The Worst Parts of Rockford, Illinois: Westside, Rockford, Illinois 5K.

[@ChrisHarden]

Rockford, Illinois Playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6qXaZ1tpr11eM0 Illinois Playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep6bYqykjNuIqa8 American Hoods Playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep6bYqykjNuIqa8 ==================================================================== EVERYTHING THAT I USE IN THE FIELD: Main Camera: amzn.to/3iS4vvF Side Cameras: amzn.to/2WuCYIs Media Mod for Camera: amzn.to/3j7CMGF Lav Mic: amzn.to/3lsMkz9 Drone: amzn.to/3ITcKBV SD Cards: amzn.to/3C2co9O Camera Mounts: amzn.to/2UXVR6p Cables Required for Longer Recordings: amzn.to/3BYnr3Q Computer: amzn.to/3787b2j External Hard Drive: amzn.to/3lb23Tf WHAT I USE AT HOME: Computer: amzn.to/3rKIdiN Sound Mixer: amzn.to/3C15Ubx Microphone: amzn.to/2VaCjvo Microphone Accessories: amzn.to/3v7A35Z INTERACTIVE MAP that shows you all of the places that I've made videos on: (Doesn't always work on mobile devices. Will always work on PC.) www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/edit?hl=en&mid=1Lhzf04ocimPu-ROkg4cfXEYEvKMNnlI5&ll=43.06219876674538%2C-83.82163216337808&z=10 SOCIAL MEDIA & CONTACT INFO: Email: [e-mail] On Twitter: twitter.com/Chris_Harden55 On Instagram: instagram.com/c_harden7/?... On Facebook: facebook.com/ChrisHardenYT/ DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. As an Amazon Associate I do earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. As always, thank you for supporting my channel!

[@wil7228]

Doing your videos midday might be easier on the eyes , just saying.

[@jje70]

I live near Rockford and know it well, have spent alot of time there. The furniture industry mostly died off 80+ years ago. The city's real claim to industrial fame was making machinery, fasteners and hardware. It is /was known as the screw capital of the world. At one time about 60% of fasteners, window and door hardware in the US was made in Rockford. Its really a shame to see what mismanagement and corruption have done to a once proud and prosperous community

[@302Mustang13]

The Screw City got screwed.

[@RuBBaBandBaM]

R.I.P. 2 DJ SCREW

[@Onyxmoon89]

Except for Gustfasons. Lol

[@helenabasquette7222]

they did s good job if hollowing if out dems blow big fst 😀✌️

[@markwells3435]

NAFA

[@galactose1]

Great video, as always. Have seen these parts of Rockford personally and your documentation of them is heavily appreciated. Your production efforts deserve applause, as usual. Thanks for your hard work.

[@ChrisHarden]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@katydid147]

As someone who was born in Rockford, worked at a state government agency in Rockford for 30 years and lived in the area until recently, I really appreciate the work you put into this video. I will be sure to follow your other videos.

[@PeculiarReactions]

I never thought I could sit and watch someone drive in area’s I’ve never been to. But you my friend are so informative and the quality is good to pass on.

[@ChrisHarden]

Thank you!

[@aharichannel1756]

I was born and raised in Rockford Illinois and currently still live here and I know exactly what you are talking about but the cost of living here is cheaper compared to a lot of other places and yes on West State a lot of houses have been tore down making it look so empty but lately Rockford has been working on creating new attractions like the Sports Factory which bring in a lot of visitors

[@DrakeUniverse]

Born and raised as well here. You just gotta try to look at the good in the community. There are a lot of great people who live here and their are positive outlets to go to.

[@donthespotter6550]

I am glad they tore down alot of houses especially by crusader

[@joshwoods5488]

That's what I've been thinking while watching this ,its not like our town is the worst in the country yeah we have problems but we're cleaning up

[@glennso47]

On the west side Crusader Clinic has put up a new medical building. Also the police department has split itself into three parts west side, mid town, and east side with three headquarters so that they can get to any emergencies quicker.

[@phil2945]

Yeah, it only takes a half-hour for them to show up.

[@paulinarittscher215]

After having lived in, Turin Italy, Atlanta GA, Montreal Ca, Guadalajara México, and now Rockford I can honestly say that of all the place, Rockford is were I've nem the most comfortable. Love the weather, love that everything is 5 minutes away, there's not huge traffic and no pollution and at the same time we have everything big cities have.....

[@kariny9457]

Love it!

[@thrasherx2k1]

I agree with you 100%. Plus it’s laid out very well and doesn’t have that many confusing roads. Most are just north south east west roads.

[@johannesmohner8695]

Man you are such a positive guy. Attitude and experiences are everything that counts. Go on !

[@paulinarittscher215]

@@johannesmohner8695 Thank you!

[@dachicagoan8185]

You're kidding right?

[@TenThumbsProductions]

Illinois feels like what Michigan felt like 20 years ago, which means the future ain’t bright

[@supremepartydude]

As a former Rockford resident it pains me to watch this. Get better soon my ole friend.

[@willnewman2418]

At least it ain’t Chicago southside

[@jeffhyde7934]

@@i4oneM that's bullshit! If you want to leave bad enough, you'll find a way! I'm an average Joe, drove a tow truck in Rockford and DeKalb, and I got fed up, and got the hell out of hellinois! Glad I went to Florida, our governor is awesome, unlike that fat joke you got stuck with!

[@anitaknight3915]

@@jeffhyde7934 it's my dream to go there as well!! Good for you! You're right so many sit around and complain and make excuses for not leaving their entire lives and I'm determined that won't be me.

[@Sheruff1978]

@@i4oneM if it becomes a bad place to be... ABSOLUTELY! I mean if ya prefer to stay and get drug down by the surroundings that's everyone's right. I'd rather get out and get to a place that's safer with better opportunities for me and my family.

[@chopsandtoots]

​@@willnewman2418that's not a high bar to pass.

[@JKNat9004]

Thank you for this video. This is the first video I've seen about Rockford or Illinois that doesn't just cast Rockford as a dump without any details or explaining. I appreciate your objectivity and efforts.

[@rosalindgibbs2980]

A shout out to my brother who lives in Rockford, Ill.

[@pennyrutter2782]

You started the vid, not too far from one of my fave camping spots, Seward's bluff. It's part of the winnebago county forest preserves. Best part of living in Rockford, is within 20 mins I have at least 5 really nice, and super cheap camping spots to go to. The best are the winnebago county preserve spots. If you like rustic camping, it's even cheaper! Thanks for the vid man, you came through my neck of the woods first. Just moved off Auburn last year...that tells you a lot. Lol Be well, stay safe, and keep traveling!

