Rockford Quality of Life
QUALITY OF LIFE
The Rockford region’s positive business environment is matched by the great quality-of-life it provides to residents and visitors! Rockford is historically Illinois’ second largest city, and as such enjoys an outstanding quality-of-life. Businesses operating in Rockford and their employees enjoy tremendous advantages.
1) Close proximity to Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison’s Cultural, Ethnic, Recreational, Educational and Athletic attractions/assets. Residents enjoy daytrips as well as weekend get-a-ways to the windy city with great regularity.
2) Rockford’s own Cultural, Ethnic, Recreational, Educational and Athletic attractions/assets. Two examples of Rockford enhanced QOL attributes are as follows: Rockford is currently hosting Sweden’s famed Valien artists, and beginning with the 2007-2008 season, the Chicago Blackhawks (National Hockey League) will have their “AAA” farm club team in Rockford.
3) The Chicago-Rockford-Milwaukee region’s Air Transportation Network.
4) Low cost housing, the Rockford area is typically ranked #10 most affordable MSA in America
5) Excellent Schools; several area school districts are considered to be in the top 10 academically performing districts in the State of Illinois, public and private
6) Safe and friendly neighborhoods and rural hamlets
7) The region is void of natural disaster risks so prevalent in coastal states and along major water ways, and enjoys a mild climate.
The Rockford Metro Area’s population has grown steady since 2000, and is the fastest growing metro market in the state of Illinois. The median home cost in the Rockford Metro Area is about $120,870. The market is one of the most affordable housing markets in the entire Midwest, and much less expensive than its contiguous metro market of Chicago. The average commute time for area residents is less than 20 minutes.
Compared to the rest of the country, the Rockford Metro Area’s cost of living is typically about 15% Lower than the U.S. average. The lower living expenses coupled with access to amenities of Rockford, Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison give the Rockford area residents a superior Quality of Life and Standard of Living.
Rockford’s greatest strength is tied to its proximity to Chicago. It is close enough to its amenities to use them, but not so much that it is drawn into Chicago’s congestion and costs. Where other than Rockford, Illinois can you get locally-grown crops at a morning farmers’ market, zip down a body waterslide in the afternoon, and see an evening American Hockey League game all in one day?… Nowhere! Now known as a “City of Gardens”, Rockford balances big city sophistication with hometown appeal. Plentiful attractions, historical sites, restaurants, events and activities make Rockford a novel place to meet, work, live, and play.
