$88,923Average Value$180Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
A residential core surrounded by southeast Rockford industry
Locals in Union Park Unites are blocks or even steps from distribution centers, sharing the outer roads like 11th Street and 23rd Avenue with trucks on their way to unload or load merchandise. Other Rockford staples, from more-than-50-year-old creative businesses to the satellite campus for Collins Aerospace, also occupy this section of Southeast Rockford. Despite the heavy industry presence, residents live in well-built, neatly- gridded streets with plenty of room for gardens and renovations, all a short drive or bus ride to Rockford's downtown limits or many popular parks.
Union Park Unites has lots of trees and nature to blend in and balance out everyday life.
Many styles of homes can be seen speckled across the streets of Union Park Unites.
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Getting downtown by car or bus
11th Street is a main drag for local businesses. Despite this being the neighborhood's east boundary, lack of shade and crosswalks along this road contribute to a low Walk Score of 31 out of 100. Most errands require a car or bus ride. The Rockford Mass Transit District bus system runs on the hour from 22nd or 23rd Street to downtown Rockford, which is about 3miles away. The community is also about 2 miles south of UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital, a pillar of the city's up-and-coming Midtown District. Spee Dee Medical Transportation on 11th Street takes insured patients to non-emergency medical appointments and is open 24/7. Drivers take U.S. Route 20 to Interstate 90 for a 90-mile drive to downtown Chicago. Rockford officials have promised the city a Metra train by 2027, ending over 40 years of disconnect from Chi-town. Union Park Unites is about 4 miles from Chicago Rockford International Airport, one of the nation's leading cargo hubs and the closest takeoff point for commercial flights.
The bus system in Union Park Unites is convenient for everyone to take advantage of.
Rockford town is nearby Union Park Unites for families to take advantage of and enjoy.
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Updating homes from the early 1900s
Industrial and retail centers make up one-third of the property mix here, though residential vibes creep into the commercial areas. "There are some businesses on this street, but a lot of residential as well," says Gary Ehrhardt, owner of 11th Street Express Printing, a longtime Rockford business. Some homes directly face distribution centers or production plants—Class II Truck signs signal heavy-duty vehicle traffic on 23rd Avenue—but the cross streets are full of bungalows with large dormers on sloping gabled roofs or three-season front porches. Other home styles include worker's cottages, minimal traditional homes and ranch-style homes. Peterson Square Apartments, a school built in 1911 and now converted to housing, neighbors some homes on 8th Street, but most options here are single-family. Lots are short and square in the front and long in the back, and drivers pull through concrete back alleys to their detached backyard garages. Overflow parking is on the cracked asphalt streets, which are traced with narrow sidewalks overgrown at points. Homes here cost between $76,000 and $123,000, with the lower end covering homes sold "as-is," signaling a need for extensive repairs and updates.
Bungalows and more line the streets of Union Park Unites neighborhoods.
Smaller traditional style homes can be seen in Union Park Unites.
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Longtime restaurants and retailers on 11th Street
Besides the industrial centers, Union Park Unites is close to businesses with deep-rooted connections to their city. "It's too many to mention, we've done stuff for the Rockford Park District, different manufacturing places, city government and local nonprofits," Ehrhardt says. "We got started in 1972, and we still provide the same great printing services, but the technology and equipment's definitely evolved." Other hands-on businesses like Fox Valley Auto Paint and Bounsay's Upholstery Service join the ranks, with more daily-use stores and local eateries farther south on 11th Street. "John's Restaurant & Pizzeria is right near here, they've been around forever, and they do both dine in and carry out," Ehrhardt says. The family-owned business has served Sicilian favorites from pizza to seafood for over 40 years, serving a stream of regulars in a cozy atmosphere. Eleventh Street Plaza Shopping Center is about 1.5 miles south of Union Park Unites, with chain restaurants and service centers anchored by Schnucks 11th Street. An Aldi is also 2 miles east on Harrison Avenue, giving residents multiple grocery options, an essential that can be scarce in other parts of the city.
Berns TNTs is a place Union Park Unites residents can grab a drink or lunch or dinner.
