A "Hallmark" town just 20 minutes from Grand Rapids
Like many towns in Michigan, Rockford sprung up because of its proximity to a river and a railroad line. Its biggest period of growth came in the early 1900s, as a large shoe company and tannery supported the local economy. That company would grow into Wolverine Worldwide, still the area's biggest employer. Today, Rockford is known for being a small-town suburb 15 miles north of Grand Rapids. Though the small city's population is around 6,000 people, the surrounding land is rapidly being turned into subdivisions as Kent County's demand for housing rises.
A small-town feel and highly rated schools bring homebuyers to the area, but it's the community that keeps them there. "I raised my family here, and I can't think of a better place to live," says Lu Anne Baar, associate broker and co-owner of Rockford Realty, who has lived in Rockford for over 30 years. "I love being here, and I love helping people find their own houses here."
Megan Dean, the city's Chamber of Commerce executive director and lifelong resident, agrees. "The number one word that comes to mind when I think of Rockford is 'Hallmark.' I think there's a bit of a misconception that small-town means sleepy. Rockford is so lively, with events, stores and restaurants that come together to form a strong community," Dean says.
Most of the residential homes are condensed around downtown with the rest being more rural.
Wolverine Worldwide is one of the largest employers in Rockford.
The Rockford Dam on the Rogue River is right next to downtown.
Downtown Rockford has beautiful and colorful murals starting to pop up.
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Strolling between breweries and bookstores
Rockford's downtown is the heart of the city. "The area is known to be very walkable with cute little boutiques and restaurants,” Baar says. “There is also every type of restaurant and cuisine within strolling distance.” There's a bookstore, bowling alley, toy store, and day-to-day conveniences like banks and a post office. Coffee shops and restaurants complement a few bars and breweries. The downtown district is recognized as the Rockford Outdoor Refreshment Area, meaning alcoholic beverages are allowed outside on weekends. Locals could grab a hot dog and beer from the long-standing Rockford Corner Bar and then picnic by the riverside. Over at the Rockford Brewing Company, there are regular live music performances by local artists.
The city also plans to continue developing downtown, bringing in new businesses and life. The Hotel Rose development, including new retail and restaurants, broke ground in 2024 and is expected to open to visitors in the summer of 2025. Garden Club Park is also getting renovations, including outdoor fire pits and increased seating. "The park renovation allows more space to enjoy the outdoor social area, so you can grab a drink and sit by the dam. And the hotel will hopefully bring in a lot more business," Dean says. "We are putting a new face on the older, charming Rockford."
The Rose Hotel is a three-story boutique hotel coming to downtown Rockford.
Downtown Rockford rests on the edges of the Rouge River.
The Corner Bar in Rockford is a popular game-day hangout.
Downtown Rockford has a wonderful shopping district full of unique shops and boutiques.
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Year-round events include farmers markets and outdoor concerts
With almost 90% of residents owning their homes, neighbors tend to know each other and come together regularly for events. Every week from May to October, the Rockford Farmers Market showcases local farms and artisans. The parks surrounding the Rockford Dam are a central hub for most city events, as they are part of the outdoor refreshment area, and the dam is an iconic spot for the community. "It's like our version of Grand Rapids' Blue Bridge," Dean explains. The dam is the site of outdoor concerts and the Art in the Park celebration.
It's also the spot for the Start of Summer Festival, Rockford's biggest event, with a four-day carnival that includes food trucks, live music and fireworks. The Rockford Farmers Market runs from May to October. There's a Cinco De Mayo celebration in the spring, and Harvest Fest in the fall has pumpkin picking and face painting for the kids. The winter months might get cold, but Rockford embraces the season with holiday decorations and a Santa Parade.
In addition to an involved community, Rockford has a department of public safety that works to keep crime low in the city. According to FBI data, crime rates in Rockford are more than 3 times less than the national average and more than 5 times less than the Grand Rapids average.
