Section Image

Fairgrounds

Fairgrounds

$93,459 Average Value
$108 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Fairgrounds’ community is quiet but connected on Rockford’s west side

On the very edge of Rockford 's western border, Fairgrounds offers a relaxed place to settle down. The neighborhood's small rectangular shape is primarily residential, although a few commercial businesses are along the borders. Homes are generally inexpensive, and the community offers a quiet atmosphere along a major road, making the neighborhood an attractive choice for investors and working professionals seeking a more tranquil lifestyle. In fact, the recent expansion of Business Highway 20 has provided western neighborhoods like Fairgrounds with a quicker and more reliable downtown commute. "I think the west side has been improving greatly, especially with the updates to the roads," says Sarah Vinnitsky, broker with Dickerson & Nieman Realtors who has experience in the area.

Homeowners choose Fairgrounds for many reasons including the relatively quiet atmosphere.
Homeowners choose Fairgrounds for many reasons including the relatively quiet atmosphere.
Nearby farmland is a gentle reminder to Fairgrounds residents that they are not living in the city.
Nearby farmland is a gentle reminder to Fairgrounds residents that they are not living in the city.
1/2

Tree-lined ranch-style homes at low prices

The neighborhood's residential streets are uniform. Grassy lawns and paved driveways stretch all down to the area's two-way roads. Large-bowed trees often shade yards and fill the spaces between homes, creating a layer of privacy between neighbors. Ranch-style homes and bungalows are the most common offerings in the neighborhood, but a few two-story homes pop up here and there. Prices usually range between $25,000 and $140,000. Homes priced at the lower end typically require remodeling, but even move-in-ready properties can sell for under $100,000.

Fairgrounds streets are typical of many suburbs.
Fairgrounds streets are typical of many suburbs.
Cozy single-family homes are common in Fairgrounds.
Cozy single-family homes are common in Fairgrounds.
Homeowners can find renovated bungalows in Fairgrounds.
Homeowners can find renovated bungalows in Fairgrounds.
1/3

Rockford schools have gifted academies and special program lotteries

The neighborhood is inside the Rockford Public Schools district. While many kids attend their assigned schools, the district offers open enrollment through the state and a special program lottery. If selected, students in the lottery attend one of six kindergarten through 12th-grade special program schools. If Fairgrounds students choose to stay within their zoning, they'll start at McIntosh Elementary, followed by Kennedy Middle and Auburn High. The elementary and middle have C-minus Niche scores, while Auburn High has a B. Vinnitsky says Auburn High is well-known for its gifted academy and audition-only fine arts programs.

Fairgrounds parents may send their children to McIntosh Elementary School which has a student-teacher ratio of 17-1.
Fairgrounds parents may send their children to McIntosh Elementary School which has a student-teacher ratio of 17-1.
Kennedy Middle School educates over 350 students with a student-teacher ratio of 12-1.
Kennedy Middle School educates over 350 students with a student-teacher ratio of 12-1.
Auburn High School educates nearly 2,000 students in grades 9-12.
Auburn High School educates nearly 2,000 students in grades 9-12.
1/3

Nearby parks offer golf, horseback riding and BMX racing

No parks are inside Fairgrounds, but many options are within 2 miles. Ingersoll Memorial Park offers both a traditional public golf course and a beginner-friendly disc golf course. Lockwood Park has playgrounds, picnic areas and extensive multi-use trails. The area is also home to a farm where locals can visit a variety of farm animals, take horseback riding lessons and attend equine-centered summer camps. Next door, Searls Park has an unexpected collection of facilities, from sports fields and a dog park to snowmobile trails and a popular BMX bike track. Washington Park Community Center and Northwest Community Center are two options for indoor recreation and youth sports.

Fairgrounds residents often visit the nearby Ingersoll Memorial Park to play on its golf course.
Fairgrounds residents often visit the nearby Ingersoll Memorial Park to play on its golf course.
Fairgrounds natives of all ages enjoy visiting the farm animals at Lockwood Park
Fairgrounds natives of all ages enjoy visiting the farm animals at Lockwood Park
Adventurous Fairgrounds bikers head to Searls Park to take advantage of a very well maintained paved BMX track.
Adventurous Fairgrounds bikers head to Searls Park to take advantage of a very well maintained paved BMX track.
1/3

Limited retail options include a fish market and local restaurants

While the neighborhood is primarily residential, there are a few retail options in the area. Image Lounge & Restaurant is a local spot to enjoy relaxed fare, a cold drink and a round of pool. JC's Fish Market opens every Wednesday through Saturday to sell fresh catches, while JC's BBQ & More serves ribs and chicken wings from Thursday to Sunday. Other local eateries include Mr. C's Family Restaurant, Rock-A-Bago and El Charrito Restaurant. Dollar General and Family Dollar sell everyday items, and the closest major supermarket is Save A Lot roughly 2 miles away. More shopping and dining options, plus entertainment venues and local employers, are 3 miles east in downtown Rockford.

Image Lounge is where the Fairgrounds natives gather with friends for food, drinks, and fun.
Image Lounge is where the Fairgrounds natives gather with friends for food, drinks, and fun.
Fairgrounds locals and guests can count on Mr. C's for a great breakfast.
Fairgrounds locals and guests can count on Mr. C's for a great breakfast.
Save A Lot is a popular choice for grocery runs in Fairgrounds.
Save A Lot is a popular choice for grocery runs in Fairgrounds.
Dollar General serves Fairgrounds shoppers for various needs.
Dollar General serves Fairgrounds shoppers for various needs.
1/4

Business Highway 20 offers four lanes to and from downtown Rockford

Most residents depend on cars, although there are Rockford Mass Transit District bus stops along West State Road. Also known as Business Highway 20, West State Road is the neighborhood's direct line into downtown. Vinnitsky shares that major renovations were made on the road a few years ago, which significantly improved transportation on the west side of town. "Even though there isn't much traffic other than typical neighborhood traffic, going from two lanes to four lanes really made a difference," Vinnitsky says. Springfield Avenue and the nearby Highway 20 are also major corridors, connecting locals to the Chicago Rockford International Airport in less than 8 miles. For emergency services, Javon Bea Hospital—Rockton Emergency Room and UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital are around 5 miles away.

Rockford Mass Transit District buses serve Fairgrounds commuters daily.
Rockford Mass Transit District buses serve Fairgrounds commuters daily.
Javon Bea Hospital is within five miles of Fairgrounds residents who need health care.
Javon Bea Hospital is within five miles of Fairgrounds residents who need health care.
The UW Health Swedish American Hospital is a close drive from Fairgrounds.
The UW Health Swedish American Hospital is a close drive from Fairgrounds.
1/3
Isabel Butler
Written By
Isabel Butler
Chris Norton
Photography Contributed By
Chris Norton
Jaried Frogosa
Video By
Jaried Frogosa

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago/Rockford International

20 min drive

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Fairgrounds neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Fairgrounds US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Fairgrounds Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$125,000
Median Sale Price
$112,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$122,250
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
10
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
58%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$108

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
121
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1961
Months of Supply
2.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
959
Significantly below the national average
1,927
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,761

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
864
Median Age
39
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$24,999
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$44,343

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
81.8%
College Graduates
11.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
56.6%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
15°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
34''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

32 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

25 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Fairgrounds