[@IamToniD]

I’ve lived in Rockford my entire life and just to let you know I’ve lived on every side of town and know the entire city very well You need to know that the Westside used to be where the crime was and the lower income families would live. I think the city wanted everyone to believe that every other side of town was safe and doing well but unfortunately around 2015 everything started changed Rockford would show it’s true colors.. it doesn’t matter what side of town you are on you have a strong chance of being a victim of being robbed at gun point, or even shot it don’t matter what side of town you are on this year alone we already lost to victims of being shot and killed at the mall which is on the BEST side of town. Just down the street from there a young man walked into a bowling alley and took more than 3 people lives.. Rockford is not a good place for ur children to grow up and be successful I always ask ppl why they moved to Rockford when I see somebody who just moved here Don’t move to Rockford!!

[@NickiMinaj45]

GIRL YOU AINT NEVER LIE I LIVED IN ROCKFORD FOR 10 YEARS AND IT WAS MESSED UP WAIT TILL IT GET COLD OUTSIDE DONT LET NOBODY NO WHAT YOU GOT IN YOUR HOUSE YOU GONNA GET ROBBED ITS BEST TO JUST DONT FUC WITH NOBODY STAY TO YOURSELF

[@GMICHAELG62]

I second the motion!

[@gracestone5922]

My family moved here in 1955 from Ms to escape Jim crow only to find him here.

[@brdwinqu9133]

I was born and raised in rockford till I left in 2009 visted twice since then and it's gone so downhill. I miss alot of things in rockford but not enough to make me even want to visit

[@fredwelf8650]

City Data indicates all crime categories in Rockford are higher than state averages and the number of police officers is 30% lower than state average.

[@danking9532]

When you first hit Rockford, you showed Blane's Farm and Fleet, I grew up on Westmoreland Ave. Lived there from 59-78, then moved around the city. Left for good in 99 to a much better place. I have a lot of fond memories of Rockford. Went to Wilson and Auburn, class of 77. (did not graduate there). I have a lot of friends there still. Not too sure I agree with the assessment that the West side is the worst side, but I haven't been there for quite a while. West siders for the most part were working-class factory people. We took care of each other. Now that most factories are gone, it probably changed. Enjoyed the video for the most part.

[@ChrisHarden]

Everyone has the right to their own opinion.

[@wintersnow2881]

Im from that area too (Go Knights!)! We aren't really much different than what you described. East side is only better in terms of funding and investments, haha.

[@forrestcitygroove]

Hey Dan this was a nice Video of are home Town

[@djaaronmorris1624]

I lived on westmoreland 210 was my address until my grandpa pass away and my grandma had to go to a nursing home. Your home was the white one on the left side of the street?

[@SpiderCents]

Nice work! I also Grew up around Rockford and It's kind of sad what boom industry's followed by corruption can do to city. Of course other parts of Rockford are seeing some positive developments.

[@FishGuy1983]

I was born and raised in rockford and the surrounding area for most of my life. Thank you for the time and effort that goes into these videos, the attention to detail is amazing. You hit the nail on the head with the politics. I miss the area where I grew up, the land and the people. But I do not miss the government of that area. It is sad with what the city has turned into.

[@JKNat9004]

I agree with you. The worst is the decisions of our local government.

[@JayZed-tl5bc]

One thing Rockford will always have is Cheap Trick. One of the most fun, unique, and entertaining rock acts ever. I hear Rick Nielsen still lives there.

[@7thsonofa7thson80]

He does. North rockford. I've driven by his home its nice. From what I could see.

[@rubenbustamante1828]

Surrender

[@cryophile]

I hope you captured all the cool murals we have. My dad painted one that is on Morgan and Main streets.

[@RoxDZoro]

I've seen that one a lot of times , that's awesome

[@ShadeATV]

I’m planning a mural based off of my FNF and it’s mods. So far planned, we got Alex (boyfriend), Scarlett (girlfriend), and Pico fro the regular. For mods, we got Selever, Tricky, Sky, Carol, Rebecca, Agoti, Garcello, and Kapi

[@cryophile]

@@ShadeATV What's FNF mean?

[@tekki2060]

I lived in Rockford for over half of my life. In the 60's it was a real nice place to live. It was always conservative,but, real nice. I have allot of good memories from my high school days at Guilford. In 1945 Rockford was the fifth most industrialized city, per capita, in the world. It was the fastener and tool and die capital of the country. It's ALL gone! It has become a real "dump" with boarded up store fronts and downtown areas that are a real blight. People in Rockford are under some strange concept that it's still a nice place to live. I was never so happy as the last time I crossed the state line to live in Northern Wisconsin. I've never been back since.

[@ALCRAN2010]

This documentary seems to have been produced in 1945. Huge contrast between now and then... kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX-3gISaaLJojZI

[@ShadeATV]

It’s still fine in my part. We don’t cause the drivein shooting, we watch it

[@joeespo177]

"It was always conservative, BUT A NICE PLACE TO LIVE"?? Do you believe it was nice in spite of being conservative? In my experience, and most others, the nice places are more often conservative than not.

[@notrealnamee7247]

@@joeespo177 Like Miami and Houston ghettos? conservatives have very few major cities, but the ones they do have are poverty stricken ghettos with higher crime rates than SF and NYC.

[@joeespo177]

@@notrealnamee7247 Miami and Houston are run by conservatives? What other fairy tales would you like to share?

[@lastshallbefirst5516]

Rockford is one of the premiere national youth sports cities in America. They have one of the best Japanese gardens in America. The west & south sides are your usual, purposely segregated sides of each town in America. Divided by a river. They gentrified the downtown areas, raising rent and spending tax payer dollars on tourist attractions instead of what the residents need.

[@aps125]

Anderson Japanese Garden is a must visit. I’ve been there on multiple occasions really enjoy it.

[@michellebilodeau3882]

There are many plus sides to living in Rockford. Too bad those arent mentioned.

[@ninaakari5181]

@@midnitesilverrun8631 what are the plus sides? Affordable house prizes at least, I assume?

[@troystocker6179]

I've been going to Rockford since the late 80s , the city is so run down.

[@donthespotter6550]

The best public japanese garden

[@wizardgrape7821]

Nice side cameras! They make these videos so much better. Edit: You used the drone at the end, nice footage!

[@georgelong1301]

Great video. I was born and raised there in the 50s when it was booming baby. I moved out in 78 before it became a s******* sad.

