A pharmacy student moving to Rockford, Illinois (Chicago, Niles: apartment, to rent)

[chicagoguy87]

First, some things about me. I'm a male from Chicago, specifically the Bridgeport/McKinley Park area, so I am familiar with gangs and violence.

This is my first time moving out of my parent's house (I know, I'm so lame haha) so this will be a new experience. I'm also kind of nervous since it's my first time living alone. I'm a very quiet person and will spend most of my time studying with friends+classmates. I am not into the bar/party scene at all.

When I tell people that I will be moving to Rockford for school, they give me a sorry look and tell me how horrible Rockford is. Is it really true?

They specifically tell me the west side is horrible. I am confused as to what is considered west - do they mean west of the river? I believe the UIC campus is just east of the river so is that area considered "safe"?

I will buy a used car soon since people tell me that everything is 10-20 minutes away. Hopefully, rent is affordable.

Any opinions, both positive and negative, are appreciated. Thanks!

I plan on visiting Rockford in June to survey the area and looking for suitable housing. Until then... any feedback is welcomed

[NYC2CHI]

Rockford native here. You'll be attending school at the UI College of Medicine at Rockford. This is located in a very safe established area and, in fact, one of the more beautiful sections of town.
Rockford is divided by the Rock River and that delineates west side and east side. Much of the central west and SW parts of town are rough to very rough. NW is better, but you'll have very little reason to go to the west side at all. The central east and SE parts of town nearest the river are also not very desirable. In general, Rockford's downtown area is nothing to write home about, although some cultural opportunities exist there. The river is beautiful and has a trail and other amenities on the east side north of downtown.
Seek housing in NE or SE Rockford. State Street is the N/S dividing line. If NE, stay east of Prospect. If SE, stay east of Fairview/Peter/31st/Ohio. NE includes Loves Park and Machesney Park suburban areas.
Good luck!

[MSchemist80]

I have an interview later this week at Thermo-Fisher Scientific. It is way out NW in farm country Meridian RD and Dickinson RD. If it goes well I'd need to rent a room or something in the area as I live in Niles near Chicago right now. What areas of the NW are good?

Thanks

[NYC2CHI]

Hi Chemist,

Stay north of Fulton Av. in NW Rockford. You can also look on the east side around Riverside Blvd. Easy to zip across the river and get to work that way.

Other options are the village of Winnebago or even Freeport if you don't mind driving a little bit to work. No traffic from the west.

-N2C

[chicagoguy87]

Originally Posted by NYC2CHI

Rockford native here. You'll be attending school at the UI College of Medicine at Rockford. This is located in a very safe established area and, in fact, one of the more beautiful sections of town.
Rockford is divided by the Rock River and that delineates west side and east side. Much of the central west and SW parts of town are rough to very rough. NW is better, but you'll have very little reason to go to the west side at all. The central east and SE parts of town nearest the river are also not very desirable. In general, Rockford's downtown area is nothing to write home about, although some cultural opportunities exist there. The river is beautiful and has a trail and other amenities on the east side north of downtown.
Seek housing in NE or SE Rockford. State Street is the N/S dividing line. If NE, stay east of Prospect. If SE, stay east of Fairview/Peter/31st/Ohio. NE includes Loves Park and Machesney Park suburban areas.
Good luck!

Thanks for such detailed info! I will be sure to hit up Google maps to do a quick survey of the area you are referring to. I'm still in class and on a horribly slow netbook, but I will rep you when I get home. THANKS! You have been really helpful

[chicagoguy87]

Oh and just one more question. Is rent comparable anywhere in Rockford? Or is it safe to assume that the safer areas like NE and SE are a bit more expensive?

[chicagoguy87]

Originally Posted by chicagoguy87

Oh and just one more question. Is rent comparable anywhere in Rockford? Or is it safe to assume that the safer areas like NE and SE are a bit more expensive?

Oops, I meant: is rent similarly priced everywhere in Rockford?

[NYC2CHI]

Sorry - not familiar with rents at all. I would think that rents would be higher in nicer areas as in most any city.

[phl76]

Just for reference, we pay $1625/month for a 3br home with a 2 car garage on the east side of Rockford.

Speaking with some people, this is a bit on the high side and it's probably more house than you really need if you're living by yourself.

Coming from Chicago, you'll probably find that you'll get more for your money out here.

[djbridgeland]

Rents very depending upon the area. You can find a studio for $250 in the bad areas all the way up to several 1,000 for a nice new house. For a 1 bedroom apartment expect to spend at least $450 a month for a decent apartment. Anything less and you will probably land you in one of the not so desirable areas.