Industry and Rockford history define the residential streets surrounding South Sixth Street. Several of the city’s biggest distribution centers make their homes right outside of these residential areas. Kishwaukee Street and Broadway, previously two of the city’s largest commercial areas, intersect at the neighborhood’s northwest corner. Single-family homes and apartment complexes line these roads with investment potential. Though retail business may pale in comparison to the nearby Midtown District or downtown Rockford, this area of southeast Rockford is seeing recent developments, from road improvements to new public schools.
Getting to work and to downtown Rockford
Sidewalks connect the community, and industrial centers flank its streets to the south and west, so some residents may be able to get to work on foot. By and large, they depend on cars or public transportation. The Rockford Mass Transit System has bus stops along each north-south thoroughfare, taking residents 3 miles to downtown. Besides Kishwaukee Street to the east, 7th Street is a main two-way route to employers in the Midtown District like UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital 2 miles away. Rent A Car Rockford on 21st Avenue can shuttle customers 3 miles south to Chicago Rockford International Airport. Although South Sixth Street has relatively low crime overall — with a Cap Index score of 6 out of 10, compared with the national average of 4 — the neighborhood scores an 8 for other violent crimes.
The bus system is convenient for the people calling South Sixth Street home.
When viewed from above, South Sixth Street is nestled between trees and quaint homes.
1/2
Southeast Rockford duplexes and bungalows
Like the rest of downtown Rockford, the areas south of 15th Avenue are flush with homes built as early as 1900. On some streets, drivers pass American Foursquares, tenant-occupied duplexes and brick, multifamily buildings with up to four units. Other common styles include Chicago bungalows and National Folk homes with front porches or three-season rooms. These have good bones and perks like fully fenced backyards — but many have stood vacant for years and need considerable renovations, says Aimee Leon, an agent with Gambino Realtors who has sold homes in the area. “That’s common throughout Rockford right now, too,” she says. “The market has a lot of investors.” Road conditions vary, from the red brick on 5th Street to the bumpy, cracked asphalt in the rest of the area. From their homes, many residents can see a Rockford Park District pocket playground or an employer like PCI or J.L. Clark. Prices throughout the area range from $40,000 for a property in need of many repairs to $175,000 for a turnkey home.
Duplexes line the streets in some South Sixth Street neighborhoods.
Smaller families can call South Sixth Street home in these cute houses in Rockford.
1/2
Late-night dinner at TNT’s or shopping on Broadway
Broadway and Kishwaukee Street have limited shopping and dining options. But folks can grab essentials from Family Dollar before pulling around the drive-thru at Mr. J’s, which serves Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, Maxwell Polish sausages and pork chops. A Walgreens pharmacy is also nearby, along with several Asian and international markets. Guanajuato Rockford is the nearest full-scale grocery store, 1.5 miles away across the Rock River. A flashing sign, slot machines and several big-screen TVs set the tone at TNT’s, which is across the street from the industrial centers on 23rd Avenue. The restaurant and bar opens at 7 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays for breakfast and stays open with a full kitchen until 2 a.m. Customers play cornhole in the beer garden out back in the warmer months and can buy a 12-pack of beer to-go from behind the counter.
Late night dinner or early breakfast at TNTs in Sixth South Street is a nice option for locals.
The local retail in the South Sixth Street is great for picking up prescriptions and more.
1/2
A meandering drive through BlackHawk Park
Save for the occasional pocket park, homeowners surrounding South 6th Street will need to walk or drive up to a mile to reach outdoor green spaces. Fifteenth Avenue leads west to Black Hawk Park, where visitors enjoy Rock River views or take a tree-shaded drive. Dappled sunlight filters through the branches of elms that stood strong against Rockford’s Dutch elm disease epidemic of 1954. The park has several shelters and picnic areas with grills available for rent, along with a small playground. Tenth Avenue Park offers another retreat from the urban environment along the curve of Keith Creek.
South Sixth Street residents can enjoy long walks and baseball games to unwind after work.
Tenth Street Park in South Sixth Street has charming walking bridges and parks to relax at.
1/2
Rockford public, charter, and private schools
In addition to Rockford Public Schools buses, all kids in the district can ride Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) buses for free. Kids in southeast Rockford are zoned for Constance Lane Elementary School, which opened in 2017 and has yet to receive a grade from Niche, or Riverdahl Elementary School, which has a C-minus. The city plans to replace the 100-year-old bridge over Keith Creek on 8th Avenue to create a safer route to Constance Lane. Rockford Environmental Science Academy (RESA) Middle School scores a C-minus. Jefferson High School has a C-plus rating. Jackson Charter School, which scores a C-minus, provides free transportation to Rockford residents and curates a STEM-focused education. Kids in Rockford get priority registration at tuition-based All Saints Catholic Academy, which teaches prekindergarten through eighth grade, and B-plus-rated Christian Life Schools, which serves prekindergarten through 12th grade.
Riverdahl Elementary School is a public elementary school in South Sixth Street Rockford.
Jefferson High School in South Sixth Street is a place where kids can feel safe learning.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Jessica Slusher,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Blackhawk Park
Ingersoll Centennial Park
Davis Park at Founders Landing
Beattie Park Playground
Tenth Avenue Park
UW Health Sports Factory
Transit
Airport
Chicago/Rockford International
16 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Sixth Street
US
Homicide
8
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Sixth Street, Rockford sell after 15 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in South Sixth Street, Rockford over the last 12 months is $89,250, up 62% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Buildable corner lot, in the city of Rockford. Close to local hospital and downtown area, close to public transit, 15 min from expressway. City water and hookups available.
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Jessica Slusher,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,529
Median Age
34
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.3%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$46,521
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$49,200
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
75.3%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
1.9%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0.9%
% Population in Labor Force
60.4%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
49/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
53/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
