The dynamic city of Rockford is the economic focal point among several communities flourishing on the gently rolling land that flanks the Rock River in north central Illinois. With a population of more than 143,000, Rockford is the area's industrial center, its cultural heart, its commercial hub, and its major educational resource center. The homes of Rockford line shaded city streets, overlook the green fairways of golf courses, look out from the banks of the Rock River, hide all but out of sight in heavily wooded areas, and sparkle in the bright sunshine where corn fields once dominated. There is a home in the Rockford area to match every budget and lifestyle. The award winning schools of Rockford demand exceptionally high standards and provide them in staff, educators, buildings, and equipment.
Higher education is as near as the city's four college campuses.
The city's 185 neighborhood parks cover more than 4,000 acres and assure many opportunities for family fun and recreation. Business and industry thrive throughout the Rockford area. Rockford's State Street is a major commercial strip from downtown east to the city's edge. Several popular shopping malls also attract area shoppers. Many nationally renowned industrial firms and hundreds of lesser knowns take advantage of the skilled labor, transportation assets, and employee training facilities available in the city and its area.