Vintage homes surrounded by new construction
Rockford's oldest development is clustered around downtown, mainly early-1900s bungalows and mid-1900s ranch homes. However, most of Rockford's housing can be found in surrounding subdivisions. Built from the 1990s to the 2020s, these communities often have HOA fees and condo options. The median home price in Rockford is $430,000, and in August of 2024, about 63% of homes went for under the asking price. Smaller ranch homes and condos start at around $200,000, and new construction offering upwards of 2,000 square feet can cost up to $600,000. "It's a desirable area for relocation," Baar says. "It's not a place for Grand Rapids overflow, but a prime destination city itself."
Rockford is at risk for groundwater contamination by PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), also known as "forever chemicals," because the man-made chemicals practically never break down. This issue is primarily relevant to homes with well-water systems because most of the city uses municipal water. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has tested the municipal water and has shown no detection of PFAS.
Most of the homes in Rockford are centered around downtown.
Almost every kind of home style can be found and represented in Rockford.
Rockford has a lot of new home communities recently built or under construction.
Rockford has a become an extremely popular location for residents of Grand Rapids to move.
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Highly rated schools with a standout sports program
The city is part of Rockford Public Schools, which serves nearly 8,000 students, with nine elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The newest addition, Edgerton Trails Elementary School, opened in the summer of 2024 and features a state-of-the-art STEAM lab and 30 acres of ponds and woodlands to encourage outdoor learning. With an overall grade of A-minus by Niche, the district rates highly in all categories except for diversity. Rockford High School has a 98% graduation rate, and all of the district's schools are recognized as Blue Ribbon Exemplary Schools. Niche also rates Rockford Public Schools as the second-best district in Michigan for athletes. Rockford High School's varsity teams have won the state championships in more than 10 different sports, notably girl's lacrosse and boys' water polo.
Bike, swim, boat and ski in Rockford's parks
From city parks to rural natural areas, Rockford has plenty of ways to get outdoors. Kent County is home to nature preserves, hiking trails and fishing lakes, just a few minutes from the city. Rockford's green spaces include dog parks, playgrounds and riverside picnic areas. Running through the center of downtown, Rogue River is open for boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. "You might think of kayaking as a summer activity, but my favorite time is in the fall when all the trees change color," Dean says. Bikers and joggers can enjoy 92 miles of The White Pine Trail, which passes through Rockford and connects into Grand Rapids.
According to U.S. Climate Data, temperatures in Rockford regularly get below freezing in November through March, and the average annual snowfall is 76 inches. When the cold Michigan winters arrive, the White Pine Trail is also open for cross-country skiing. To find some shelter from the cold, the local Krause Memorial Public Library is a popular indoor spot for its regular events, including music lessons, story time and book clubs.
The Rockford Dam is a popular spot for visitors and locals to take in some beautiful views.
Rockford has an extensive system of parks and hiking trails for all to enjoy.
With multiple lakes located in Rockford, Michigan, boating is a popular pastime.
Rockford, Michigan residents can ride on the White Pine Trail from Garden Club Park.
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Hometown employers or commuting into Grand Rapids
Wolverine Worldwide is still the largest employer in Rockford, even after over 100 years of operation. The Byrne Industrial Park is also home to several other manufacturing companies. However, many workers in Rockford commute to Grand Rapids, which is known for its healthcare and higher education opportunities. Grand Rapids is 15 miles away, and there are no direct public transportation options. The trip is typically 20 minutes by car, occasionally 30 minutes with traffic. U.S. Route 131 and Beltline Avenue are some of the quickest ways into the bigger city. Grand Rapids also has the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, 20 miles south of Rockford.
Rockford has a large industrial park north of downtown, providing many jobs for locals.
There are several major roads that lead residents of Rockford into Grand Rapids.
Many residents of Rockford find employment with Wolverine Worldwide.
Rockford is a charming small town 10 miles north of the city of Grand Rapids.
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Written By
Catherine Lashley
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Fairfield
Video By
Amon Parson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Anthony DeBartolo,
an experienced agent in this area.
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