Rockford

A modest, residential-focused lifestyle awaits in Central Park, a small community of homes situated in northwest Rockford. Characterized by its humble 1900s to 1950s era homes and proximity to Kilburn Avenue, this community offers a straightforward setting but hides prime potential for thrifty investors and buyers with renovation-friendly properties. Residents may have to travel by car or bus to get to some of the area’s best offerings, but spacious destination parks, classic Rockford eats and the city center’s entertainment options are only a few miles away. Early- to mid-20th-century homes are common along the rows of residential streets in Central Park, with tightly arranged lots and early ranch-style floorplans. Rarer alternative styles include a few Cape Cod and bungalow houses. Most properties with garages have free-standing structures, though some homes, particularly near Gilbert Avenue, feature integrated ones. Square footage ranges from 600 to 1900 square feet, making most homes smaller than the national average but on par with the Rockford market. Investor special homes start at about $52,000, while larger homes with updates can sell near $116,000. The neighborhood has an almost equal split between owners and renters, with about 46% of residents owning their homes. Students in Central Park can attend schools within the Rockford Public Schools 205 district. McIntosh Elementary School has a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and earns a C-minus grade on Niche. West Middle School also earns a C-minus. Auburn High School’s academy curriculums let students focus on health, business, production or service-focused courses for their professional development. The school earns a B grade on Niche. Central Park residents can find convenient businesses in the area surrounding the neighborhood. To the north, Willyums Dari Fair is a longtime Rockford favorite for ice cream and casual eats, while Sister’s Café is a friendly spot for brunch. Jasmine Pantry is a close corner store with groceries and snacks. To the south near Auburn Street, Taqueria La Katrina serves burritos, tortas and other Mexican dishes in a dining room with colorful walls, while Wong Wong Chinese Restaurant offers a straightforward menu of combo platters and sides. Residents can also find familiar fast food stops such as Popeyes and McDonald’s nearby. Walgreens is available for everyday needs and pharmacy items, while Wayne’s Feed Store offers pet supplies and houseplants. Walmart and Dollar Tree locations are about 2 miles north of the neighborhood. The area surrounding the neighborhood provides multiple options for leisure-minded residents. Belden Park offers a basketball court and playground to the neighborhood’s north, while Bressler Park has a dedicated space for softball games to the west. Searls Memorial Park is a popular destination with snowmobile trails, a dog park and a BMX area that connects to the lengthy Mel Anderson Bike Path. Experienced cyclists can take the path south to Talcott-Page Memorial Park, which offers four baseball fields. The Northwest Community Center hosts community events and all-ages educational programming. Central Park’s major thoroughfare, Kilburn Avenue, runs vertically along the east end of the neighborhood. Auburn Street runs just south of the neighborhood for east-west travel throughout Rockford. Locals are about 2 miles north of downtown Rockford, and the neighborhood is about 93 miles northwest of the Chicago Loop. Residents traveling between the Rockford area and the Windy City will be able to take the Metra line to commute starting in 2027, but until then the area’s closest connection is Interstate 90. Flights departing the northern Illinois area depart from Chicago Rockford International Airport, 7 miles south of the neighborhood. Bus stops for the area are available along Kilburn Avenue, Gilbert Avenue and Liberty Drive. Residents don’t have to travel across town to enjoy Rockford outings and entertainment. To the north, Rissa’s Lanes is a bowling alley that doubles as a community center. South of the neighborhood in downtown Rockford, venues such as the Coronado Performing Arts Center and the BMO Center are hubs for live music, comedy and stage shows. During the summer, the Rockford Verdi Club hosts fish fry events on Fridays, and the Burpee Museum of Natural History offers live concerts next to the Rock River each Wednesday. According to the First Street Foundation’s Flood Factor index, some properties within the neighborhood may be more likely to incur flooding of 3 feet or more during inclement weather. Potential residents are advised to evaluate a property’s adherence to building code and insurance policies before making a purchase.

