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Southeast Helping Hands

Southeast Helping Hands

$92,403 Average Value
$220 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

A classic southeast Rockford community

Like its surrounding southeast Rockford neighborhoods, Southeast Helping Hands is split between well-built, older homes and industrial centers along Harrison Avenue. Residents are within a mile of groceries and churches that foster community in this corner of the city. Local businesses draw traffic from around the city and beyond, either by necessity or to support family-run businesses in the community.

Rockford is located in northern Illinois, about 90 miles west of Chicago.
Rockford is located in northern Illinois, about 90 miles west of Chicago.
Southeast Helping Hands feature older homes with large yards and long driveways.
Southeast Helping Hands feature older homes with large yards and long driveways.
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Waiting for RMTD buses or driving throughout Rockford

Southeast Helping Hands has service centers and businesses within a mile, so residents could walk if needed, but driving is preferred to most Rockford locations. It’s a 4.5-mile trip to downtown Rockford, though some residents work closer to home at industrial centers surrounding 11th Street and lining Harrison Avenue. Rockford Mass Transit District bus stops on Reed Avenue, Brooke Road and right outside 11th Street Plaza with free admission for veterans and students. The community is also a 3-mile straight shot on 11th to UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital. Spee Dee Medical Transportation, also located on 11th, takes insured patients to their non-emergency appointments. Finally, the neighborhood is close to the cloverleaf interchange between U.S. Route 20 and Illinois Route 251—the former leading to Interstate 90 for the 90-mile trip to downtown Chicago, and the latter taking drivers farther south in Winnebago County to Rochelle and beyond. It’s a 3.5 mile drive to Chicago Rockford International Airport for commercial flights.

Bus riders wait at the one of many stops in the Southeast Helping Hands area.
Bus riders wait at the one of many stops in the Southeast Helping Hands area.
Southeast Helping Hands is generally quieter and family-friendly compared to other areas.
Southeast Helping Hands is generally quieter and family-friendly compared to other areas.
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Living south of Harrison Avenue

A drainage easement traces through the north side of this neighborhood from the Rock River—where some homes are at greater risk of flood damage during heavy rains and storm surges, according to risk data analysis firm First Street. Bungalows with screened-in porches, Cape Cods and minimal traditional homes are staples of the neighborhood. Some use hedges to separate their tight square yard from their neighbor’s, while others have short chain-link fences. Drivers pull into detached garages right from the main streets, and yards make space for additional trucks, trampolines, playsets or bikes left from kids running inside for dinner. Some homes have makeshift patios in the yard with folding chairs, while others are neatly kept with gardens. Buyers choose from homes that need work done and homes that have new windows, roofs or even entire electrical and plumbing systems; properties range from $25,000 to $145,000, and many are eligible for Fair Housing Act (FHA) Loans or Veterans Affairs (VA Loans).

Rockford Historic District is beautiful as the sun goes down near the Rock River.
Rockford Historic District is beautiful as the sun goes down near the Rock River.
Southeast Helping Hands contains a blend of housing types, including single-family homes.
Southeast Helping Hands contains a blend of housing types, including single-family homes.
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Dining and shopping on 11th Street

Sparse restaurants and dining options line 11th Street, but the ones that do certainly have presence. When John and Maris Frisilla arrived from Sicily in 1969, they only dreamed that their restaurant would become a community staple. “We’ll be celebrating our 50th anniversary in August [2024], and we’ve spent maybe 45 of those years at our current location,” says Nadia Frisella, daughter of the two founders of John’s Restaurant and Pizzeria and general manager. “We love the locals and the community here.” Most of the patrons here are regulars who love the eatery’s warm atmosphere, whether they’re dining in, carrying out or catering from the large banquet menu. Schnucks 11th Street is the nearest grocery store, located conveniently next to laundromats, tax service centers and fast- food options. Besides the Aldi farther east on Harrison Avenue, it's the only full-service grocery store within several miles, so residents from surrounding communities frequent this area.

BJ's Place in Southeast Helping Hands is a popular bar spot in the area.
BJ's Place in Southeast Helping Hands is a popular bar spot in the area.
John's Pizza place offers great lunch options for large parties in Southeast Helping Hands.
John's Pizza place offers great lunch options for large parties in Southeast Helping Hands.
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Community anchors in southeast Rockford

St. Edward's Catholic Church—located on the southmost border of the community—turns their yard into a family-friendly Summerfest every year with games, live music and generous raffles called throughout the day. Weekly social clubs and consistent resources can be found across 11th Street at Brooke Road United Methodist Church, which recently celebrated its 100th year on Rockford's southeast side. The church is home to Brooke Road Community Center and partners with local and nationwide organizations to offer family services, trauma-based therapy, and tools to help newly arrived immigrant families settle into their new homes.

Residents of Rockford eagerly await the Rockford Labor Day Parade.
Residents of Rockford eagerly await the Rockford Labor Day Parade.
St. Edward Catholic Church is one of the many options for faith in the area.
St. Edward Catholic Church is one of the many options for faith in the area.
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Heading to Ken-Rock Park or farther downtown

Ken-Rock Park is across 11th Street, complete with a pirate-themed playset, grassy field and batting cages. It’s a 1.5 mile straight shot up 11th Street to Keye-Mallquist Park. With a recently renovated playground, it’s a choice location for the Rockford Park District’s Time 2 Play program. Families sign their kids up for specific weekdays throughout the summer free of charge to play supervised sports and games. The UW Health Sports Factory downtown is housed inside one of the city’s historic manufacturing centers, and now hosts drop-in basketball, pickleball and other sports along with regional tournaments.

Ken-Rock Park
Ken-Rock Park
Keye Mallquist Park is a large park that has something for every family.
Keye Mallquist Park is a large park that has something for every family.
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Public and private schools in east Rockford

Public school students in this area attend Riverdahl Elementary School, which scores a C-minus from Niche, before graduating to Flinn Middle School, which also gets a C-minus. Jefferson High School scores a C-plus and offers the College and Career Academies of Rockford program with tracks from engineering to health sciences. Private, tuition-based schools are also in Rockford, many located on the east side of the city. Kids can attend All Saints Catholic Academy farther downtown before moving up to Boylan Catholic High School, which scores an A-minus from Niche. The two schools are sponsored by Catholic churches throughout Rockford, including St. Edward’s Catholic Church in the community.

Bernard W. Flinn Middle School
Bernard W. Flinn Middle School
Jefferson High School
Jefferson High School
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Emma Downes
Written By
Emma Downes
Corey West
Photography Contributed By
Corey West
Elia Faith Crianza
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Elia Faith Crianza

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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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Amanda Clark, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago/Rockford International

14 min drive

Southeast Helping Hands Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$397,510
Median Sale Price
$136,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$368,010
Median Change From 1st List Price
-5%
Last 12 months Home Sales
1
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$220

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
147
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Median Year Built
2025
Months of Supply
48.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,024
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Amanda Clark, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
895
Median Age
34
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$41,707
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$42,896

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
82.2%
College Graduates
4.7%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.5%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
60.7%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

57 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

68 / 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
Southeast Helping Hands