$147,953Average Value$108Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes For Sale
Rock Falls is transforming industry into recreation
Rock Falls is a city on the rise. “We were a manufacturing town. We had tons and tons of factories, and a lot of them shut down in the 80s,” says Melinda Jones, the director of Rock Falls Tourism and Events and lifelong Rock Falls resident. “We just got rid of another older building, but that’s just another place for future development. There’s lots of space for new businesses to come in.” The city has already started developing these riverside spaces — the old Russell, Burdsall and Ward Bolt and Nut factory closed in 2007, and the city reclaimed and transformed it into one of its more popular parks. “We’re just looking for new ways to grow,” Jones says, proud to be one of Rock Falls’s almost 9,000 residents.
Rock Falls is separated from its twin city, Sterling, to the North by the Rock River.
Historic Rock Falls, IL was founded in 1867 and has a current population of 8,606.
1/2
Riverside parks and recreational bodies of water in Rock Falls
The Run Bike and Walk Park — known by locals as the RB&W — sits on the grounds of an old factory overlooking the Rock River. Parkgoers can admire the rotating selection of statues and art displayed along the walking paths or head onto the Rock River, known for its catfish. Branching off the river, the Hennepin Canal runs through the city and offers over 100 miles of trails and waterways for walking, biking, cross-country skiing, kayaking and ice skating. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the canal was the first of its kind in the U.S., and its techniques were used to build the Panama Canal. “In the winter, we get a ton of eagles because of all of the open water between the dams when the rest of the Hennepin and Rock River freezes over,” Jones says. “We’ll get a lot of photographers from Chicago coming in.” Also in town, Centennial Park has playgrounds, baseball diamonds and tennis courts, plus a lake with paddleboat rentals throughout the summer.
Enjoy a morning bike ride along the beautiful Hennepin Canal Feeder Bike Trail in Rock Falls.
Your kids will love the playground at Centennial Park in Rock Falls.
1/2
Homes spanning from historic Nationals to midcentury bungalows
The median home price in Rock Falls is about $115,000, which is lower than the median in nearby Sterling on the other side of the river. Houses here range from early 1900s Nationals and American Foursquares to bungalows and ranch-style homes built between the ’40s and ’70s. Property and violent crime rates in Rock Falls have fluctuated in the past 10 years but plateaued in the past couple of years.
Bungalow-style homes in Rock Falls with detached garages average about $115,000.
Many updated ranch-style homes can be seen throughout Rock Falls.
1/2
Local restaurants and diverse cuisines throughout Rock Falls
Awnings mark many of the downtown businesses and restaurants situated along Second Street. Options include coffee shops and pubs, plus Thai, Mexican and Puerto Rican restaurants. Farther from downtown, the Candlelight Inn serves fried chicken, cheese curds and steak. “If you leave the area and come back to visit, that’s where you go,” Jones says. From there, the local Walmart is just across First Avenue.
La Familia Family Restaurant has been serving residents of Rock Falls for over 28 years.
Residents of Rock Falls can grab their weekly groceries at the local Walmart.
1/2
Multiple school districts serve the city
Rock Falls elementary and middle school students can attend one of two school districts. Students east of the canal head to East Coloma – Nelson Elementary School District 21, which receives a C-plus from Niche. Those on the opposite side of the canal can attend B-rated Rock Falls Elementary School District 15. Both districts feed into Rock Falls Township High School, which receives a B-minus. “The sports programs are really important in the area. A lot of times, we are lucky to host the state tournaments for softball and baseball,” Jones says. “I was just at Rock Falls High School, and they missed being in the Elite Eight for March Madness.”
Rock Falls Township High School offers plenty of AP and Honors courses.
Merrill Elementary School, located within Rock Falls, challenges and encourages children to learn.
1/2
Annual festivals and concerts hosted at the RB&W District
The RB&W District hosts Taste of Fiesta in early September, offering a vendor market, petting zoo, pony rides and live music throughout the park. About a week later, the Fiesta Day Parade starts in Rock Falls and continues through Sterling, where there are activities and live music at the Grandon Civic Center. In early June, the Bellson Music Fest celebrates Rock Falls native Louis Bellson, a musician who performed with Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. Concerts take place at the RB&W District amphitheater.
