Our region provides opportunities for good jobs and a great quality of life
The Rockford Region is a community focused on the quality of life for both its residents and its companies. Striving to be a Top 25 community, the region is competitive with the best in the US and throughout the world.
The Rockford Region’s positive business environment is matched by a great quality of life for residents and visitors in north-central Illinois! Rockford is the state’s third-largest city and an attractive regional center for people to live, work and play.
The advantages include big-city lifestyle but with a small town feel. We have world-class attractions and activities throughout the year; which can be accessed without the congestion and hassle associated with major metropolitan areas.
Recreation
The Rockford Park District maintains award-winning parks and recreational opportunities thought out Winnebago County. The region is one of the nation’s leading hubs for amateur sports tourism featuring Mercyhealth Sportscore One and Mercyhealth Sports Core 2, UW Health Sports Factory (view the 360° tour), and many other facilities and parks to suit your requirements.
The Rock River flows through a dynamic riverfront downtown featuring restaurants, unique shops, the BMO Harris Bank Center home to the Rockford Ice Hogs who are affiliated with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Looking for more things to do in the Rockford Region? The Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau website has an endless supply of information about upcoming events for the cities, villages, and townships of the Rockford Region.
Home & Cost of Living
The Rockford Region is home to communities both large and small and provides a wide array of lifestyle options from downtown lofts to quiet tree-lined historic neighborhoods. Live near the river or in a rural home with plenty of space around you. Wherever you choose to call home consider the average commute is 20 minutes. And of course, the people are famous for our friendliness.
The Rockford Region’s cost of living is approximately 24% lower than the national average. This leaves you with more time and more money.
Contact a REALTOR® to discuss housing options to suit your needs.
Destinations Near & Far
You don’t need to leave the area to have fun but if you want to plan a day trip or even a weekend trip our close proximity to Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison offer diverse choices.
However, if you want to really get-away, fly out of Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD); featuring both mountainous and warm weather destinations you’ll be on your way to adventure faster than it takes to get through other airport’s security lines.
Education
We are home to several public and private education options for K-12 and higher education. Rockford Public Schools District 205 has been named the 3rd Ford Next Generation Model Community in the nation.
Higher education has also been a focus for workforce development initiatives. A new partnership between Northern Illinois University and Rock Valley College will allow students to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Applied Manufacturing Technology while staying in Rockford. The University of Illinois Medical School is also adding 50 new first-year students to their Rockford Campus and OSF Healthcare has partnered with Rock Valley College for a new 4-year nursing degree program.
The new maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility at the Chicago Rockford International Airport has resulted in Rock Valley College expanding their Aviation Maintenance Technology program.
Videos
Through the use of traditional, nontraditional media, and online marketing the RAEDC works with our investors, stakeholders, and partners to promote the Rockford Area outside the region as Your Opportunity Region through sharing regional videos.