[@jenny5309-k3j]

Born in Rockford and lived there for 35 years. Grew up on 18th St. by Churchill Park. My grandparents lived on Oakley Ave. Talk about a crappy neighborhood. Most of my family is still in Rockford. I moved to the Chicago suburbs in 2013 and honestly have never felt at "home" here. As much as it's gone downhill, Rockford will always be home to me.

[@MasterBone33]

I moved out of the Chicago suburbs to waukesha about 9 years ago. Just came back to the Chicago burbs to save some money by living with family, and I gotta say... It sucks out here, and it's overpopulated severely

[@glennso47]

These tours of Rockford area are very interesting. Thank you.

[@ChrisHarden]

Thanks, I appreciate all the comments!

[@johnsimpson3240]

Its my understanding that rockfords real downfall came on the 90s when Cabrini green was torn down and many former residents were relocated to rockfords west side.

[@crazy_aquarian6546]

Naw, it was shitty in the 70's and 80's, when I was a kiddo. My Mom grew up there and she had us lock the car doors when we drove into that part of the town.

[@juliabenjamin6446]

Facts

[@ChristianGustafson]

Well researched, very well done. Also from Rockford, Illinois -- Ed Viesturs, high-altitude mountaineer, James Henry Breasted, founder of the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago and the model for the "Indiana Jones" character in film, and Cheap Trick.

[@ShadeATV]

Don’t forget The Color Morale

[@Burps___]

I really like that you give us facts about places. Thank you.

[@DP-ot6zf]

During the TEN YEARS I lived there, there were TWO DAYS when some stranger didn't swear at me, pick a fight, etc. It's the worst place I've ever lived and I still haven't recovered.

[@stevehickey9826]

Chicago has been tearing down the notorious housing projects in the city since the 1990s. The fine upstanding residents of these projects were displaced and had to move somewhere , with monetary help from the City of Chicago. Enter Rockford......Peoria.....Danville.....Milwaukee....Kenosha.....Waukegan....others. Track the period in time when Rockford and other mid-size cities began decline , and the criminal hordes being driven out of Chicago. It all correlates. This is what destroyed this city , as it was actually livable in the 1990s.

[@lastshallbefirst5516]

I agree to a point. In 1993 Rockford had a higher murder rate than Chicago, there was a huge gang & drug problem. In the late 80s, the South side was declining badly. Rockford began taking away services & community programs by the early 2000’s, disregarding the residents & the youth. Then the wave of Chicago people came. And crime did get way worse no doubt. Beloit, WI is starting to see the effects of it too.

[@patrickd4699]

I concur with your analysis. Witnessed it happening personally, I lived in Rockford in the early 2000's and was in the Danville area when I was growing up. Chicago's politics and policies have destroyed many communities outside of Cook county. Sad!

[@deanfarr3249]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@thoney30]

Grew up in Rocktown. It really has changed since then. When I go back it is always something going on. 😢🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@sally-annchanonhouse7583]

Great video I love how you post the streets above be safe

[@glennmcgee1729]

The potholes and crumbling pavement was very conspicuous and I've watched many videos cruising bad neighborhood's. My hometown of Chicago Heights suffers under the same narrative of wholescale factory closings. Sad for thousands of communities.

[@larslux5790]

I've had to replace my suspension because of the roads here

[@kopingkiller]

Yeah it’s an Illinois thing. Highest property taxes in the nation yet worst roads. Our tax money goes to section 8 housing and all the people living their entire lives on welfare.

[@anitaknight3915]

@@larslux5790 me too!! The potholes and roads are absolutely outrageously bad. I had perfect alignment. Everyone I know has had tire repairs.

[@RoxDZoro]

@@kopingkiller Thats the same for every other state , Illinois is just worse because it doesn't only go to those things , it also goes to the pockets of governors

[@johannesmohner8695]

@@anitaknight3915 better you walk then next time

[@MadRespectTV]

Great job capturing the city even the rough parts without condemning it. Well done and great video. Great point on how I90 played a role in growth and decline

[@ChrisHarden]

Thank you, appreciate the kind words!

[@josephphillips8146]

If you were going to give Illinois an enema it would go right in Rockford

[@arbutuswatcher]

Originally calling the Loves Park/Rockford Area my home, I moved away over 16-years ago. While the loss of furniture factories pre-dates my life, I saw the decline in manufacturing jobs & its affects on the local community. Job losses, crime increases, & the general deterioration in the quality of life. The Rockford Area is truly a shadow of its former self. :(

[@Onyxmoon89]

Something has always been Erie about Rockford. It's like it brings the worst of people. For some of the people that make it out, tend to move back and no longer thrive. I witnessed a lot of weird creepy ish living in Rockford. Been gone since 08' and visit every 1 to 2 yrs. Every time I go back it's like nothing has changed and people are stuck in a time trap or some ish.

[@NickiMinaj45]

You took the words right out my mouth I use to live there I had to move it was horrible I just couldn’t take it anymore

[@barabajagal2625]

We live in the void😢

[@ack0011]

You don't see speed traps here, they got potholes for that lol

[@cdikkers30]

I think you leveled-up with your production on this one. I really liked it. I need a copy of that spooky track you played in the first part of the video for my trip to Cairo in the next few weeks.

[@ChrisHarden]

Thanks, the one that I think you’re referring to is: (Edit) Maze by Brotherun

[@cdikkers30]

Actually the one right before it. From 0:00 to about 11:40.

[@ChrisHarden]

@@cdikkers30 Mean Streetz MK2

[@cdikkers30]

Cairo Playlist complete!

[@ebonyeverly5289]

Shout out to my city. We have problems but it's still home. Jefferson high school, Rock Valley College, and Northern Illinois University alumni.

[@cynthianemmers2451]

I don’t think you came any where near the really rough parts of Rockford

[@glennso47]

He might have known better. I stay away from those parts of the city because I don’t feel suicidal lately. 😬

[@jonathanlego4930]

@@glennso47 yeah , for anyone who has been outside of our city, the grass is greener. Ooh farm and fleet ,we used to go there when we were kids. One of the most rough is on the east side at cherry vale mall. Gun battles, fist fights, oh boy, we know how to live..

[@joshnoone9523]

I think he did!!!

[@56cadd]

That would be the south of Harrison St. Kishwaukee and Brook road area.

