Located along the Rock River southeast of downtown Rockford, Orchid 3rd Union College features distinguished early 20th-century homes that inspire the neighborhood's name: 'ORCHiD," an acronym that stands for Old Rockford College Historic District. Until the 1960s, the neighborhood was the site of Rockford College before the school moved to its current location 4 miles east on State Street. “This is a neighborhood that has improved over the past 10 to 15 years after public housing was torn down,” says Sarah Vinnitsky, a broker with Dickerson & Nieman. “Today, there are many more homeowners and more people taking pride in their yards.” In the southern part of the neighborhood, Behr Iron & Metal is located by the railroad tracks and is a metal recycling company.
Southeast of downtown Rockford is the up-and-coming Orchid 3rd Union College neighborhood.
The area features many rentals as many homes have been converted into duplexes and multi-family.
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Early 20th-century homes close to downtown Rockford
Brick brownstones and cottages from the early part of the 20th century are the dominant styles of single-family houses in the neighborhood. While home ownership has grown, according to Vinnitsky, 81% of the area's residents are still renters. “Many times, larger old homes are converted into multi-family homes,” Vinnitsky says. The multi-family units range from duplexes to houses divided into four units. Home prices here are far less expensive than the rest of the Rockford area, ranging from $40,000 to $120,000 for vintage Foursquares and Victorians. “People love the uniqueness of this neighborhood and the different styles of homes, and it’s comparable to the Haight Village Historic District, the neighborhood to the north,” she says. Some homes are on a quarter acre to a third of an acre lot. Garages are usually detached and can be up to three-cars wide.
The CAP Index crime score is a 6 overall, above the national average of 4. The neighborhood is rated a 9 for other violent crimes. “It used to be a lot worse when there was more public housing,” Vinnitsky says. The Rockford Police Department reports that violent crime was down in the first few months of 2024 compared to 2023.
Victorian, brick homes and cottages from the early 20th century range from $75,000 to $150,000.
The CAP crime score for this neighborhood is 6, slightly above the national average.
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Olivo Taco has a brick-and-mortar location on College Ave.
For years, Olivo Taco has been a favorite in Rockford, and many first tried it via a food truck. Today, there are four food truck locations and three locations without wheels. One is in the Orchid 3rd Union College neighborhood on College Avenue. The restaurant has steak, chicken, fish and veggie tacos. For seafood selection, Isla Del Mar is in a small shopping center where parking is limited, something to keep in mind during busy times. In addition to numerous seafood dishes, the restaurant has enchiladas, burritos and fajitas. Every Thursday starting at 9 a.m. from June through September, the Rockford Midtown Market is available with vendors selling fresh produce, sweets and crafts. The Park-It Market is a neighborhood food store near the corner of Kishwaukee Street and College Avenue. It’s a family-run grocery perfect for picking up quick items. For more selection, Schnucks in Rockford Plaza and Aldi are a few miles away.
Olivo Taco, a food truck favorite in Rockford, has a brick-and-mortar store on College Avenue.
Orchid 3rd Union includes Olivo Taco, a local favorite.
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Green space around Orchid 3rd Union College
While there are two parks nearby, there is also green space where a high-rise for low-income seniors stood at the corner of Seminary and Division Streets until a few years ago. “There’s talk about development there. It has a lot of potential because it’s close to the river,” Vinnitsky says. Nelson Park, along Seminary Street, has a baseball diamond, basketball court and playground. Tenth Avenue Park spans approximately 9 acres near the corner of 10th Avenue and Kishwaukee Street. Keith Creek, flowing through the site, adds to the park's serenity. One of the pathways includes a bridge over the creek. With the neighborhood close to the river, there’s access to the Rock River Recreation Trail, which goes along the water and is ideal for walkers, joggers and bikers. Just to the north, along the Rock River, is the UW Health Sports Factory. Formerly a manufacturing facility, the refurbished venue often hosts basketball and volleyball tournaments.
Tenth Avenue Park has nearly nine acres, with Keith Creek flowing through.
Sinnissippi Gardens includes a beautiful path alongside a rose garden.
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Beyer Stadium was home to the famous Rockford Peaches
The Rockford Peaches played games at Beyer Stadium, about a mile south. They were part of the ground breaking All-American Girls Professional Baseball League that lasted from 1943 to 1954 and were depicted in the movie A League of Their Own. The original ticket booths are still there, and the city of Rockford is in the process of improving the field in hopes of hosting women's baseball games in the future. A football stadium used to be around the baseball field, once the site of a Chicago Bears scrimmage in 1942.
The historic Beyer Stadium is the home of the Rockford Peaches.
We Are One 2024 Rockford Labor Day Car Show & Picnic is an annual event held at Davis Park.
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Rockford Mass Transit District serves the neighborhood
The Rockford Mass Transit District has stops on College Avenue, as well as Kishwaukee and Seminary streets. Bus routes can take passengers across the Rock River into downtown Rockford. The Chicago Rockford International Airport is a 5-mile drive. People here have a good vantage point for the Fourth of July fireworks, shot from the Morgan Street bridge. It’s only about 2 miles southeast of downtown Rockford, where entertainment or a Rockford IceHogs hockey game can happen at BMO Center. The Coronado Performing Arts Center is also downtown, where the stage can house a comedy show or orchestra performance. The nearest medical center is about 1-1/2 miles northeast at UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital.
Take a ride along the trolley next to the Rock River.
Rockford Public Transit runs bus routes all throughout Rockford.
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One of the newest schools in Rockford School District 205
While living in this neighborhood, public school students can attend Constance Lane Elementary School, one of the newest schools in Rockford Public Schools 205. It opened for the 2019-2020 school year and gets a C-minus grade on Niche. Conversely, Abraham Lincoln Middle School will celebrate its 100th anniversary of opening its doors in 2027. The school also receives a C-minus grade and has a 16-to-1 student-teacher ratio. High schoolers can attend Rockford East High School with a C-plus Niche grade.
Abraham Lincoln Middle School is a public school located in Rockford.
Constance Lane Elementary School is a public school located in Rockford.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Jorge Vigil,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Blackhawk Park
Sinnissippi Park
Ingersoll Centennial Park
Davis Park at Founders Landing
Joe Marino Park
Rockford Park District
Beattie Park Playground
Tenth Avenue Park
Rock River Recreation Path
Transit
Airport
Chicago/Rockford International
17 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Orchid 3rd Union College
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Orchid 3rd Union College Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Orchid 3rd Union College, Rockford sell after 102 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Orchid 3rd Union College, Rockford over the last 12 months is $62,000, down 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Jorge Vigil,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
780
Median Age
31
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
32.8%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.2%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$23,529
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$36,565
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.8%
College Graduates
10.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.6%
% Population in Labor Force
48.9%
Below the national average
65.1%
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®
46/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
61/ 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.
