small center has a collection of farmhouses and workers' cottages that date back to the late-1800s. Ranch-style homes, bungalows, split-levels and Cape Cods are also in the neighborhood's most populous area, while limited new traditional homes and Colonial Revivals on many acres of land are in the outlying county. The median lot size in the area is 3.5 acres, but homes nearest the main intersection are closer together, with less yard space. Homes rarely sell in Monroe Center, but the average home value is around $250,000. In recent years, houses have sold between $90,000 and $530,000.
Schools are well-rated and sought-after
Monroe Center is served by Meridian Community Unit School District No. 223, the third-best district in the Rockford Area, according to Niche. "We moved to Monroe Center for the school district," Hunt says. "This was many years ago when our kids were entering school, but if we were moving now, we'd make the same decision." Children learn at Highland Elementary School from prekindergarten through second grade, followed by Monroe Center Elementary School from third to fifth. Both schools are rated B on Niche. Meridian Junior High School and Stillman Valley High School are both rated B-plus.
Two restaurant bars, with all other shopping and dining in the nearby cities
Shopping and dining are limited in Monroe Center, but "Dining options have improved in the last few years," Hunt says. "We have a few restaurants and grills there now, including Cruisin I-39." The restaurant pub has American food and beverages and is where many truckers stop while cruising along Illinois Road 72 or Interstate 39, hence its name. Maddog's Bar & Grill sits behind the Marathon gas pumps and shares a building with the area's liquor store. Chain restaurants, big-box stores, home improvement centers, and malls are north in Rockford or south in Rochelle.
More recreation options at nearby nature centers and forest preserves
Monroe Center has one small park, south of the active train tracks that intersect the area. The park has two baseball diamonds, a playground, a swing set and a pavilion. Forest preserves, neighborhood parks and nature centers are in Rockford. A few locations have sports courts, mountain biking trails and fishing ponds.