[@tcwilson815]

Born & Raised from Rockford as you pointed out the west side is literally empty....there were homes & businesses up & down west state during the 80s & 90s....as development went east & northeast the west side got left behind.....nowadays some parts of the west side is quiet I stayed home 3 months last yr and it was calm & peaceful in my old neighborhood

[@lisapalmeno4488]

On summer nights in the 1970s, people were out until 10 at night, in their yards, visiting on porches on hot summer nights! Kids playing, the car wash hopping... Ubiquity Records abuzz with the latest Motown releases, and people coming and going, to and from the grocery stores, schools and churches. Those were such different times, but even then it was rough, and hard to attract new businesses.

[@tcwilson815]

@@lisapalmeno4488 Facts Rockford as far as I remember alwayz was a little rough around the edges. The neighborhood I grew up in I can count several incidents to have happen, but this was one of the 'nicer' neighborhoods on the west side. You brought back Great memories with Ubiquity Records I frequently shopped there from a kid buying incense sticks to a teenager/adult buying tapes & CDs. I last seen Sonny (the owner) in 2019 he still was in good spirits.

[@lisapalmeno4488]

@@tcwilson815 yeah, I had him and his wife in my newspaper a few years ago. It was an honor.

[@paulcarter6332]

My Name is Paul Carter and i have lived here all my life,66 years and the building at the start of your video, was Overnight trucking warehouse and i can not tell you how long it has been empty.thank you

[@Nan-59]

I'll be 62 in June. Born and raised in Rockford Illinois. I've never left. Graduated East high school in 77.

[@stevenkreitlow8349]

You drove by the house I grew up in at 900 N.Central Ave. I was also in the first graduating class at Auburn High in 1962. I also went to that abandoned school you went by and referred to as a religious school. It was called Church School and was a public grade school. The area was a lot different in the 40s to 70s. I use to walk or bicycle to Church School K thru 6.

[@huntergates7398]

Do you remember Barbara Puckett?? My grandma, She was in that graduating class too

[@debbyrn26]

Church school is looking pretty rough. Still abandoned

[@bigiron8831]

Left South side of Rockford in 74 and moved north to the border of roscoe and now it seems like the urban sprawl is catching up to us.

[@56cadd]

Same here, kishwaukee and Brook road area.

[@michellebilodeau3882]

I grew up in Rockford and live there still. That used to be the Machine Tool capital of the world. It was a great City to grow up in the 60s and 70s. My old neighborhood was in a nice part of town but has now become rather run down and CD looking. It's just sad.

[@Nan-59]

I'm nearly 62, and I'm here, too. It was the best of times, back in the day.

[@ShadeATV]

Speaking of CDs, we have an incredible record and CD store here. They don’t have many of my favorotes, but they have lots of cool stuff including local band CDs. I have a Color Morale CD. The melting sign also adds to the effect.

[@DLeadVox]

I love that you counted the distance from Chicago in toll-booths! Locals count distance in time. Also your whole opening script had me rolling on the floor! Thanks for the humor. Rockford is the outer realm of "Chicagoland" to the Northwest. Illinois is weird. lol.

[@bradleyroberts6637]

I live in Rockford and the " religious school " at 34:00 was called Church School. I went there 1968-69.

[@ChrisHarden]

What was the interior like when you were attending school? Seems like it used to be a nice building.

[@bradleyroberts6637]

Nostalgia Tours it was beautiful back then. I got whacked on the knuckles with a ruler several times there! We lived in public housing called Fairgrounds on Underwood ave. I'm really looking forward to the other Rockford videos. Thanks

[@katydid147]

I lived in that area until the late 60's and it should be mentioned "Church School" was a public school at that time. I am shocked it's still there. Several owners took over with promises never kept.

[@joshnoone8756]

I was born and raised on the west side of Rockford Illinois!! Tou are awesome!! Please keep up the good work!!! Jn

[@HappyGoLucky-tr8bo]

Rockford isn’t that bad. I’ve only been shot at once.

[@mitchwinder1204]

That building at the 4:55 mark is the old Winnebago County Highway shops…I think. Every county vehicle (trucks, tractors, excavators) was serviced there. I worked for Farm Service out on South Meridian Rd in the early ‘80s and I remember delivering drums oil to that building on West State.

[@caseyheckelmiller4495]

Auburn is also where gifted and CAPA program is for the area..might be the reason for the high rating!

[@sydneymeyers1557]

i go to auburn feeling famous

[@blackthorn2200]

Good they still have that.

[@xaviermagnate]

Perhaps...

[@MariaIsSwaggy]

@@sydneymeyers1557 oh hey bestie

[@theroguewriter66]

Unfortunately, the decline in Rockford has been deliberate and very calculated. Driving on W State is heartbreaking. I don’t even recognize it now. It didn’t have to be. To paraphrase Victor Hugo, don’t blame those who live in the darkness, blame those who created it. Gentrification is real and Rockford is proof. 💔

[@peoplez129]

What's happening is the opposite of gentrification. The people left in Rockford, are the people who destroyed it. The people who built Rockford, long since moved out because those people moved in. Gentrification is when the rich move in and make things too nice for poor people to live. Instead, the worst people moved in and made things worse for the original inhabitants to the point that they left.

[@theroguewriter66]

@@peoplez129 Rockford has been prime land for years. Sadly, demographers and land developers with vision and foresight and connections to money and access to power, didn’t want the people in those neighborhoods to stand in the way of their plans. Decline and dereliction in cities like Rockford is deliberate. Money begins to be diverted from certain schools because of white flight. Property taxes determine education funding. Food deserts happen and people have to travel outside of their neighborhood to have access to quality meats fruits and vegetables. Pawn shops and liquor stores and currency exchanges move in…until the hardworking families that once lived there are so fed up, they too leave. Now, the spiral downward continues. Crime increases and buildings are left abandoned. And then time passes. So much time passes that it’s hard to see the beginning and end of those processes. Until finally, a police station as large as the west side is built. Resources are found. Plans are made. The undesirables that are left are shuffled out of the way with disdain. And the cycle continues. So, I must respectfully disagree with your smug assessment of the situation in Rockford.

