Local Communities

Rockford:

Grade: Rated B overall

Population: 145,609

Main Commuting Routes: Hwy 20, I-39, I-90, Rte 2, Rte 251, Rte 70, Rte 173

Main Attractions: Anderson Japanese Gardens, Discovery Center Museum, Midway Village, Rockford University, Nicholas Conservatory, Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, Rockford Speedway, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Rockford, Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, Burpee Museum of Natural History, Frank Lloyd Wright Laurent House, Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club, Forest Hills Country Club, Coronado Performing Arts Center, RVC Starlight Theatre, BMO Harris BAnk Center, Rockford Art Museum, Hard Rock Casino (Coming Soon), AMC Rockford 16, Prairie Street Brewing Company, Rockford Auto Museum, Forest City Queen Riverboat

Description: 

Located 80 miles Northwest of Chicago, the Rockford region is home to 285,800+ people, including the surrounding metro area. There are several unique surrounding villages and cities that form the Rockford Region, each with its own history, restaurants, and attractions!

Job opportunities abound where big businesses include Amazon Air, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, UPS, Collins Aerospace, and Woodward. Rockford, also coined as the “Forest City”, has something for everyone, offering distinctive activities within the Rockford River District and open spaces including an extensive amount of forest preserves, parks, and general green space throughout the city.

Rockford recently earned a spot among the “Best Cities for New Homebuyers” per Insurify in 2021. Cities were evaluated on real estate demand, employment levels, public school enrollment, and driver and pedestrian safety.

Janesville:

Grade: Rated B+ overall

Population: 64,575

Main Commuting Routes: R I-90, WI Hwy 11, Rte 51, Center Avenue, Rte 14, WI Hwy 26

Main Attractions: Lincoln-Tallman House, Rotary Botanical Gardens, Helen Jeffris Wood Museum Center, Wisconsin Wagon Company, Lustig Park, Ice Age Trail, Truck in a Tree, Milton House Museum, Lions Beach, Riverside Golf Course, Sterling North’s Boyhood Home, Janesville Farmers Market, Lake Koshkonong, Glen Erin Golf Club, CeCelia’s Golf Course, Janesville Mall

Description: 

Janesville… Wisconsin’s Great Outside, offering fun for your entire family. Recharge your spirit as you explore over 2,500 acres of beautiful parkland, and miles of peaceful trails. Take in the breathtaking beauty of the award-winning botanical garden and discover the charm of over 13 historic districts and quaint downtown. There is so much to do outdoors in this amazing city!

Janesville’s close proximity to major airports & the diverse logistical options make it a fantastic option for businesses to thrive. The Rock County Fairgrounds is in the heart of Janesville and offers an outdoor grandstand that seats up to 2,200 people. There are many events held here throughout the year including the annual Rock County 4-H Fair, the oldest 4-H Fair in the United States. With live theatre, award winning water-ski shows, and unique shopping or dining at one of over 100 restaurants — there is always something to do in Janesville, Wisconsin!

Machesney Park:

Grade: Rated B- overall

Population: 22,817

Main Commuting Routes: IL 251, IL 2, I-90, Hwy 51

Main Attractions: Williams Park Shore, Schoonmaker Park, AMC Showplace Machesney Park 14

Description: 

The Village of Machesney Park is one of the most sought after places to live in the Illinois/Wisconsin stateline area. This community is experiencing significant commercial and residential growth, with a population over 22,000. Residents are encouraged to play an active role in their community, as well as their local government.

Machesney Park is located along IL-251 and IL-173 and features extensive shopping offerings and above average public schools. Harlem High School, a public school located in Machesney Park, is among the top Diverse Public High Schools in Illinois per Niche in 2021.

