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North End Square

North End Square

$114,893 Average Value
$194 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

North End Square’s laid-back, historic community

North End Square is less than 2 miles inland from Rock River’s waterfront, where historic homes are complemented by towering trees and maintained gardens. Local businesses line Main Street, which stretches just east of the neighborhood and serves as a central thoroughfare for many Rockford residents. Walkable schools and community parks help establish the area as a residential haven, with bike lanes and bus stops just a few blocks away. From fresh deli items at Pinnon’s to an immersive butterfly experience at the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, residents of North End Square are well-positioned to experience all that Rockford has to offer in a laid-back setting.

North End Square is a residential haven with walkable streets and bike lanes.
North End Square is a residential haven with walkable streets and bike lanes.
North End Square is less than 2 miles inland from Rock River’s waterfront.
North End Square is less than 2 miles inland from Rock River’s waterfront.
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Vintage homes and old oaks

The homes in North End Square were largely constructed in the early to mid-20th century. Gridded residential streets are lined with grown-in sidewalks and mature oaks. Cape Cods neighbor bungalows and Colonial Revivals, as well as custom cottage-style homes with arched doorways and ivy walls. The historic nature of these properties means that attached garages are uncommon, but many have spacious driveways and even detached, single-car garages. Modest gardens out front match fenced-in backyards bursting with flowers and vegetation. “It’s a very reasonably priced area compared to the Chicago suburbs,” says Claire Linder, Realtor with CENTURY 21. “The taxes are lower, and so is the demand. Even though prices have gone up, you can find a hell of a house for $400,000.” Overall, prices range from around $50,000 for investment properties to $400,000 for those exceeding 3,000 square feet.

North End Square has historic homes with well maintained gardens.
North End Square has historic homes with well maintained gardens.
Go for an afternoon walk along the paved sidewalks of North End Square.
Go for an afternoon walk along the paved sidewalks of North End Square.
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A little butcher shop called Pinnon’s

Rockford’s Main Street sits just east of North End Square, where The Olympic Tavern has been family-owned and operated since 1945. The rustic bar-restaurant is a staple in the community, sponsoring events like pickleball tournaments and partnering with local artists for the Spring Artscene. Down the road, The Norwegian is a Scandinavian brunch spot with “Nordic-chic” décor. The eatery was founded by Rockford natives who rehabbed the space with the help of dedicated community members. As for groceries, “there’s a little butcher shop called Pinnon’s that’s probably been there since day one,” says Sully Cadengo, a lifetime local and Realtor with Stateline Real Estate. “Everyone goes there, and everything is exactly the same as it’s always been.” Open for decades, the shop includes a deli, bakery and grab-and-go meals. Larger chains like Sam’s Club, Walmart Supercenter, ALDI and Target are located farther east on State Road.

Pinnon's foods in North End Square has delicious meats for low prices.
Pinnon's foods in North End Square has delicious meats for low prices.
Pinnon's is the local butcher shop of North End Square, in business for over 20 years.
Pinnon's is the local butcher shop of North End Square, in business for over 20 years.
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Public and private schooling in Rockford

Students are zoned for Rockford School District 205, beginning at Welsh Elementary. With a C-minus on Niche, the school is located on Huffman Boulevard, within walking distance of many residences. West Middle earns the same grade, uniquely requiring uniforms for middle-grade students. Guilford High School earns a B on Niche and provides academy pathways according to career interest. Pathways include courses on business, health, production and service. Enrolling K-12 students, Keith Country Day School is a private option on the eastern corridor of Rock River, 3 miles east. 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.

Guilford High School is located in Rockford, IL.
Guilford High School is located in Rockford, IL.
West Middle School is located in Rockford, IL.
West Middle School is located in Rockford, IL.
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The butterfly exhibit at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

Huffman Park is a walkable green space just west of North End Square, sharing amenities with Welsh Elementary. The playground and ball fields are surrounded by open field space for practices and pick-up games. Across Rock River, the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens offer an elegant and immersive nature experience. “The glass greenhouse is huge,” Linder says. “There are palm trees and a whole butterfly room where you walk in, and the butterflies are instantly all over you.” The scenic path outside leads to a dock on a landscaped lagoon, where events are often held. From family garden hikes to watercolor classes, plant swaps and even a celebration of International Mud Day, the conservatory is a well-loved haunt in the warmer months. Sinnissippi Park shares the sentiment, hosting a summer concert series at the park’s music shell. However, the golf course, playground and waterfront gardens are more of a go-to.

Huffman Park is located in Rockford, IL.
Huffman Park is located in Rockford, IL.
Play a round of golf at the Sinnissippi Golf Course just a short drive from North End Square.
Play a round of golf at the Sinnissippi Golf Course just a short drive from North End Square.
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Eagerly awaiting the Rockford Intercity Passenger Rail

North End Square sits about 2 miles south of Downtown Rockford. Bus stops on Main Street and Huffman Boulevard pair with bike lanes, making for convenient local travel. The nearest emergency room is located at Javon Bea Hospital-Rockton, less than a mile 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. “Right now, people just drive. But it’s 2 hours, and once you hit Elgin, it’s traffic forever,” Cadengo says. The 88-mile commute to the Windy City is trekked on Interstates 290 and 90. Chicago Rockford International Airport is about 7 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.

North End Square runs along Rock River in Rockford, IL.
North End Square runs along Rock River in Rockford, IL.
Larger chains like Walmart and ALDI are located on State Road.
Larger chains like Walmart and ALDI are located on State Road.
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The Greenwood Cemetery Chapel and Crematory

The Greenwood Cemetery Chapel and Crematory sits just east of North End Square. 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.

Dana Chesser
Written By
Dana Chesser
Chris Jeong
Photography Contributed By
Chris Jeong
Ashesh Sigdel
Video By
Ashesh Sigdel

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

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Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago/Rockford International

22 min drive

North End Square Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$489,700
Median Sale Price
$475,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$475,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$324,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Last 12 months Home Sales
41
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
16%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$194

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
555
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Months of Supply
0.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,080
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,178

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,567
Median Age
33
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
30.5%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.9%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$45,346
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$67,141

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88%
College Graduates
14%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.2%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.1%

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®

44 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

56 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
North End Square