Rockford is in Winnebago County, located in the far northern part of the Illinois State. It is the fourth largest city in the state and the largest city outside the Chicago Metropolitan Area, with a location on the Rock River making it prime for industrial growth. Known as the ‘Forest City,’ Rockford is home to various venues of cultural and historical significance, so you’ll never be short of things to do!
If you are looking for cheap rooms for rent in Rockford, read on to learn about the city, average rent, and more!
Previously known as the village of Midway, the spot was renamed Rockford in 1837. A part of the industrial cluster known as the Rust Belt, it was once a major industrial city with heavy machinery output, but experienced an industrial decline in the latter half of the 20th Century. Located in the Midwest, Rockford is naturally a deciduous forest and has clearly defined seasons.
If you’re looking for rooms for rent in Rockford, you can expect hot and humid summers – though the winters can be biting cold due to the arctic winds. The city is prone to violent thunderstorms between March and June, with the heaviest rainfall appearing in June.
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Finding rooms for rent in Rockford
Rockford has an area of 61.949 square miles and a population of 145,609 as of 2019. In recent years, major efforts have been made to revitalize the city’s economy. As result, the city has seen a growth in the automotive, tourism, aerospace, and healthcare industries. This, along with its rich history and culture, is great news for anyone looking for rooms for rent in Rockford.
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Top neighborhoods in Rockford
- New Milford: This neighborhood is great for young professionals and families, with a small community feel. Located on the southern edge of the Rockford metro area, it is located close to the Chicago Rockford International Airport. The neighborhood is currently expanding and has great potential for commercial growth, making it a great place to find rooms for rent in Rockford.
- Kishwaukee: Kishwaukee is a good spot to find cheap rooms for rent in Rockford with rent prices below the city and state averages. Known to be a more rural neighborhood, your commute may be a bit longer. It’s also known for its diversity, with more residents with Swedish and Lithuanian ancestry than any other city in the country!
- Westmoreland: Low rents and high vacancy rates make it easy to find cheap rooms for rent in Rockford. A more suburban neighborhood, you can find houses as well as historical buildings to rent here. This neighborhood is also known for being safe and suitable for families.
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Average rent in Rockford
| Rooms For Rent In Rockford | Average Rent |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment For Rent in Rockford | $561 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment For Rent in Rockford | $1,902 |
Top Universities in Rockford:
- Rockford University
- Rock Valley College
- Rasmussen University – Rockford
- Kishwaukee College
- Rockford Career College
University life in Rockford
You can find decent options for higher education as well as satellite branches of other schools in Rockford. However, the region lacks public 4-year universities. If you are looking for rooms for rent in Rockford to study, your options might be limited. Here are the top universities and living costs in Rockford.
Average cost of living in Rockford
| Particulars | Cost per Month |
| Rent | $683.33 |
| Travelling | $60.00 |
| Utilities | $211.00 |
| Food | $1158 |
| Health Insurance | $100 |
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How transit-friendly is Rockford?
1. Taxis in Rockford IL
Grabbing taxis in Rockford is generally easy, safe and convenient. Taxi rates in Rockford are slightly higher than in most cities, but ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also available. They may be necessary if you are looking for rooms for rent in Rockford in an out-of-the-way area.
| Taxi Rates for | Cost |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | $3.25 |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | $26.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | $1.62 |
2. Airports in Rockford
There are three airports that serve Rockford, so you shouldn’t have a problem getting here by plane to find rooms for rent in Rockford. The Chicago Rockford International Airport is served by Allegiant Air with service to four destinations. The Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin is also just 20 minutes north of Rockford. The nearest full-service airport is Chicago O’Hare International Airport, which offers flights to most domestic and international destinations.
3. Buses in Rockford
Buses in Rockford are operated by the Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD). They offer regular bus services along with paratransit services – covering Rockford, Loves Park, and Machesney Park. If you are looking for rooms for rent in Rockford, you can find the bus routes over on their website. The Greyhound Buses and Van Galder Bus Company provide intercity bus services in Rockford.
4. Cycling in Rockford
Rockford has many great cycling routes and it can also be a great way to commute, although rainy weather between March and June might put you off. You can find a cycling route map online as well as a community of cyclists in the city. The LimeBike bicycle-sharing network is also available, making it easy to rent cycles through their mobile app.
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Cultural activities in Rockford
Riverfront Museum Park:
This museum park is a great place to visit when you’re looking for rooms for rent in Rockford. Home to three museums, this is a great spot to learn about history and art. This museum complex attracts tourists and locals alike with areas to explore and walk about. The three museums here are:
The Coronado Performing Arts Center:
The Coronado Performing Arts Center is a 2,400-seat theatre, designed by architect Frederic J. Klein. This historic “atmospheric” style theatre cost $1.5 million to build and was opened on October 9, 1927. Why not catch a show when you are looking for rooms for rent in Rockford? You can enjoy Broadway shows, concerts, and other awesome performances.
Anderson Japanese Gardens:
These gardens were established by John R. Anderson and landscape architect Hoichi Kurisu in 1978. An attraction for locals as well as tourists, explore waterfalls and ponds, streams, rock formations, winding paths, and much more. We think this is the perfect getaway if you’re looking for rooms for rent in Rockford.
Dining in Rockford IL
- JMK Nippon: This is a must-visit if you are visiting or looking for rooms for rent in Rockford. A major attraction, this restaurant serves great authentic Japanese cuisine. The teppan-yaki, sukiyaki, and shabu-shabu are highly recommended.
- Carlyle Brewing Co: This warm local brewpub offers an array of craft beers and snacks in a brick-walled space, and is a great place to hang out and grab late-night drinks and snacks. Their signature Vanilla Cream ale is a favorite along with their thin crust pizza.
- The Olympic Tavern: A local favorite, this joint offers great drinks and food while staying open till midnight. Enjoy the warm and vibrant indoor bar or the open patio in the warmer months. They also take orders online and host events regularly. A must-see place for a night out if you are looking for rooms for rent in Rockford.
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