 

Loves Park:

Grade: Rated B overall

Population: 23,371

Main Commuting Routes: IL 251, IL 2, Rte 20, I-90, Hwy 51

Main Attractions: Rivets Stadium, Volcano Falls Adventure Park, Young at Heart Festival (Memorial Day Weekend), Rockford Speedway, Rock Cut State Park

Description: 

Loves Park, Illinois is located less than five miles from downtown Rockford, Illinois. Convenience and entertainment are the two major selling points for this city. Loves Park, known as “The Heart of the Midwest”, features is a flourishing residential, commercial, and industrial community. 

The City of Loves Park is situated along the beautiful Rock River with easy access to I-90. Whether you are looking for a state park for camping, boating and fishing, a booming commercial and industrial sector, or a minor league baseball game, Loves Park is a close-knit community that offers it all!

Lake Geneva:

Grade: Rated A- overall

Population: 7,894

Main Commuting Routes: I-43, Hwy 173

Main Attractions: Geneva Lake Museum, Lake Geneva Canopy Tours, Lake Geneva Clue Room, Lake Geneva Cruise Line, Safari Lake Geneva, Big Foot Beach State Park, Black Pointe Estate and Gardens, Clear Water Outdoor, Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, The Riviera, Dancing Horse Theatre, Downtown Lake Geneva Shopping, Geneva Lake Brewing Company

Description: 

Welcome to the Lake Geneva Region, where memories are born and reborn! The sunlight shimmers on the lake and the sunset casts its warm glow every evening. Soar through the air on a zipline adventure, laugh with friends after a fun-filled day on the trails, allow yourself to be pampered at one of the acclaimed spas, followed by a stroll on the shore path. Whatever your choice, Lake Geneva offers events, colors, tastes and wonders for each and every season.

Lake Geneva is ideally located in one of the fastest growing regions in the Midwest. The community is positioned less than an hour’s drive away from the metropolitan areas of Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, and Rockford. While some only know it as a summer vacation destination, Lake Geneva is also a thriving community of businesses making products for local as well as global markets. Named one of the “Best Small Towns in America,” Lake Geneva offers a winning location with the right mix of benefits the will help your business succeed: business support services, great schools, quality housing, attractive, safe neighborhoods, easy transportation network, sophisticated community amenities and year-round recreational activities.

Beloit:

Grade: Rated B overall

Population: 36,926

Main Commuting Routes: Rte 2, WI Hwy 213, WI Hwy 81, Milwaukee Road, I-90, I-43, Rte 51

Main Attractions: Beckman Mill, DC Estate Winery, Pohlman Field , Logan Museum of Anthropology, Wright Museum of Art, The Villager Gallery, Ironworks Golf Lab, Krueger-Haskell Golf Course, Beloit Club, Skydive the Rock, Beloit Civic Theatre, Beloit College

Description: 

Beloit is located in the southern Wisconsin state line and their Welcome Center greets over 1,000,000 tourists annually. Beloit was forged in fire and heavy industrial manufacturing, but the city survived the great recession with a renewed spirit. Celebrating a proud legacy of strength, beauty, and diversity, Beloit’s greatest assets include world-class riverfront, charming downtown, the internationally renowned Beloit College and historic residential neighborhoods.

Hugging the banks of the Rock River just north of the Illinois border, downtown Beloit district boasts over 120 hanging baskets and urns on tree-lined streets, bike paths and a public canoe/kayak launch to encourage walking, biking and skating, as well as quiet, no-wake water sports. Downtown Beloit hosts more than 50 days of events a year: from a summer lunchtime concert series to an ArtWalk featuring more than 100 artists. May-October, the Saturday morning Farmers’ Market draws more than 90 vendors. From Blues to Jazz, live music can be found almost every night of the week. Downtown Beloit is very much a neighborhood, where customers are friends, and culture and art are accessible to all.