Mr Js is located conveniently on 11th street for the people that call Union Park Unites home.
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Making “Time 2 Play” at Rockford parks
While there aren't any public parks in the neighborhood itself, Union Park Unites is less than a mile from Keye-Mallquist Park. Rockford Park District replaced the location's old playground in the fall of 2020, bringing the equipment to modern, ADA-compliant standards. Keye-Mallquist is now an optimal location for the free Time 2 Play program hosted by the Rockford Park District on weekdays throughout the summer. Under the supervision of park staff and parents, kids compete in games from spiderball and four-square to table hockey and water play. Meanwhile, the three flags atop the pirate-themed playset signal a family's arrival at Ken-Rock Park. This green space with only a few amenities is farther south on 11th Street and also includes a small batting cage and an open grassy field for afternoons outdoors after services at Brooke Road United Methodist Church or Rock Church Reed. Other staples of the Rockford park system are a short drive away, from the horticulture library at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden to the vibrant blooms and quiet streams at the Anderson Japanese Gardens.
Keye_Mallquist Park is a large park in Union Park Unites that has something for every family.
Anderson Japanese Garden in Union Park Unites is perfect to take a relaxing stroll.
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Public and private schools for southeast Rockford students
While Rockford Public Schools runs an extensive bus system, students with ID can also ride RMTD buses for free on their daily commute to class. Kids in southeast Rockford are zoned for Riverdahl Elementary School, which scores a C-minus from Niche. Rockford Environmental Science Academy (RESA) Middle School scores a C-minus, while Jefferson High School earns a C-plus. Public school students looking to attend one of Rockford's colleges— Rockford University, Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University—can apply for a scholarship from the nonprofit Rockford Promise after graduating from Jefferson. Rockford is also home to many private, tuition-based options, like Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Academy, which scores a B-plus from Niche and #8 on the site for Best High Schools for the Arts in Illinois.
Our Lady Sacred Heart Academy is highly rated in Union Park Unites.
Riverdahl Elementary School is a public elementary school in Rockford to Union Park Unites.
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Rockford’s blossoming downtown scene
"Downtown has improved dramatically over recent years," Ehrhardt says. "There are way more shops and there's more stuff to do." The sector makes good use of its many parks with events year-round, like Music in the Park at the Sinnissippi Park Music Shell during the summer months. The city unveiled its state-of-the-art Rockford Public Library main branch overlooking the Rock River in 2024, a much-needed addition joining century-old mainstays. "The Coronado is so beautiful," Claire Linder, an agent with Century 21 and Rockford resident, says of the city’s historic performing arts center that opened in 1927. "There's been Frank Sinatra, JFK, Celine Dion, tons of big names there.” The theater still holds its own with stunning moldings, murals of the Italian countryside and Chinese dragons, and twisting columns in the foyer leading to a 2,400-seat auditorium.
Coronado Performing Arts Centers offers a variety of shows for local Rockford residents.
Midtown Farmer's Market features live entertainment in addition to fresh produce.
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.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amanda Clark,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Blackhawk Park
Ingersoll Centennial Park
Davis Park at Founders Landing
Beattie Park Playground
UW Health Sports Factory
Keye-Mallquist Park
Transit
Airport
Chicago/Rockford International
15 min drive
Union Park Unites Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Union Park Unites, Rockford sell after 98 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Union Park Unites, Rockford over the last 12 months is $334,950, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Two-family home with private entrances for each unit and over 3,000 square feet of space. The lower unit includes 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, while the upper unit offers 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Both units have access to a shared basement and a two-car garage. The property also features a fenced yard. Ideal for those looking to occupy one unit and use the other for extended living or rental
Toni Vander HeydenKeller Williams Realty Signature
Property Id: 19963423 bedroom home with spacious rooms, full basement, huge yard with fruit trees and vegetable garden, 2 car garage and tons of storage and parking.
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 Renters
Demographics
Total Population
654
Median Age
35
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.3%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$20,833
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$44,014
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
56%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
4.5%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.2%
% Population in Labor Force
60.1%
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®
41/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
34/ 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.
