$139,988Average Value$99Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Many thrift stores are located near Five Points giving the locals great deals and finds.
Five Points: historic roots, modern revival
In the early-to-mid 1900s, the five-pointed intersection of Broadway, Alpine Street and Charles Street was an ideal place to fill up on gas and say one’s final goodbyes to Rockford before heading farther east. As the city began to expand throughout the 20th century, so did the home sites around this commercial stretch. The arrival of an indoor shopping mall sealed the deal for this congested intersection to be replanned, and for Five Points to become a misnomer—though recent reconstruction on Charles has brought about a commercial renaissance for the businesses here. Beyond their historic intersection, residents of this area of southeast Rockford are close to other major routes out of the city and some of the best parks and restaurants within its limits.
Getting to work and essentials from Five Points
Though some commuters have to travel about 4 miles downtown Rockford or outside the city, others are minutes from their place of work. “The area was definitely a starter home community for many families back in the day, and a lot of people are employed by one of Rockford’s biggest employers,” says Julie Humpal, broker with Re/Max Property Source and Rockford Realtor of 34 years. Once known as UTC Aerospace Systems, the company—which maintains a large campus right on the neighborhood’s southeast corner—now goes by Collins Aerospace. “They make all the parts and pieces of Boeing planes except the engine itself,” Humpal says.
Drivers pass Rockford University on East State Street en route to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, about 2.5 miles away. Inbound and outbound Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) bus stops line Broadway and Alpine Street for those needing to get further into the city center. And while plans are in the works for a new Metra stop from Rockford to Chicago, those heading to the Windy City currently take Interstate 90 for 84 miles. Commercial aircraft take off from Chicago Rockford International Airport, 7.5 miles southeast of the community.
The bridge overpass that connects Five Points and Rolling Green is a huge transit spot.
Five Points neighborhood is cozy and quaint with some homes on larger lots.
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Living alongside Rolling Green neighbors in detached and multifamily homes
The neighborhood streets south of Five Points are often lumped in with the surrounding community of Rolling Green, and listings will often describe homes as being part of this larger community. Some homes even abut Rolling Green Elementary School. Streets with tidy front yards back up to ample tree cover. Those closest to Broadway follow the typical Midwest grid pattern, while homes on the south end circle around cul-de-sacs and follow wider curves, making for more yard space in front. Most detached homes are ranch-style, many with new windows and other improvements. The neighborhood is also flush with multifamily properties, ranging from one-story triplexes to low-rise apartment buildings. Prices throughout the area range from $54,000 for a cottage that needs renovations before move-in to $350,000 for a six-family brick building along Alpine Road.
Five Points homes offer beautiful landscape and greenery around the homes.
Five Points has the majority of homes being single story ranch style.
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New businesses on Broadway and nearby grocery options
Though residents can see a right turn onto Charles Street, a sign tells them otherwise. The third intersection’s partial replanning in the 1970s has caused businesses like The Hot Rod Shop to relocate for easier customer access. Ironically, the Colonial Village Mall that brought traffic to the Five Points intersection is no more, having been purchased by Forest City Church several years back. The renovated building is also home to a smattering of storefronts, like Sharestuff Clothing & More, which assigns flat prices to many clothing items to beat thrift inflation and offers gently used furniture. Along Broadway are more restaurants making waves in Rockford, one making good use of the area’s former waystation reputation. “8th Ward Pub took a little gas station, opened up the garage doors and now it’s a real nice spot,” Humpal says, referring to an airy bar with indoor and outdoor seating that specializes in charcuterie-style spreads with locally sourced ingredients. “And Mark's Fusion is very popular for sushi and steak.” Chain fare like Dunkin’ rounds out the offerings, with Starbucks and McDonald’s farther south on Alpine Street and Harrison Avenue. As for groceries, locals are closest to the ALDI on Harrison to the south or Schnucks Rockford Plaza on Charles Street to the north.
Marcs Fusion Cafe in Five Points offers asian fusion cuisine that the locals love.
Aldi is the place for grocery deals in the area of Five Points.
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Schools near Five Points
Rolling Green Elementary School scores a C from Niche, while Whitehead Elementary School farther west gets a C-minus. Abraham Lincoln Middle School is closer to downtown, scoring a C-minus, and Rockford East High School gets a C-plus. Both of these options house the Rockford Public Schools Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) program, which helps students who have just arrived in the United States by providing family support services and instruction in their native languages when needed. Kids may also opt for tuition-based private schools for prekindergarten through 12th grade most of which are on the east side of town; Rockford Christian School scores an A-minus.
Rolling Green Elementary School near Five Points is a part of district 205.
Lincoln Middle School is rated a 3.4/5 on the great schools website.
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Heading to Alpine Park
Once a hotspot for ice skating and other activities, Harmon Park has received a facelift to bring it back to its former glory thanks to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Recent developments like a new playground and perimeter path with automatic lighting make for quiet afternoons and evenings spent outdoors. The park is less than a mile away on foot for residents. Meanwhile, about half a mile from the neighborhood, Alpine Park's forest shade, twin shelters, gazebos and public swimming pool provide extra recreational options.
Harmon Park is located near Five Points neighborhood.
Alpine Park has a fun mini rock wall for smaller children near Five Points.
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Written By
Emma Downes
Photography Contributed By
Corey West
Video By
Marcus Rosendoll
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Agents Specializing in this Area
April Hieronymus
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate
GreatSchools:
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(Alpine Park) Paulyground - The Mike Pauley Memorial Playground and Pool
Alpine Hills Adventure Park
Transit
Airport
Chicago/Rockford International
18 min drive
Five Points Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Five Points, Rockford sell after 9 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Five Points, Rockford over the last 12 months is $97,500, down 31% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nice two story home with covered porch and fenced yard. Beautiful bamboo floors throughout. Ceiling fans in all rooms. Large driveway will hold 8 cars. The main floor features the living room, dining room, kitchen and half bath. Upstairs has four bedrooms and a full bath. Finished rec room in basement. Two car garage. Newer metal roof on house and garage. New hot water heater.
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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.