Roscoe:

Grade: Rated A- overall

Population: 10,757

Main Commuting Routes: IL 251, I-90, Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, Roscoe Road, Belvidere Road

Main Attractions: Ledges Golf Course, Board & Brush, Kieselburg County Forest Preserve, Rock Cut State Park, Atwood Homestead Golf Course, Stateline Family YMCA Roscoe-Rockton Branch, Porter Park

Description: 

Located along the Rock River approximately nine miles south of the Wisconsin border and twelve miles north of Rockford, the Village of Roscoe is a friendly community that has been undergoing a period of rapid growth. Recent growth includes Promontory Ridge and Hidden Creek custom home subdivisions east of the Illinois Tollway.

With your typical small town atmosphere, this is a neighbor-help-neighbor type of town. You will see members of the community gathering & supporting local bars and restaurants, but also are close enough to enjoy all that Rockford has to offer. You may even catch a glimpse of Danica Patrick, the only woman to win the IndyCar Series, who grew up in Roscoe.

 

Rockton:

Grade: Rated A- overall

Population: 7,638

Main Commuting Routes: IL 75, Freeport Road, N. Blackhawk Road, Rte 2, Rockton Road

Main Attractions: Macktown Golf Course, Red Barn Golf Course, Miss Andrea’s Dance Factory, Woody’s Judy & Jui-Jitsu, Catch the Wave Swim Club, Historic Auto Museum, Coral Cove Family Fun Center

Description: 

Located just four miles south of the Wisconsin border, Rockton is the kind of Village that people fall in love with. Nestled on the northern edge of Winnebago County, it is history, with a future. This community especially boasts culture, countryside, business opportunities, and small town charm — a true Midwestern village! 

With golf courses, forest preserves, and historic downtown restaurants and attractions, Rockton has something for everyone!

Poplar Grove:

Grade: Rated B+ overall

Population: 5,270

Main Commuting Routes: Hwy 76, Hwy 173, I-90

Main Attractions: Edwards Apple Orchard, Poplar Grove Airpor, Waukesha Hangar – Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum, Timber Pointe Golf Club.

Description: 

Located 10 miles South of Wisconsin border, 78 miles northwest of Chicago, and 8 miles east of I-90 near Rock Cut State Park, Poplar Grove is the home of the Poplar Grove Airport, a small general aviation airport that offers flight training and an annual Fly-In event. It is also the home of the Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum rich in history, and holds events such as wine tastings, concerts, and visits from Santa. You will visit Edwards Apple Orchard over and over for their famous donuts, home decorations, apple picking, outside play areas, and amazing freshly made food items. 

Poplar Grove is a great place to call home with an abundance of charm and heritage. The Village’s beautiful and serene recreation paths and parks, modern housing developments, business community, and airport are a vital part of the hometown. It is surrounded by a vibrant farming community. The Village Board has worked diligently with surrounding taxing districts and economic development partners to create an Enterprise Zone at the corridor of IL-76 and IL-173 where business and entrepreneurs have access to economic opportunity and growth incentives. Poplar Grove’s schools excel both academically and athletically adding additional pride to the community.

Candlewick Lake:

Grade: Rated B+ overall

Population: 5,131

Main Commuting Routes: I-90, Rte 20, Hwy 76, Hwy 173

Main Attractions: Gated Community, Savannah Oaks Golf Course & Clubhouse, Fishing, Boating, Recreational Center, Fitness Center, Meeting Rooms, Lounge, Playgrounds, Basketball Courts, Tennis Courts, Picnic Shelter, Swimming Pool

Description: 

Located 80 miles west of Chicago and 6.5 miles east of I-90 at Rock Cut State Park, Candlewick Lake is an unincorporated gated community that has a lot to offer its residents including a community pool, beach, recreation center, emergency rescue squad center, parks, dog parks, walking trails, golf course, tennis courts, Bar & Grill, restaurant, and low taxes.

Situated on a 240-acre stocked lake, there is fun for everyone no matter what the season is. On the 4th of July the community offers their own fireworks display as well as the battle of the bands. There are two school district boundaries within the community; however both school districts are highly rated. Compared to the rest of the country, Candlewick Lake’s cost of living is 16.7% lower than the U.S. average. The security makes this a comfortable community to call home.