[@peoplez129]

​@@theroguewriter66 Except....there has been no "Resources are found, plans are made, undesirables shuffled out". Rockford has been a crap hole for at least 20 years. What are the rich waiting for? If it was mere gentrification, they would have finished it years ago. All one has to do is drive through Rockford to see that it is filled with undesirables. Again, it's the opposite of gentrification. Most of the buildings there are at least 70 years old. Why? Because the people that drove the people out that built the city up, never built anything themselves. Like a swarm of leeches and locusts, they came in and took over, and for the last 20+ years, probably more like the last 50 years, they've been using it up until there's nothing left. Houses get torn down so they don't turn into drug houses, or they get burned down by drug addicts. Buildings age until the point of falling apart, because nothing is put back into them or rebuilt in their place, because the people who chased out the original people who built Rockford, never built anything, never did anything, but cause crime and suffering and live loose moral lives. Thugs roaming the streets, blasting their music, more interested in those 20 inch rims and subwoofers that vibrate their car than painting their porch and mowing the grass. People robbing stores left and right, not because they need to, but because they want free stuff and don't want to work for anything. They're fine with sitting on the corners all day. Sure they'd like more, to have a nice big house and fancy car, but they don't want to do anything for it. Only if it's free and at someone elses expense. The undesirables who swarmed in Rockford like locusts were never great people, and then they had children who grew up with bad parenting and became the same or worse. Raised without a moral compass. Raised without a work ethic. Raised on encouraging behavior that is the antithesis of everything needed for a cohesive society. Nothing but petty bickering and conflict among themselves. Interested in nothing but trying to take what others have. Living the "gotta gets whats mine" mentality. All while claiming to be the victim. Never having done even the basic maintenance required in their community. They don't repair anything as it breaks, they just use it up until there's nothing left. They live in crap neighborhood because they've never done anything to make it better, they've only done things to make it worse. These same people go rent apartments, and by the time they move out in less than a year, the building has to be condemned because of how much they've destroyed the insides. They literally drive property owners into poverty and total losses. People put 20K into fixing up a house, and in less than a year or two after renting, it's destroyed by renters. That's certainly not gentrification. And this happens ALL the time. People come in and try to improve the area, but the people in the area tear down any improvements soon after. It's time to face reality. Gentrification didn't do this to Rockford. The people that now reside in Rockford did it. And those people are not the people who built Rockford, they took it by driving the people out who did build it.

[@theroguewriter66]

@@peoplez129 You certainly paint with broad strokes, don’t you? You speak the highly offensive, coded language of “thugs, leeches, locusts, swarms…” as you dehumanize people and mock their speech. It’s so shameful that in 2021, with the plethora of studies that have proven otherwise, you insist on drawing direct correlations between poverty and work ethics/morality/crime. I’m almost afraid that you would smugly serve a hungry person boot straps…but alas, I’ve learned to budget my energy today. Trying to make eyes and minds open that are resolute in their commitment to staying tightly closed is like trying to administer medicine unto the dead. I hate that I used the word “undesirable.” I should have said hopeless…

[@peoplez129]

​@@theroguewriter66 Painting with broad strokes is exactly the only thing you can do when talking about large groups of people in cities. The notion that you could possibly paint with smaller strokes on something of such a scale is preposterous. Highly offensive coded language? No. It's plain language that offends those who don't want to accept the truth about themselves or others they align themselves with. Serve a hungry person boot straps? Just shows how your perspective is baseless and wrong once again. Last time I tried to help a homeless person, they were standing on a corner with a will work for food sign. I went home, filled up a big brown grocery bag full of various food items. Oranges, apples, water bottles, sodas, cheese crackers, condiment packets, even a whole loaf of french bread used to make a ham and cheese sub, and a few other items. Drove back to the person and handed it to them.....you know what they said to me? "Can I just have some money instead". Not even "Can I have some money too", they literally said "INSTEAD". Meaning they didn't want the food, they wanted money......with a "will work for food" sign! I've seen the same people begging in front of stores for YEARS. Heck, half of them aren't even homeless, they're just on welfare and use the free time they have to beg for money to get more money. Most of them sell their foodstamps for drug money. They'll sit outside of stores and offer to sell foodstamps to people, or not even sell, they're try to do a 1:1 trade....meaning you're doing them a favor and getting nothing. Others will sell it 1:2, meaning they get 50 cents for every dollar. This is the kind of stuff that goes on. So don't try to tell me about these people, I know them, I've walked among them day in and day out. Whatever you think you know, what you really need to know is that you're the one with your eyes and mind closed. They're "hopeless", because they've never done anything but hope for a handout. They're "hopeless", because they've never tried to better themselves. They're "hopeless" because they take but never give back. They're "hopeless" because how they choose to live their lives, doesn't create anything or benefit anyone but themselves in petty small unlasting ways. The only way to know better is to do better, because if you're going to rely on waiting for someone to bring better to you, then you're not part of the solution, you're the root of the problem. Everyone always waiting for someone else to do something to make their lives better. Then blaming the world for not coming to their rescue as if they're some wilting plant that needs to be tended to. That's no way to live. That's a leech and a locust. Stop living under the mentality that someone needs to care for you and coddle you to have something nice. Everyone in a community has to do their part to make that community thrive, it's not the responsibility of some outside force, and there is no outside force in existence that could take on the burden of such a task. If they rebuilt Rockford to pristine glory right now, in a single day, everything brand new, gave everyone 1 million dollar homes and jobs galore, guess what would happen? Without the people there changing their ways, it would all be consumed again until there was nothing nice left, just like it has been before. Nothing will have changed. And then misguided bleeding hearts like you would call for it to be rebuilt at the cost of someone else all over again for another chance, blaming everything else but the personal responsibility of the people there.....and the same cycle will happen over and over and over again. Accepting this truth is the only way to see the real solutions to the problem....or to simply see that there is no solution to the problem because these people will not change. That's the thing about freedom. People are just a free to fail as they are to be successful. And some groups of people will develop, adopt, and promote culture that only leads to failure. It doesn't matter what you label them; be it undesirables or hopeless or whatever else. Labels don't change the reality. If you called a moose a horse, would it change what a moose is? No. It would still have all the attributes it had before. This notion of relabeling people to try to make it sound more positive or make them sound like victims, only serves to misdirect from the actual problem and solutions (or realizing there is no good solution because they are helpless rather than hopeless).

[@davidglaum2538]

I hope in your next video of Rockford you show the more active part of town along Bypass 20. That is quite different from what you have showed so far.

[@mariabronowski1339]

In the beginning of the video he talks of the other areas of town he videos and shared. Pay attention before criticizing.

[@davidglaum2538]

@@mariabronowski1339 I was not criticizing him.

[@kaustubhgayke5333]

It will be great if you put the clock at the bottom of the video on the information bar. It will help us to know at what time you were driving.

[@yourboysgottem202]

If you have hopes and dreams Rockford is not the way to go.

[@queenmica7445]

😂😂😂😂

[@Nan-59]

Sad.

[@trailmixxgaming8732]

on god😂😂

[@johannesmohner8695]

I dont have any. So Ill choose rockfort

[@bendierking6986]

Springfield Ave. is quite the bumpy experience. Did you feel that in your travels?