Churchill’s Grove, also known as the Riverside Addition, was once home to the barracks of Camp Fuller during the Civil War. Today, the gridded residential streets surrounding Harlem Boulevard have memorial placards to honor the historic site. Though the homes were constructed half a century after the war ended, subtle nods to the bygone era are found in antique street lamps lining National Avenue. The neighborhood association is dedicated to beautifying the area, consistently awarding a “Yard of the Month” title and maintaining the flower beds on Harlem. Even the light poles are wrapped with twinkling decorations over the holidays. Bordered to the east by Rock River and to the west by Rockford’s Main Street, Churchill’s Grove has transformed over the years into a quiet residential haven next door to local haunts and sprawling green spaces. Churchill’s Grove is well known for its vintage array of homes, many of which are deemed worthy of historic preservation. Constructed between the early and mid-20th century, these properties range in style from American Foursquare to bungalows and custom homes with traditional architecture. Some flaunt Georgian columns or spacious front porches, while others feature the decorative elements of a Queen Anne. “A lot of these older homes are pristinely kept, especially the waterfront properties,” says Claire Linder, a local Realtor with CENTURY 21. “They don’t go up for sale very often; everyone who lives there has been there a long time. Some are just cute summer homes for people who live in the city and want to chill out in the summer.” Prices vary between $50,000 for investment properties to around $450,000 for those exceeding 6,000 square feet. The historic nature of these properties means that attached garages are uncommon, but many have spacious driveways and even detached, single-car garages. Main Street stretches to the west of Churchill’s Grove, where locally owned businesses line the route to Downtown Rockford. The Norwegian, in particular, is a Scandinavian brunch spot with a warm, “Nordic-chic” ambiance. The eatery was founded by Rockford natives who rehabbed the space with the help of dedicated community members. Across the river, Prairie Street Brewing Co. serves up classic pub fare on the water’s edge. The building itself is considered the oldest brewery in the state, a National Historic Landmark built in the 19th century. “Rockford has funded a lot of improvements over the last few years, so the downtown scene has been popping,” says Sully Cadengo, a local Realtor with Stateline Real Estate. “We have like 57 murals now!” The Friday night Rockford City Market is one such improvement, according Linder. “You’ve got bands, booze and it’s all local people selling things like beer, cheese and plants,” she says. Residents typically head farther east on State Road for Chicagoland favorites like Portillo’s, as well as big-name chains like Sam’s Club, Target and ALDI. Students attend Rockford School District 205, beginning at West View Elementary, which earns a C-minus on Niche. With the same grade, West Middle is the only school in the area requiring uniforms. Guilford High School earns a B, providing students with academy pathways according to their career interests. Pathways include courses on business, health, production and service. Keith Country Day School, which enrolls grades K-12, is a private option on the eastern corridor of Rock River. Locally known as just “Keith,” the day school earns an A-plus and was ranked the number one college-preparatory school in the region by Niche in 2024. Sinnissippi Park is a sprawling green space just opposite the Rock River, where summer ushers in a Music in the Park series at the Sinnissippi Music Shell. Waterfront gardens and a multi-use recreational path accompany the park’s golf course, playground and many picnic shelters. Next door, the sweeping glass greenhouse at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is filled with exhibits. From an interactive butterfly room to orchids, palm trees and a landscaped lagoon, the conservatory is home to vast species of flora. Community events range from family garden hikes to watercolor classes, plant swaps and even a celebration of International Mud Day. To the west, Fair Grounds Park was aptly named after the historic Winnebago County Fair, held in the late 1800s. Today it’s a gathering space with ball courts, a walking path and a gazebo. Harkins Aquatic Center is located onsite and is open from June through August. Churchill’s Grove is about 2 miles north of Downtown Rockford. Bus stops are provided along Main and Auburn Streets, while bike lanes are largely used on Harlem Boulevard. The nearest emergency room is located at Javon Bea Hospital-Rockton, 2 miles west. Though the city doesn’t offer an Amtrak or Metra to Chicago, residents eagerly await the construction of the Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail, set for completion in 2027. “A lot of us drive to Harvard, which is probably 20-30 minutes away, but you can take the train to Chicago from there,” Linder says. “Plenty of people drive, but everyday commuters take the train to avoid traffic. It’s probably an hour and a half ride to get to downtown.” Those who opt for the traffic can expect a 92-mile commute on Interstates 290 and 90. Chicago Rockford International Airport is located 7 miles south. Due to the limited travel options provided by the airport, many instead make the 73-mile trip to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The Greenwood Cemetery Chapel and Crematory sits just north of Churchill’s Grove. Established in 1845, it’s Rockford’s largest and oldest cemetery, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Though the 100-acre property is fenced in, homes along the perimeter have an expansive view of the grounds. Greenwood is acknowledged as a final resting place for many of the city’s early settlers. It is thus a cherished destination for living family members and residents throughout the area.

