drug abuse areas - 1/22/2008

nice areas and bad areas drugs have crime at the top in almost every city also alot of good still around just have to be aware.

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conservative city - 1/10/2008

Too conservative for my taste but the cost of housing is some of the lowest in the country and since Chicago and Madison are only an hour away there is plenty of culture just a short drive away.

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I wish I lived in Rockford - 10/9/2007

Rockford will always hold a special place in my heart, I grew up there. When I was younger I could not wait to get out of Rockford, now I know that, that is just young age speaking. I moved away to go to college and have live in several different cities. I miss the weather, I live in the south were it is always warm and I get tired of it -- when is it ever going to cool off! As for things to do there is always something going on in Rockford in the summer you've got Magic Waters, or any of the parks to go fishing in, take a hike, or go camping. In the Fall you got the Edwards, the pumpkin patch, corn mazes, haunted houses, and the parks again. The winter time you've got the Icehogs -- go hogs, the icehouse, the parks, and plenty of winter sports to try out. The spring is not as exciting as the rest of the year but you should go visit the local museums their awesome. Plus you close to Chicago and Wisconsin, how can you beat it. I am here to tell everyone yeah, some places suck to live in but what I have learn in my 27 years, is that a place is only as fun as the person living in it. As for taxes yup they are high, but I think that it worth it. The cost of living is real low, so I guess it balances out, if its not one thing its another. Crime rate is high but I really think crime is high every where, just be as smart as you can be, protect yourself, and your property. Someday I plan on moving back and I hope that it is soon. I enjoy so much about that area, and I hope you will too!

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"I like it" - 9/2/2007

Rockford has actually come a long way in recent years. Though the schools tend to be subpar the education system is on an upswing. Test scores are improving and there is much effort from school officials to change the current situation. There is a lot to do in Rockford so you don't have to drive to Chicago to find some interesting things to do. There is a Border's. Starbuck's, shopping malls, and a huge State Park with trails to hike and such. This is a wonderful place to live if people would give it a chance. All cities have there problems and talking about the negatvies vs the positives always make the situation seem more grim. I love Rockford and would not live anywhere else. If you are considering relocating, check out the east side of the city where there is less crime and wonderful neighborhoods with beautiful trees and quiet streets.

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A community with vast room for improvement - 8/29/2007

Downtown features a huge new prison as a response to having the state's highest crime and unemployment rates. Major gang problem and extensive drug dealing that local officials seem unable to get a handle on. Premier live theater went bankrupt. Pinnacles of higher education are a junior college and a private college with severe financial problems. Strong park system and bike paths, but severe flooding problems in some parts of the city, parts of which were suggested for evacuation due to fears that a dam would fail and innudate a swath of the city during recent heavy flooding. Large number of vacant former factory space would be suitable for converstion to apartments. Good job opportunities for fork lift operators, etc., in the warehouse and materials handling industries plus work in telephone call centers. Real estate market is essentially stagnant with price increases below the rate of inflation for the past 10 years or more. Growth of Chicago will eventually impact the local economy as the area becomes a bedroom community for commuting to Chicago area about 80 miles away. Some work on developing commuter rail, which will hasten the suburbanization process. Also, work underway to develop more air traffic at local airport on the south edge of the city, whose landing flight path extends over much of the city. Decaying areas on the southwest side should be suitable for gentrification if the proposed commuter rail system goes into that area. Great potential for improvement if the right developments click into place. Already is developing some reputation as a retirement community due to extremely low living and housing costs plus three hospitals in the area.

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You get what you ask for. - 7/11/2007

The newly built jail that is just short from being a penitentiary in the center of down town clearly speaks for itself as far as the crime rate. The school system is horrible; make sure that you have the funds to pay for private education if you have any hopes for your child or children future. Housing is low but the taxes area killer. All I can say is that I wish you luck on your relocation.

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Paying for what privilege? - 6/5/2007

Housing is affordable in ROckford, but the taxes are some of the highest in the country. My main beef with that is that in Rockford, you don't get anything for your tax dollar. It's no special prize to live in Rockford.

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Finally a city that's down to earth - 11/8/2006

I have recently moved from the Chicago suburbs to Rockford, & have been extremely pleased in all aspects. When I went out on the town to Chicago, it was a project (and exensive!). First, I had to pick a day when traffic wasn't bad, & when finally getting downtown, it would take over 20 minutes just to find parking, & would cost about $20 for the night. I remember my car getting ticketed at exactly 7:10am because I was ten minutes late during rush hour to move my car. Rockford is a totally different story. The nightlife by the River District is peaceful, and most of the time, you can find FREE street parking, NO meters! There's even a multi-level FREE parking garage that's close to everything. The people in Rockford are friendlier and much more laid back. They don't waste their time fussing over traffic jams and being late for work. Rockford is also much less expensive in all aspects, their groceries, shopping, and dining. Downtown Rockford is gradually becoming more desirable due to the loft/condominium housing projects that are beautifying the city. There's the metro centre, the Coronado theatre, many different ethnic restaurants and nightclubs to choose from. Rockford is a low-maintainance city, so if you're tired of living in Chicago because of all the traffic and expenses, this is a great place to call home. The real estate is soooo much cheaper. Many people are moving out here and working in between Rockford/Chicago, which saves them a lot of money in the long run. It's a beautiful city with a small town feel, and the city doesn't rob their citizens of every penny they have like Chicago.

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Cost of Living - 9/17/2006

The Cost of Living is cheaper here than it is in Chicago but the area isn't the best in terms of finding a good job.

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Rockford - 9/8/2006

Rockford IL is a good place to live in.

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Rockford "All American City" - 7/5/2006

We're the Forest City, where you can find affordable homes on tree-lined streets in friendly neighborhoods. Our central location, with easy access to major highways, rail service and one of the fastest growing airports in the country, makes Rockford a great location for new business development. We're the home of Illinois' largest music festival, On the Waterfront; Jane, the dinosaur, at the Burpee Museum of Natural History; and we're the hometown of the internationally-known rock group, Cheap Trick. We have a proud past and an even brighter future. We think you'll find that Rockford is a wonderful place to raise a family or grow your business.

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Hay Jeff, (or anyone) more info please - 6/20/2006

Can you (or anyone)give me more info about rockford? Id'e like a lot more info about how It REALLY is. What is meant by "bad schools" do you mean teacher pay? And, how does the place feel? is it "progressive" or "right wing" are the cop's cool,or are they uptight; on-edge and beat/kill crazy like L.A cop's any and all info would help,the longer the better.Thank's to all.

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Definate good aspects - definate bad aspects - 5/23/2006

Great park district, beautiful area. School system is very poor. Cost of living is moderate except for the schools impact on taxes.

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rockford illinois - 8/28/2005

It is in my belief that Rockford, Illinois is totally boring. There is not much to do here with your children. The weather is miserable, except the fall season. Crime rate is going up. The city is getting dirtier. The education system is a total failure. They do not invest in our future, the children.

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