[@ChrisHarden]

Haha yes and not just on Springfield Avenue.

[@leahcimthgirw3163]

I'd love to beat the hell out of the person that cut the concrete on Springfield ,Riverside ,Perryville, Alpine ,Sandy Hollow ,Mulford

[@anitaknight3915]

@@leahcimthgirw3163 yessss please do lol🙌. The roads are horrible!!

[@colleengallo4831]

I’m Rockford you can be in a decent area but go two blocks away and be deep in the ‘hood. It was built on old industrial manufacturing and when those businesses went overseas the decline set in.

[@lisapalmeno4488]

Exactly. Don't forget that the then-existing shops closed their HR departments and offices and farmed the hiring and work out to temp agencies, leaving a hole in the clerical field. Anyone who didn't learn word processing was basically out of luck, too.

[@richards1191]

Grew up in southeast Rockford in the 1970s and 1980s. Lived in both the southwest and northwest sides of Rockford till about 5 years ago. Now live in Beloit Wisconsin about 25 miles north of the city of Rockford. Crime was bad but you learn how to be careful. My dad who was born in 1921 said Rockford was always a rough city. It had its ups and downs. There is still a lot of good people there.

[@markhollis7219]

I was a police officer for 12 years in Rockford and worked the West side. 20-25 years ago gang activity on the West side was out of control. Driving down west state street during the day was bad enough, but at night you were in real danger. When I came on the Department in early 1988, you would see gang members in broad daylight, standing on street corners like west State Street and forest ave, literally selling drugs in broad daylight. It was like a drive up window at McDonald's. I had to leave the Department because the gangs had a contract on my life and it became to dangerous. It was also not my choice to take an early retirement. Rockford is like a mini Chicago, full of corruption on every level, they hide it very well.

[@ChrisHarden]

I have respect for police officers everywhere. We all know that there are some bad apples here and there that abuse their power, and I have my own personal experience with a bad cop. What isn't told in all of the news headlines these days though are things like what you mentioned in your story. There have been many cases all over the U.S. during the past year where individual police officers have become victims of fatal shootings. It's a dangerous job.

[@markhollis7219]

@@ChrisHardenthank you for that. You are right there are some bad cops. Yes back in 80s and 90s the black gangster disciples and their leader Karl fort, were in full control of the drug trade in Rockford. It really bothered me how they seemed to be so brazen and given free reign, to stand on the street corner selling crack cocaine. So I made it my goal, to do what I could as a patrol officer, to stop this. I found out who every gang member was and could tell you everything about them. I knew what kind of car they drove, where they lived, etc. I made hundreds of felony and class x felony arrest for drugs and guns. I became a thorn that had to be death with, so they put out a $25,000 contract on my life. At the time I was young, married and had 2 kids. They found out where I lived So we had to move. Long story short, it took a toll on me mentally and physically. It got so dangerous for me that I was forced to resign. One of my deputy chiefs, found out about the contract on my life and they took me off the streets. I was also diagnosed with PTSD. To this day I still miss being a police officer and doing what I could to make a diff. I've been gone from the dept for over 20 years now and I'm still struggling with what happened to me. I thought I was only doing my job, but it turned out I was doing it to well. All the info I knew about the gangs, actually turned out to work against me, I knew to much and I paid a price for it. Back then the rkfd police dept, was a reactive and not a proactive dept. They didn't want their officers to be aggressive. Aggressive officers to them were a liability and generated to many complaints from the public. So they were content with waiting for a crime to happen then going out and solving it.

[@anitaknight3915]

@@markhollis7219 thank you for your service!! I'm glad you got out of the police department when you did before things got much worse with the gangs, shootings, and drug activity but sad you had to take an early pension. Was your entire police career in Rockford?? You're so right with all the corruption here. It's Chicago's little sibling. It "seems" the police chief now is a better leader and brought improvement.

[@markhollis7219]

@@anitaknight3915 thank you for your kind words. yes, my entire police career was in Rockford. I worked for 4 years as a correctional officer in the Winnebago county jail, before becoming a rockford police officer. People have forgot how bad the gang activity was back in the 90s in Rockford. I really loved my job and did not want to take an early retirement. But Deputy Chief Dominic iasparro, found out about the contract on my life and they had to take me off the streets. I was also diagnosed with PTSD. At the time I didn't realize what a toll dealing with everything I had been thru, had taken on me mentally and physically. To this day I still miss the adrenaline rush I use to get making drug arrest and being in dangerous and deadly situations. Hard to explain but you become addicted to the rush of it all, kind of like guys in the military during combat.

[@anitaknight3915]

@@markhollis7219 I notice so many police officers are leaving the force younger especially given the political climate and racial tensions that went on last year. Absolutely, you can get totally addicted to the adrenaline rush of solving cases, making busts, and being in dangerous situations. Just like the high and rush an addict or drug dealer can get from the fast money and lifestyle. I'm sure it took you a long time to digest everything and work through understanding those emotions once you were able to separate from that job. I'm a mental health counselor and many officers and military personnel have a lot of PTSD, high divorce rates, depression, and anxiety that they've suppressed/drank away many years and it builds up to a dangerous level taking a toll on one's psyche. They hold in and repress a lot in those fields and very few get the help or support they need. I cannot imagine the pressure and stress you had to carry given working/knowing all that info Intel on the gangs. The gangs and drugs seem to continually get worse. I'm glad you are out of that field though and I hope life is treating you and your family well ; ).

[@ThyHolyNickel94]

I deliver for amazon and our company covers pretty much all of Rockford. You gotta be real careful around 11th street. Welcome to the jungle NT!

[@number1georgestraitfan58]

I live off 11th

[@Dab_Marino]

I live off 7th

[@ThyHolyNickel94]

@@number1georgestraitfan58 is 11th as bad as people make it out to be? I've delivered off of 11th near 20 and a customer told me to never let my guard down when delivering in that area 😂

[@Dab_Marino]

@@ThyHolyNickel94 always good to be conscious of your surroundings. I'd atleast carry a pocket knife with ya. Or your Concealed and Carry

[@number1georgestraitfan58]

@@ThyHolyNickel94 yes it is bad. As a Rockford native I believe both west and south sides are ghetto but the my are a different kind of ghetto. Lots of gang shit on the west end and lots of drugs on the south end.

[@stryker1195]

It would be an interesting touch for you to eat at one mom & pop restaurant in each of the cities you visit to give us a take on the restaurant!

[@ChrisHarden]

Maybe one day KZbin can be my full-time job and I'll have more time to work with to where I can do vlog style things like that.