Coronado Haskell is a residential community just west of the Rock River. Taking its name from one of Rockford’s early estates first established in the 1840s, this neighborhood is just north of a plethora of dining, shopping and entertainment destinations in the River District. Distinctive early 20th-century homes and a central location make the community a compelling option for buyers ready to discover the city’s best. Traditional homes from the early 1900s and 1910s line the tightly organized blocks between Coronado Haskell’s streets, including homes with folk vernacular and Victorian stylings. Most properties have smaller floor plans below 2,000 square feet, and buyers can find a mix of renovation-ready and turnkey houses nearby. Homes are primarily single-family properties, though some larger ones were built as duplexes or converted into multi-family housing. Single-family properties start at about $48,000 and top out at $100,000, while duplexes and multi-family properties generally range from $100,000 to $115,000. Coronado Haskell’s CAP Index scores for violent crimes, including homicide, assault with weapons and robbery, are each higher than the national average. The City of Rockford has implemented a full suite of programs designed to prevent and reduce local crime, including youth outreach programs, collaborations with local businesses and nonprofits and specialized non-police teams and councils in addition to enforcement efforts. The Rockford Police Department reported a year-to-year reduction of 19% for overall violent crime in the city between 2022 and 2023. Coronado Haskell sits just north of a wealth of Rockford’s premier entertainment options. The Burpee Museum of Natural History and Discovery Center Museum both sit just east of the neighborhood, along with the Burpee Museum of Natural History, which occupies one of the neighborhood’s first estates. Comedians, Broadway shows and tribute bands take the stage at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. Residents can also catch major music acts and minor league hockey games at the BMO Center or visit bars such as Mary’s Place and District Bar & Grill to check out some local talent. The Rockford City Market runs every Friday evening in the summertime, featuring vendors from around the city, free concerts and kid-friendly games. Additional options are available to the north along Main Street, including community theater shows at The West Side Show Room and farmers’ market days at North End City Market. Children in Coronado Haskell are generally zoned for schools within the Rockford Public Schools 205 district. Ellis Elementary School has a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and earns a C-minus grade on Niche. West Middle School also earns a C-minus grade. Auburn High School’s fine arts offerings include multi-year programs for music, acting, tech theater, visual art and graphic design. The school earns a B grade on Niche. Other educational options include the STEAM Academy at Haskell, a lottery-based elementary school with a focus on science, technology, art and math. The school earns a C-plus grade. Just south of the neighborhood, the Main Street District is one of Rockford’s premier spots for dining and entertainment. CJ’s Public House has served American fare and beer in downtown Rockford for more than 50 years, while 27 Aluna at Octane is an acclaimed spot for Filipino fusion dishes. Small corner stores such as Three Twenty Store and Noble’s Groceries are the area’s closest options for food and everyday supplies, while the nearest supermarket, Save a Lot, is about 1 mile west of the neighborhood on State Road. Specialty retailers such as The Symbols Menswear, Brandy’s Candies and Subversive Cycling are available to the south of the neighborhood. Multiple neighborhood parks sit within a few blocks of residents’ homes. Wells Park neighbors the STEAM Academy at Haskell and offers a public playground outside of school hours. Fair Grounds Park features the James Lesley Harkins II Aquatic Center and a large multi-use area, while Haskell Park offers shade from tall oaks and a trail shortcut for walks through the neighborhood. Residents can reserve the gazebo at Wester Park for gatherings or use the open field for games of catch. Coronado Haskell is less than 1 mile from downtown Rockford and is connected to several major city thoroughfares, including Kilburn Avenue, School Street/Whitman Street and North Main Street. The neighborhood is about 90 miles away from the Chicago Loop. Local Metra commuter rail service to Chicago is scheduled to begin in 2027, but until then, Interstate 90 is Rockford’s most convenient connection to communities in the area. For travel beyond northern Illinois, Chicago Rockford International Airport is about 6 miles south of the neighborhood. The nearest hospital, UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital, is about 2 miles east.