Cherry Valley:

Grade: Rated B overall

Population: 2,614

Main Commuting Routes: I-90, Rte 20 I-39, Hwy 51

Main Attractions: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Water Park, Cherry Valley Festival Days, (Labor Day Weekend), Valley Orchard, CherryVale Mall, Elliot Golf Course

Description: 

Located just south of Rockford, the Village of Cherry Valley boasts several attractions including CherryVale Mall, the District Cherryvale Lifestyle Center, Kegel’s Harley Davidson, Collier RV Superstore, and of course, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Water Park (formerly known as Magic Waters).

The beautiful downtown area offers dining, shopping, and a wonderful nature area within Baumann Park.

 

Belvidere:

Grade: Rated B overall

Population: 25,027

Main Commuting Routes: I-90, Rte 20, Hwy 76, Hwy 173

Main Attractions: William Grady Pool, Rivers Edge, Summerfield Zoo, Farmington Pond and Kishwaukee River Fishing, IDA Public Library, Boone County Historical Museum, The Pettit Memorial Chapel

Description: 

Only 75 miles from downtown Chicago, 83 miles from downtown Madison, Wisconsin, and 88 miles from downtown Milwaukee, Belvidere is attractive to businesses and residents that want to work or play in the area.

The City of Belvidere, also coined as “City of Murals”, is an industrial hub with beautiful spaces to see like the 210 acres of the Belvidere Park District, the fascinating exhibits of Summerfield Zoo, and the impressive gymnasium at the Belvidere YMCA. Belvidere is home to a variety of shops, stores, and restaurants. There is always somewhere to go and something new to do!

Ten out of Boone County’s thirteen leading employers are located in Belvidere, creating immense amounts of opportunity. With local resources for small businesses also, Belvidere is the perfect place to set up shop for your next business. A growing community like Belvidere is a great place for any employee or employer.

Check out this video highlighting the uniqueness and business-friendly atmosphere of Belvidere and Boone County!

Caledonia:

Grade: Rated B+ overall

Population: 206

Main Commuting Routes: I-90, Hwy 173

Main Attractions: McEachran Homestead Winery, Angelic Organics Learning Center, Long Prairie Trail, Swan Hills Golf Course

Description: 

Nestled six miles East of Machesney Park, along Route 173, you will find the quaint village of Caledonia. Home to 200+ residents and incorporated in 1995, Caledonia has a number of attractions including the McEachran Homestead Winery, Angelic Organics Learning Center, and the Long Prairie Trail.

The village also boasts a feel good, golfer friendly course. Swan Hills Golf Course is a privately owned course, open to the public, with an emphasis on giving golfers the best service and golf experience possible.

Delavan:

Grade: Rated B overall

Population: 8,303

Main Commuting Routes: I-90, I-39, I-43, Hwy 76

Main Attractions: Delavan Lake, Apple Barn Orchard & Winery, Belfry Music Theatre, Ben Dibble Nature Trail, Congdon Gardens, Delavan Historical Society, Lake Lawn Resort, Boat Rentals, Delbrook Golf Course, House in the Wood, Staller Estate Winery, Paul Lange Arboretum, Ora Rice Arboretum, Delavan Paddle Sports

Description: 

Find your adventure in Delavan Wisconsin! Known for its beautiful lakes, parks and unique history, Delavan welcomes you. 

Located in Walworth County, Delavan Lake is regarded as one of the finest boating and fishing lakes in the state of Wisconsin with 1,906 acres of water and a maximum depth of 52 feet. In these waters you’ll find Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. Visitors have access from public boat landings and a public beach. 

The city boasts extensive hiking trails, concerts, dinner theatre, and seasonal events to attend as well as a combind 45 holes of golf at Majestic Oaks and Delbrook Golf Club.