[@bigden725]

Me C s family dinner

[@40ozoracle61]

Uncle Nicks on state and 6th is the iconic rockford joint

[@stryker1195]

@@40ozoracle61 www.bing.com/search?q=uncle+nicks+rockford+ill&cvid=80e3973f1ffe448ba4e28f7f98265c8a&aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0j69i60j0j69i60l2.2285j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=U531

[@acamera367]

Lino's is pretty good, gotta go for Mr C's and uncle nicks too

[@johnsmallberries3476]

Well done, as always 👍

[@emu5088]

11:40 "At the end of this street it's like an urban explorer's dream." Damn, you weren't joking. I used to do urbex and that does look like an Urban Explorer's paradise. Would love to see one of the better KZbin Urbex channels go here and check out some of the places. Thanks for taking us to Rockford, so we don't have to! (The downtown looks like it has some great potential though). I've always been curious about it. Great history segment here! Seems like Rockford has a rich manufacturing and crafts history. Oh and as others said, your introduction here was AMAZING! This video definitely seems like big improvement! Excited to watch the downtown Rockford one next.

[@matineesonmainstreet2005]

At 4:56, the "abandoned industrial building" was a bus terminal in the 1950s. West State used to be lined with older homes - farm house style with second stories and large porches. Almostall of them are gone. 8:02 - used to be a Pacemaker grocery store.

[@loriwilliams7402]

Lived here all my life... Bad spots... Lots of them... What about discussing the good areas... Sinnissippi gardens... The nice areas of town.. The parks.. ext. There are also good areas of town... No town is safe.. The west side is being developed .. Looks nice...I live on the east side ... But there are some good people.. Business.. And sights here also. It's one thing to tour and pick out the bad... But good things are in Rockford too..if you've never lived here.... Not A good judge..

[@snoopydoe1970]

I hate these depressing kind of videos so I’m gonna make my first UTube video in the and show how truly beautiful Rockford is The beauty of Rockford

[@Lzzeecrkrs]

Rockford, with its affordable housing, grew and still grows toward Chicago. Those who work in Chicago found that they could get quite a nice house in Rockford for the price of a crappy cramped Chicago apartment. That is the main reason Rockford’s East side flourished and the west side went downhill.

[@jasminel.8748]

I live 36 minutes away from Rockford Illinois in Elgin Illinois I also have family out that way great video. 😁

[@jollylord755]

Do you like Italian? 😅🥴

[@MrGruffteddybear]

Bridgeport, CT had the same problem. Huge factories employing thousands. Really beautiful homes, parks etc. Once the factories started to leave it never stopped. Now, it is a horrible place.

[@40ozoracle61]

Why am I watching this, I live here.

[@Nan-59]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂 Meee, tooo!!!

[@sandravaughn-pottoff8212]

Haha he's going down my work routes :D

[@Bronk0Nagurski]

Rockfords biggest problem is that it's in Illinois. Being in Illinois makes some of the problems almost inescapable and the impact of solutions blunted.

[@johnniezimmerman6015]

The old school that's on Blaisdell and Furman wasn't a Church school it was named after a postmaster named Seldon M Church. One of my sisters use to live near there. She moved in the early 70's because it wasn't to good of an area even back then. I remember back in the late 60's we would go to visit her and my parents would always say they hated going to the west side of Rockford and by then the east side was growing with new houses and business. The crime really picked up in the 80's and after when Chicago started closing some of their housing projects and relocating the people to other communities. Rockford being close to Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison was a natural for the drug trade.

[@real7706]

Yeah going there in 80s got crazy but I appreciated my time there I love my people

[@xcalibre222]

In the 1880's, Rockford was known as Forest City. Now it's called City of Gardens. Should be called City of Potholes!

[@rickybobby9554]

It's a good thing you were driving down some of these streets in the daytime.

[@lilivaldez5663]

The only thing he needed to avoid was pot holes 😂

[@jonathanlego4930]

@@lilivaldez5663 or gun shots

[@anthonybourbon9533]

Sure your right,,

[@anitaknight3915]

@@lilivaldez5663 yesss the potholes are what you really need to avoid and it's mightily difficult 🙄😂

[@RoxDZoro]

If you know about Rockford they're shooting in broad daylight

[@jojog79]

Fantastic video. Like watching a narrated visual of our country...

[@Kre8iviT27]

Michelle Williams actress and singer from the girl group Destiny's Child is from Rockford, IL

[@g.hunter9509]

And she attended Auburn

[@RoxDZoro]

Facts , But she claims to be from Chicago lmao

[@jackreston8188]

Love the anxiety provoking music. That's exactly how I feel living in Rockford.

[@rymtotheprime11]

Come to Naperville/Aurora next!

[@aps125]

Naperville yes but not Aurora. West side Aurora is a crime infested ghetto. East Aurora that bordering Naperville along state route 59 is nice.

[@lilivaldez5663]

@@aps125 east side of Aurora ghetto too and filled with Mexicans

[@Nan-59]

@@lilivaldez5663 What nationality you are does not make you a good or bad person.

[@rosemarythyme8595]

I have lived here my whole life with the exception of living a few other places in between. I have been wanting to move for so long. Now that I see my city through this video I realize I need to move. I have considered it for so long but have been afraid of the “unknown”. Rockford is crime ridden, dirty and mostly ugly. I never realized how desensitized I have become to the decline of my hometown till I watched this video. I literally have been considering just packing up and leaving with little and starting over somewhere else for quite some time. I did some serious road trips last year to get away from the “ugliness” in my neighborhood of 25 years. I always feel sad when I come up on bypass 20 and realize I’m back in Rockford. My heart sinks on return of my frequent road trips. You sir have awakened my soul to a truth I needed to see. I’ve been looking at other places to live. I have enough in my savings to get me out of here and get me by to reestablish somewhere else. You have stirred my heart to be brave and find a better home. And for that I thank you for making this video.💕

[@ZZz3rDeYezZZ]

I drive a school bus [wheelchair lift] in Rockford. I can't believe the amount of people that speed past when I have my stop arm out and flashing. These kids are watching and even they know how shady it is to run a stop sign on a bus. Please slow down & stop for the kids, they are watching you. 🦽🚍🛑

[@chaitowndissident3356]

The west side of the city was my mom’s childhood home. By the time I was born we lived more east on a street of apartment complexes, closest major intersection was State/Alpine. That area was fine for much of the 90s, but eventually it went to the dogs and deteriorated by the late 2000s when we finally moved out, in large part thanks to the slumlord who owned the buildings at the time.