Getting to work and across the river to Sterling
While residents can use the canal and its trails to get around the city, most people drive. First Avenue cuts through the city center, linking with Sterling to the north and Interstate 88 to the south. While Rock Falls still has some factories and manufacturing facilities, most of the area’s major employers, like CGH Medical Center, are across the river in Sterling. Sinnissippi Dam Walking Bridge is another way to get across the water. The city issues a snow emergency when the city gets snow and clear the streets. Quad Cities International Airport is the closest airport, about 56 miles west in Moline.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
Photography Contributed By
JJ Starr
Video By
Michael Carey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Alan Lewis,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Rock Falls, IL sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Rock Falls, IL over the last 12 months is $135,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located South of Rock Falls sits 9 acres of recreational paradise. This property has road access to Route 40 (Hoover Rd.) Embrace the great outdoors on this property with opportunities for hunting, trial riding, walking, horseback riding, livestock and many more recreational activities.
Nice, cozy home maximizes ever inch! This kitchen was made for the cook in mind! Stainless steel stove, frig, microwave and dishwasher stay. There is lots of counter space, ample cabinet storage, and room for you to easily navigate around the family. Front room was used as a dining room and the back room as the family room. The family room has vaulted ceilings. Bedrooms are bright and have
Located in the desirable Sayers Acres subdivision within the East Coloma School District, this well-maintained 3 bedroom ranch offers the space, setting, and potential buyers have been searching for. Situated on one acre, the property features both an attached garage and a detached two-car garage, providing ample room for vehicles, storage, hobbies, or a workshop. Inside, you'll find hardwood
Positioned in the highly desirable corridor between Rock Falls and Sterling, this exceptional 37 +/- acre offering in Whiteside County represents the kind of versatile land investment rarely brought to market. Exclusively offered by High Point Land Company, this property seamlessly combines immediate agricultural income with long-term development potential.At its core, the farm features
Check out this great 3-bedroom, 2-bath home featuring a spacious open layout! The kitchen flows into the large living and dining areas, creating the perfect space for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy the convenience of main-floor laundry and a private primary suite with double closets and its own bathroom. Two additional main-floor bedrooms and an attached garage complete the home.
Calling all Investors, the 4 bedroom 1 bath house in Rock Falls is your next project. One single owner, a family home. Furnace is 5 years old. Roof is was done in 2009, no active leaks or issues with the roof. Bathroom updated with first floor laundry hook up. Property being sold AS-IS. Must have proof of funds or proof of construction loan.
Spacious duplex with an open floor plan and vaulted ceilings, privately tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac and situated on an attractive landscaped yard. Large living room and dining room combo with gas fireplace. Kitchen features hickory cabinets, a skylight for added natural light, double pantry storage, and a large center island perfect for gatherings or everyday living. Primary bedroom
NEW CONSTRUCTION Duplex! Terry Wolf Construction is offering this NEW 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage duplex with no steps in a beautiful Rock Falls subdivision. This is a completed, quality PRE-BUILD sale. Open floor plan with great room...living room with gas fireplace, dining area and kitchen with vaulted ceiling. Barley cabinets with quartz countertop. Interior doors - solid core 2 panel
Nice Affordable 3 bedroom Ranch in Shore Acres, Partially Fenced, Partial Basement, Leaf guards, C/A, 5 years old newer furnace and water heater appliances stay.
Great opportunity to become a homeowner or to add to your rental portfolio! Currently rented for $1000 per mth (tenant is vacating) this 3 bedroom 1 bathroom offers newer furnace and water heater, new flooring/carpet and partial roof. Resurfaced bathtub and surround, new toilet stool, updated plumbing and electric throughout. Newer appliances and partially fenced in yard. Come take a look!
Looking for country living with character, space, and modern updates? This beautifully maintained 4.37-acre farmette located just 5 miles south of Rock Falls offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern convenience. Tucked back off the road in a peaceful setting, this impressive three-story home with a walkout basement features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an abundance of living space
One of the most exquisite Rock River homes in Northern IL! Over 8200 sq ft of finished living space on 4+ acres, highlighting your breathtaking views of the River! Since 2008, this stone home's interior has been totally rebuilt & remodeled into an updated floor plan, including new drywall & European hardwood flooring, 3 furnaces, 2 A/Cs, windows, roof, finished basement, wet bar, boat dock &
Address: 1905 14th Ave., Rock Falls, IL 61071Rent: $1,300/monthSecurity Deposit: $1,400Size: 1,236 sq. ft.Available: NOW*Key Features:2-Bedroom1-Bathroom2 Car-Attached GaragePartial Unfinished Basement / Crawl SpaceLarge YardConveniently located in Rock Falls near local schools, parks, shopping, restaurants, and everyday essentials. Enjoy quick
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
