A community of mission-driven residents in Rockford
In many ways, Rockford’s west side is synonymous with its residents’ mission to breathe new life back into the area. At the center of the action is the West Gateway Coalition, a volunteer-led organization of residents making improvements from within. “We’re not trying to replace other existing organizations, but to be a support for organizations on the west side,” says Ann Thompson, current coalition president. “We donate to food pantries here and we receive tax dollars for the purpose of helping other organizations.” As the commercial corridors on West State Street and Auburn Road welcome new activity and newcomers populate the existing housing stock, the west side is coming into its own as a key part of Rockford.
West Gateway Coalition is a volunteer-led organization of residents in Rockford, IL.
Rockford Labor Day Parade runs along 1st street in downtown Rockford.
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Bus routes to the rest of Rockford, plus new roadways
A portion of West State Street from Day Avenue to Independence Avenue got a major face lift in 2022, thanks to a partnership between the city of Rockford and the Illinois Department of Transportation. The newly-paved area creates a more welcoming entrance into the city and drives more traffic to this commercial area. Continued redevelopment of this corridor has meant a new big-box grocery store, as well as the new-and-improved Crusader Community Health with walk-in medical services. MercyHealth's Rockton Avenue Campus closed its inpatient emergency unit a few years back, and the next nearest stop is across the river at UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital, 2 to 3 miles across the river and through downtown Rockford.
Rockford Mass Transit System buses take riders throughout the city for work, childcare and school. “We spoke with the director and added shelters to the stops on West State Street,” Thompson says. “And if there’s an issue, the bus system will adjust their route to meet the need.” Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) buses arrive on the hour at stops along West State Road and School Street, and every half hour on Auburn Street. Students, veterans and senior citizens ride free, and reduced fares are available for those with a Medicare card. As for commercial flights, Chicago Rockford International Airport is about 7 miles south of the west side community, and commuters can take RMTD bus routes to the terminal from the Downtown Transfer Center on West State Street. Public transportation will also traverse the 92 miles to downtown Chicago once the city’s new Metra station is built.
Buyers choose from craftsman bungalows, ranch-styles and National Folk homes.
West Gateway Coalition was one of the founders of Project 1013, an annual week-long cleanup.
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Newly-rehabbed homes hit the market and leave soon after
The West Gateway Coalition was one of the founders of Project 1013, an annual week-long cleanup initiative hosted by Rock Church on the far east side of Rockford. While the program has moved on to other areas of the city that need support, the fast track to a safer west side with more home options has begun. Buyers choose from craftsman bungalows, ranch-styles and National Folk homes with fresh paint, new floors and appliances, some courtesy of the Rockford Housing Development Corporation and other mission-driven organizations in Rockford. These range from $70,000 to $115,000, while homes that still need work done before move-in price lower at $30,000 to $70,000. New prefab homes from Midwest-based builders fill in empty lots, for prices ranging from $190,000 to $236,000.
New prefab homes from Midwest-based builders fill in empty lots in West Gateway Coalition.
West Gateway Coalition has many home styles to choose from.
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Heading to State Street and Auburn Road for food and groceries
Commercial success continues to grow on Auburn Road and return to West State Street. “I always tell people the only thing they can’t get in the west side is high-end,” Thompson says. “We have more resources than people realize.” Kids peer into glowing tanks teeming with fish at Wayne’s Feed, the spot for all things pet food and animal care. Auburn Animal Clinic provides care for “all creatures, great and small” from their friendly west side office. Folks hungry for a bite to eat can choose from chains like McDonalds or locally-owned businesses like Taqueria La Katrina, where colorful carved chairs and the scent of fresh-made tortillas fill the room. Two Walgreens locations, a Family Dollar on Auburn and a Save A Lot on West State Street make up the grocery options here. Folks tend summer squash, turnips and other seasonal produce items at the new North Day Ave Community Garden, a volunteer-led effort to get residents fresh, versatile veggies.
Taqueria La Katrina is an authentic Mexican restaurant in West Gateway Coalition.
Vaugns Home Furnishings in West Gateway Coalition has a great selection of furniture.
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West side parks and community centers
Rockford is known for its parks, and the west side is no exception. “Andrews Park is full just about every day for basketball and tennis,” Thompson says. The park, which is central within the community, also includes a playground for the kids. Washington Park anchors the far west side with a thriving community center, complete with a gym, weight room, computer lab and more. Kids make friends and stay active with sports and crafts during WPCC summer camp programs, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Education and facilitated by Rockford teachers. Flag football, basketball and cheerleading teams compete with other community centers in the area by age group.
Live at Levings: Soul in the Park VII: The Jam Session is hosted at Levings Park.
Andrews Park has picnic tables to sit and relax.
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Education opportunities for west side students
West side families are zoned for one of several elementary options through Rockford Public Schools. Lewis Lemon Elementary School, named for one of the three founders of Rockford, receives an overall C-minus from Niche, along with Ellis Elementary School and McIntosh Elementary School. Kennedy Middle School, which scores a C-minus, also scored a top-to-bottom remodel in 2021 with “agile furniture” giving students a choice of seating in the classroom. Kids throughout Rockford attend Auburn High School for the selective Gifted Academy program, which is a step above regular and honors course categories. Auburn, which maintains a B rating, is also home to Rockford’s only JROTC program and the city’s Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) program, where kids balance regular coursework with training in visual arts, theater and more disciplines. Students may also choose from Rockford’s private, tuition-based school options for prekindergarten through 12th grade. Christian Life Schools scores a B from Niche, while Rockford Lutheran School gets an A-minus.
Kids looking beyond high school and adults looking to hit the books again may have additional financial support from their own community. “We’ve invested over $90,000 for the West Gateway Coalition scholarship,” Thompson says. “It’s for anyone looking to better their education. Last year a young lady was able to go back and get her degree.”
Ellis Elementary School has an eagle for their mascot.
Lewis Lemon Elementary School is highly rated.
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Keynote speakers and community initiatives
Thompson, who was Rockford’s 7th Ward Alderman for over 20 years, knows the value of community development from within. “The sad part is when tax dollars come into organizations, but the issues and problems in the community are left behind,” she says. “They’ll say, ‘we should focus on food,’ but not think about how residents need better transportation to get to food sources on the other side of town. The most important thing is to discuss and communicate with folks to find out the real needs.” The West Gateway Coalition places emphasis on resources available in the community itself, from its scholarship fund to cleanup initiatives to fundraising events at their weekly meetings. “Another valuable thing we have is that elected officials are involved with us,” Thompson says. “Every week on Wednesdays we meet and have a keynote speaker discuss the neighborhood. We’ve had our state representative speak, as well as the mayor, the fire chief and the police chief speak with us.”
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
Sinnissippi Park
Levings Park
Ingersoll Centennial Park
Davis Park at Founders Landing
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Picnic Area
Trails
Levings Lake
Anna Page Park
Andrews Park
Transit
Airport
Chicago/Rockford International
19 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West Gateway Coalition
US
Homicide
8
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Gateway Coalition, Rockford sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in West Gateway Coalition, Rockford over the last 12 months is $83,685, up 26% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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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
10,744
Median Age
31
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
32.9%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.7%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$29,421
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$40,835
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
75.5%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
8.2%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.9%
% Population in Labor Force
57.6%
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®
36/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
40/ 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.