Each month, Edgewater’s neighborhood association honors a home with the championship title of “Lawn of the Month.” Though the award is simply a feature on the neighborhood website, the tradition speaks to the passion locals feel toward how their community is presented. From Flower Fest to Garden Walks in the spring, Edgewater is known for its pristine 20th-century homes and the flora that blooms out front. Bordered to the west by Main Street, well-loved shops and eateries point the way to Downtown Rockford, less than 3 miles south. Rock River flanks the east, where warm weather ushers in boats, water skiing and the seasonal blooms at Anderson Japanese Gardens. With lower taxes and affordability outside of Cook County, Edgewater is a textbook example of Rockford’s historic and easy-going roots. The gridded residential streets of Edgewater are brick-laden, outlining homes that were largely constructed in the early to mid-20th century. Rock Terrace, a subdivision overlooking Rock River, is lined with ranch-style homes, though “properties on the river don’t usually go up for sale,” says Sully Cadengo, a lifetime local and Realtor with Stateline Real Estate. “There are a lot of generational families, many that have been here for years with names that everybody knows.” Farther inland, homebuyers will find bungalows and traditional architecture, along with custom builds mirroring the styles of Tudor and Colonial Revival. Altogether, no two homes are quite the same. Cohesion is only found in their overgrown ivy walls, manicured gardens and familiar faces. Prices typically range from $60,000 for investment properties to around $600,000 for renovated homes exceeding 5,000 square feet. Main Street flanks Edgewater to the west, a central thoroughfare for many Rockford residents. The Olympic Tavern sits at the intersection of Main and Fulton, a rustic bar-restaurant deeply saturated in the community. Family-owned and operated since 1945, The Olympic sponsors events like pickleball tournaments and partners with local artists for a spring Artscene. Down the street, The Norwegian is a Scandinavian brunch spot flaunting warm, “Nordic-chic” décor. The owners themselves are Rockford natives who purchased and rehabbed the building with the help of nearby community members. Similarly, Pinnon’s Foods has been around for decades, a well-loved butcher shop with a bakery and pre-made meals to-go. Residents typically head farther east on State Road for Chicagoland favorites like Portillo’s, as well as big-name chains like Sam’s Club, Target and ALDI. Oxford Park is Edgewater’s closest community green space, offering spacious ball fields and a playground renovated in 2023. On the other side of Willoughby Avenue, Rockford Country Club provides tiered membership options for golfing on lush fairways. Across the river, Anderson Japanese Gardens has a reputation as one of the finest in the world. “It’s so huge that you can spend a whole day there, and you still won’t see it all,” Linder says. The gardens’ 12 acres feature winding pathways with waterfalls and koi ponds, as well as a brunch café. Sinnissippi Park, however, is among Rockford’s most popular recreational hot spots. A golf course and playground neighbor waterfront gardens and a multi-use path. Over the summer, guests can even attend a Music in the Park series held at the Sinnissippi Music Shell. Students are zoned for Rockford School District 205. West View Elementary School earns a C-minus on Niche, along with West Middle, the only school in the area that requires uniforms. Guilford High School earns a B, providing students with unique academy pathways according to their career interests. Pathways include courses on business, health, production and service. Enrolling K-12 students, Keith Country Day School is a private option less than a mile south on the eastern corridor of Rock River. “Private schooling is actually preferred in Rockford,” says Claire Linder, Realtor with CENTURY 21. “The public schools are getting better, but a lot of people opt for the private options nearby.” Locally known as just “Keith,” the day school earns an A-plus and was ranked the number one college-preparatory school in the region by Niche in 2024. Edgewater is less than 3 miles north of Downtown Rockford. The bike lanes on Cumberland Street and Fulton Avenue are paired with bus stops, making it convenient to visit the downtown scene without a car. The nearest emergency room is located at Javon Bea Hospital-Rockton, 2 miles west. Though the city doesn’t offer an Amtrak or Metra to Chicago, residents eagerly await the construction of the Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail, set for completion in 2027. For now, the 92-mile commute into Downtown Chicago is trekked on Interstates 290 and 90. Chicago Rockford International Airport is located about 8 miles south. Due to the limited travel options provided by the airport, most opt for the 73-mile trip to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The Greenwood Cemetery Chapel and Crematory sits just west of Edgewater’s subdivisions. Established in 1845, it’s Rockford’s largest and oldest cemetery, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Though the 100-acre property is fenced in, homes along the perimeter have an expansive view of the grounds. Greenwood is acknowledged as a final resting place for many of the city’s early settlers. It is thus a cherished destination for living family members and residents throughout the area.