Storage Units Near Rockford

Moving and storage go hand in hand. Whether traveling across town or the country, Moving is an exciting and fresh start. While we are here to help you with all your storage needs, we also want to help you get familiar with the area. That's why we put together this resource guide for Rockford.

About Rockford, IL

Rockford, Illinois, nestled along the banks of the Rock River, boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in the early 19th century. Long before European pioneers set their sights on this land, Native American tribes like the Potawatomi and Winnebago called it home. They were drawn here by the river's strategic location, seeing its potential as a prime spot for setting up camp. In 1834, Germanicus Kent and Thatcher Blake arrived in the region, establishing a settlement that would soon become Rockford.

When the railroad hit Rockford in the middle of the 19th century, it was like flipping a switch. Suddenly, this town turned into a buzzing hub where manufacturing and commerce were booming. Rockford really made a name for itself in the world of furniture making, not to mention its booming machinery production and textile industries. It's no wonder they started calling it "The Forest City" - a nod to its standout role in crafting top-notch furniture.

Rockford became a beacon of education in 1847, with Rockford College, which we now know as Rockford University.

Lately, Rockford has been sprucing itself up big time, focusing its efforts on bringing new life to the downtown area and really stepping up its game in making sure everyone in the community feels involved. The city's riverside has really come alive! It's now a bustling spot where you can find parks to lounge in, bike paths for an afternoon ride, and even outdoor concert venues that bring the community together with music under the stars.

What To Do in Rockford, IL

In Rockford, you're never short of fun things to do and cool spots to check out. Here are some popular places.

• Culture: Rockford's cultural scene is as colorful and varied as its rich history. The city's buzzing with an incredible arts vibe, thanks to places like the. On top of that, Rockford's music scene isn't just buzzing—it's given us some real stars. Take Cheap Trick, for example. This rock band didn't just make waves; they became international sensations back in the 70s.
• Museums: At Rockford Art Museum, you can dive into a rich mix of both modern and classic art pieces that'll leave you inspired. Also, check out the Burpee Museum of Natural History with fossils and bones, where prehistoric history comes to life.
• Gardens: The Anderson Japanese Gardens and the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens stand as a testament to Rockford's commitment to preserving natural beauty and providing spaces for community enrichment and cultural exchange. If you're chasing a peaceful spot to unwind or eager for some botanical adventures, these city-center gardens are your ticket to diving into nature's marvels without leaving downtown.

Working in Rockford, IL

The local economy benefits from the sectors of health care, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and tourism. The city's unemployment rate is too high at 10.1%, nearly triple the U.S. average. The median household income here is $47,002 per year, which is about $22k lower than the U.S. average of $69,021.

The economy’s growth is not keeping up with the national average. Rockford’s predicted job growth rate for the next ten years is 21.9%, much lower than the national rate expected to be 33.5%.

Industries offering the most jobs are health care (14.6%), transportation equipment (5.9%), education (7.8%), metal/metal products (4.2%), accommodations/restaurants (7.5%), administration/waste management (4.8%), and construction (3.7%).

Rockford, IL Neighborhoods

The most expensive neighborhoods are Deer Point Estates, Country Club Estates, Prairie Ridge, and Spring Lake, with home prices going up to $400,000. Here are a few nice neighborhoods with more modest prices.

• Gambino Park: Homes in this neighborhood were mostly built in the 1970s and 1980s. The median home price is $256,435. The average rent is $1,808. The vacancy rate is 4.9%.
• Edgebrook / Hawthorn Hills: The median home price is $261,139. The average rent is $1,653. The vacancy rate is 1.5%, so it is challenging to find an available place.
• Bello Reserve: The median home price is $255,796. The average rent is $1,679. The vacancy rate is 3.7%.
• Newburg Chase / Old Orchard: The median home price is $251,814. The average rent is $1,294. The vacancy rate is 6.8%.

Rockford, IL School District

The administrator for the public school is the Rockford School District. The school district budget is $16,173 per year for each student. The student-to-teacher ratio is 15 to one.

Rockford has 26 private schools. The top three are Alpine Christian School, Rockford Lutheran Academy, and St. Rita School.

Rockford has three colleges and there are 138 colleges and universities within 100 miles. There are many two-year colleges in nearby communities. Choices for four-year colleges and universities include Rockford University (downtown), Beloit College (7 miles from downtown), and Northern Illinois University (27 miles from the town).

Moving to Rockford, IL Resource Guide

Rockford’s municipal government consists of an elected mayor and the Rockford City Council, which has 14 elected aldermen. More information is found on the City of Rockford's website.

The city parks, recreational facilities, and sports fields are maintained by the Rockford Public Works Department. Each year, there are themed festivals, sporting events, parades, and local neighborhood gatherings. There are athletic/fitness programs for youth, adults, and seniors.

Rockford, IL Housing

The median price in Rockford is $154,900. The price trend is up 23.9% in recent years. The housing market is a seller’s market, with fewer homes listed for sale than interested buyers. Housing costs are 39% lower than the American average. The cost of living is 12% less than other Illinois cities and 16% lower than the national average.