One By One is a textbook example of the communities built during Rockford's eastward expansion wave in the 1950s and 60s: ranch-style homes and apartment complexes on the outskirts that still have close connections to downtown. The neighborhood sits directly west of Collins Aerospace, a major engineering firm and employer. Residents can exit their neighborhood onto Alpine Road and head either north or south to indoor and outdoor recreation, as well as other employers in Rockford. Harrison Avenue—another main thoroughfare—serves as the community's north border and takes drivers farther into the Rockford city limits.
Ranch-style homes and multiplexes in southeast Rockford
Entrances to the community are located on Harrison Avenue and South Alpine Road, and residents balance noise from these commercial streets with easy access to local shopping, dining and work. This neighborhood trades gridded streets for winding drives and cul-de-sacs, though yard sizes are relatively consistent among the single-family homes here. Sidewalks trace past some homes, but not all, and these end abruptly at exits onto main roads. Ranch-style single-family homes—both regular and raised—sit next to Cape Cods without dormer windows. A handful of colonial-style homes and townhouses are also available. Additionally, about a third of the community is made up of all-brick apartment complexes, some with metal balconies or tiny back plots for a grill and a few chairs. Prices range from $140,000 to $150,000 for single-family homes and $240,000 to $355,000 for multifamily properties needing renovations.
Grabbing dinner at the corner of Harrison and Alpine
Manchester Drive separates the neighborhood from a small shopping plaza on its northeast corner, which includes a drive-thru Chase bank location, a McDonald's and a few other local eateries. Spider Sushi at Harrison supercharges its menu with names like "Green Lantern roll" and "Dr. Octopus roll," which arrive at the table in detailed presentations on platters or wooden boats. The clever names continue down the street at Screw City Tavern. "We used to be called Screw City because we used to manufacture a lot of screws here, but now there's not so much of that left," says Sully Cadengo, Realtor with Stateline Real Estate and longtime Rockford resident. Though the city has transitioned to new lucrative industries like aerospace, Screw City Tavern keeps the legacy alive with laid-back dining and a Friday Fish Fry. Retail options and chain fare line Alpine Road all the way up to Five Points, a historic commercial intersection. The closest grocery store is the Aldi on the corner of Harrison Avenue and 20th Street, about 1.5 miles west.
Rockford's growing downtown scene
Screw City Tavern patrons often walk into a full house chatting over a live music set. The restaurant keeps a running list of acts throughout the year, including an Acoustic Fridays series from October to May. Visitors take the mic on Thursday nights for karaoke and enjoy discounts on drinks. The rest of the action is in downtown Rockford, which has been expanding its amenities and attractions in many ways—from a brand-new Rockford Public Library main branch overlooking the Rock River to road renovations for an easier 5.5-mile drive to the downtown sector. Family-friendly events take place year-round. "We have a tree-lighting ceremony that happens on Black Friday," says Cadengo. "It was one of the biggest events we've ever had. We do a mini–Macy's Day Parade with floats, vendors, and horses. It's like a big Christmas fair, and people from all over come."
Public and private schools in east Rockford
Public school students in One By One are zoned for Swan Hillman Elementary School, which is located directly west of the neighborhood and scores a C from Niche. Flinn Middle School, which scores a C-minus, has hosted an annual "Human Library" since 2022, where kids can share powerful life stories with their peers, from times of celebration to trauma. The program model originated in Sweden and promotes empathy and tolerance. Kids graduate from Jefferson High School, which scores a C-plus and is located about 4 miles east from Chicago Rockford International Airport. The facilities have served as a field trip in the past for kids in the engineering "pathway," just one of several career-oriented offerings in The Academies of Rockford program. Some families choose from Rockford's private school options, several of which are on the east side. Rockford Iqra' School is located within the Muslim Community Center & Mosque on Darlene Drive and teaches prekindergarten through 12th grade. Rockford Christian Schools also teaches the full grade spectrum and scores an A-minus from Niche.
Walking to Hillman Park or driving north to Alpine Park
A Rockford Park District sign welcomes locals to use Swan Hillman Park, which belongs to the elementary school by the same name. The park's grassy fields and playground are located directly across from homes on the community's west side. Locals also make a 2-mile drive north to Alpine Park for its rolling slide and picnic shelters or to pay general admission at Alpine Pool. The main pool drops off from 3 to 12 feet, so visitors can safely splash in from the diving board and two drop slides. Skateland, a family-owned indoor rink, is a mile and a half away for rainy days or for private birthday parties. Beyond these local options, Rockford has been dubbed the "City of Gardens" thanks to its sheer number of day trip destinations, from Anderson Japanese Gardens to Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden.
Commuting downtown or to nearby east Rockford employers
Despite its proximity to Collins Aerospace and Alpine Road commerce, the community has a 41 out of 100 Walk Score and is mostly car- or bus-dependent. It's about 5.5 miles to downtown Rockford for work or play via Harrison Avenue or 20th Street. Inbound and outbound Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) bus stops also line Harrison Avenue and Alpine Road. Besides shopping, restaurants and parks, residents also take Alpine Road to reach Rockford University or OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, which neighbor each other about 3.5 miles away. The community is also about a mile from the entrance onto U.S. Route 20, which drivers take east to Interstate 90 for the 83-mile trip to downtown Chicago. Rockford is aiming to establish Metra passenger rail connections to the Windy City by 2027. Finally, commercial flights take off from Chicago Rockford International Airport, 6.5 miles southwest of One By One.
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
(Alpine Park) Paulyground - The Mike Pauley Memorial Playground and Pool
Swan Hillman Park
Transit
Airport
Chicago/Rockford International
17 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
One By One
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in One By One, Rockford sell after 14 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in One By One, Rockford over the last 12 months is $151,542, up 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$147,500
Median Single Family Price
$147,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$121
Last 12 months Home Sales
13
Median List Price
$155,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-2%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
77
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Angela Walker,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
872
Median Age
32
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
31.2%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$32,395
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$38,729
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
80.6%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
14.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.8%
% Population in Labor Force
64.3%
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®
26/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
38/ 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.
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.