[@stephenpersic9474]

State and Alpine aren't bad areas at all now, most of State street is good I lived on 4th street and Kishwaukee, and there were times it wasn't good, you just can't give up , I miss Rockford Houses were affordable and I always had a job I will probably move back there and buy a house when I'm old

[@cryophile]

Thanks for featuring my current home and hometown. Rockford has its good parts, and most of them are on the east side. It's all planned neglect. I've been thinking of moving to the Knoxville area. Maybe even Vegas.

[@thrasherx2k1]

Knoxville is a dump. If you’re going south hit up the northern Dallas suburbs.

[@cryophile]

@@thrasherx2k1 Hell no. That's too Texan for me.

[@thrasherx2k1]

@@cryophile Franklin TN?

[@cryophile]

@@thrasherx2k1 Half the size of Rockford, and three hours away from Knoxville. Knoxville is still safer than Rockford. I also have family near there.

[@thomasfurst1834]

Hey there. I've been into these types of videos these past couple of weeks and I'm surprised it took me this long to find one about my hometown. Where did you find all of that historical and economic information? That was so cool to learn about and I still have more videos to see.

[@detrasmith4209]

Just moved from Rockford 3 week ago, and I'm glad I left

[@clc1029]

Did you move back to texas

[@detrasmith4209]

@@clc1029 No Arizona.

[@detrasmith4209]

West Coast

[@schwinnkidd]

I live in Chicago and yes, this abundantly true. The small towns I’d visit from the 80s through now are kinda devastated. I think all your footage is great. Not driven by any dynamic. Great stuff!!

[@yflowers677]

Just moved 30 minutes from rockford n am loving it 😊👍

[@brittbritt0789]

I am part of that percentage of people who have left Illinois and Rockford specifically after 2010, but I have nostalgia for it and will visit my fam.

[@ChrisHarden]

Nothing wrong with that.

[@ellenlaken8440]

I live on west side. It's no worse then east side. Older home and less expensive then east side. And less people acting like someone they are not. Don't have to anyone but yourself over here.

[@suemar63]

I grew up in Freeport. My dad worked in Rockford--so EVERY SINGLE DAY he had the sun in his eyes going to work and then again in the evening, coming west to home. Sucked for him.

[@danielsentertainmentproduc1527]

Cherryville mall are you visiting it in your southeast Rockford video

[@ChrisHarden]

Yup!

[@lorenajackson5007]

I haven't been to that mall since the shootings. It's so sad now.

[@joefran619]

Grew up in the 60's in Rockford. We lived just off Semenary Street. Not far from the Rock River, we used that as our playground during the summer months. It was great.

[@kingkevykev1342]

Born and Raised in the Rock (Westside), Now living in St. Louis,, I watched 10mins of this vid and said to myself F*** Rockford 😂😂😂

[@tcwilson815]

I moved in 2003 i still go back to the crib tho every now & then

[@kingkevykev1342]

@@tcwilson815 same! But man has it changed

[@theswishest5908]

I was born in Rockford but lived in Caledonia on the east side, very small town only 200 people last time I looked at it but everything my family did was in Rockford and I still visit there every year twice a year I agree it has gotten bad there, some parts give me massive nostalgia as they haven’t changed a bit

[@BDSandM]

Despite having family living on the safer East side, I never want to live in Rockford. It's just messy and crime has risen very high. I hope some day that there will be successful solutions implemented to improve the area. It's such a shame, because I used to shop there all the time when I was a kid, and now my Mother and I are cautious and refuse to go to some locations that we used to.

[@jeffmorris2947]

Was born and raised outside of cherryvalley. Near small town of Irene. Lived on the east side near state. Then lived on the west side for 16 years. Then south side for brief time. It has its problems on all sides of town.

[@callmeoniep01]

Its sad to see our city has gone down but they are trying to build it up but Illinois politicians seem to have their heads in the wrong places

[@mahatmagandhi7588]

I moved from Rockford to Temp, Arizona in 1974. I lived off of Rockton Ave, not far from the Pacemaker Grocery Store. In the other direction we had The Surf Club public pool. I went to Paul S. Conklin School too and John F. Kennedy Middle School (probably not there anymore.) I have fond memories of Rockford and living in a neighborhood where everyone knew everyone. Climbing trees and exploring stuff. It is too bad that things are not going well. I still have cousins there. I remember how green things were in the summer. I remember sledding and toboggining at Page park. We would go sledding during a full moon in Sinnissippi Park. I am not sure what exactly is the cause of Rockford's decline but I hope we can save it.

[@hollihall683]

Grew up in Rockford in the South East part of town. Now living north of Rockford, in Roscoe.

[@glennso47]

I live South East Rockford just a stones throw from Swedish American Hospital.

[@hollihall683]

Very cool! I was about a mile away from Jefferson High School(the new Jefferson). My parents are there for another year and then are moving to Wisconsin.

[@anitaknight3915]

@@hollihall683 how are you liking Roscoe Holli? I have relatives in Roscoe.I'm from the same area of Rockford as well.

[@hollihall683]

Anita, I like the area. Its quiet where we are at and my sister followed us up here after she had her son 3 years ago, so it's nice having them closer. I don't feel like I fit in with the other moms at the schools because I'm just not that ritzy kinda person, but I have met some down to earth moms too.

[@anitaknight3915]

@@hollihall683 yeah that's what some of my relatives said too that they didn't fit in with some of the snobby upitty attitude folks. The taxes have went up to a lot higher than they were years ago, but I think Roscoe and rockton schools are better than Rockford. There's some really nice subdivisions out there. You'll find like-minded people who you resonate with in due time ; )

[@thoney30]

When my family moved back in 2011 they lived right off West State on Howard. Watching it like this is so weird lol!

[@Xennah]

You still live in Rockford?

[@michaeleacret5336]

Im originally from texas and been living in rockford for about a year and a half ive noticed if you mind your own business you'll be ok just don't go walking at night you'll be shot at or ran over.

[@jollylord755]

Keep your peas and cues to yourself and you’ll just do fine throughout your life in Rockford 😂🤣

[@michaeleacret5336]

@@jollylord755 right on

[@anitaknight3915]

@@michaeleacret5336 the potholes and high taxes will get you before a bullet would😂😉

[@michaeleacret5336]

@@anitaknight3915 lol i hear ya

[@anitaknight3915]

@@michaeleacret5336 how are you liking here? What would u say is the major difference versus in Texas?

[@mbrouder]

Due to the O'Hare cargo facilities being at or beyond capacity, RFD is seeing a huge surge in airfreight activity. 10-15 years from now the airport area out there will probably look very different.