Homes for sale – under $150K

Homes for sale – $150K-$300K

Homes for sale – over $300K

Whitewater:

Grade: Rated B overall

Population: 14,722

Main Commuting Routes: I-39, I-90, Hwy 59

Main Attractions: Whitewater City Market, Prairie Tillers Mural, Oak Grove Cemetary, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Willow Brook Golf Course, Spirit Tour, Parade of Lights, Whitewater Historical Society, Spring Creek Golf Center

Description: 

Nestled within the forest lakes, prairies, and hills of the Kettle Moraine State Forest in southeastern Wisconsin, visitors flock to Whitewater for its many recreational opportunities and outstanding hospitality of the local businesses. As you experience Whitewater, you’ll notice friendly caring people who welcome you to this amazing city.

The area’s lakes offer a great variety of recreation including public beaches, picnic areas, boating, and fishing to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. In Whitewater, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, take part in fun festivals, explore historical architecture, and cheer on your favorite athlete at University of Wisconsin-Whtewater.

 

Homes for sale – under $150K

Homes for sale – $150K-$300K

Homes for sale – over $300K

Fort Atkinson:

Grade: Rated B+ overall

Population: 12,443

Main Commuting Routes: I-90, I-39, Hwy 26

Main Attractions: Fireside Dinner Theatre, Hoard Historical Museum, National Dairy Shrine, Annual Fort Koshkonong Rendezvous, Lake Koshkonong, Rock River, Bark River, Glacial River Bike Trail

Description: 

From mouth-watering meals and a taste of Broadway at The Fireside Dinner Theatre, to the scenic recreation and inviting shops, Fort Atkinson offers the perfect mix of big city amenities and small-town charm.

Fort Atkinson showcases a rich heritage through carefully-preserved landmarks and traditions. Visitors make fascinating discoveries by visiting the Hoard Historical Museum and the National Dairy Shrine, where they find who was responsible for making Wisconsin known as “The Dairy State”. As a big little city, Fort Atkinson caters to families in every stage. Bond with your kids over campfires and sing-alongs at Jellystone Park, or indulge in the simple pleasure of a hot dog and soda at a Generals baseball game. 

Homes for sale – under $150K

Homes for sale – $150K-$300K

Homes for sale – over $300K

South Beloit:

Grade: Rated B overall

Population: 7,900

Main Commuting Routes: IL 2, Rte 251, Rte 51, Gardner Street, I-90

Main Attractions: Beloit Farmers’ Market, Nature at the Confluence, Beloit Civic Theater Group, Pearl Lake, Best of Beloit Vintage Mall, South Beloit City Park, Viking Lanes, DC Estate Winery

Description: 

Located right along the Wisconsin/Illinois border, along the scenic riverfront of the Rock River and Turtle Creek, South Beloit is part of the Rockford metropolitan area, but it is also a suburban extension of Beloit, Wisconsin. The city is easily accessible off I-90, I-39, and I-43. Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison are all within 90 miles. It is also midway between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River, putting it in the center of the USA’s biggest market in the Midwest.

Location, reasonable housing costs, and friendly residents make South Beloit a great place to live, work, learn, and play. Good schools, beautiful parks, and easy access are just some of the reasons to be in South Beloit. Manufacturing and retail businesses realize the great value of being part of the city. South Beloit offers access to parks, hiking, biking, and water trails if you are looking to enjoy the outdoors. Fishing, swimming, and bowling are great family activities to enjoy, and if you have a need for speed be sure to visit the Blackhawk Farms Raceway where cars and motorcycles can be found racing on the 2-mile track each weekend.

Byron:

Grade: Rated A overall

Population: 3,611

Main Commuting Routes: IL 2, Rte 72, N. Tower Road

Main Attractions: Lake Louise Resort & Campground, Black Hawk Statue, Jarrett Prairie Center, Weiskopf Observatory, Byron Dragway, Byron Museum of History, PrairieView Golf Club, Rock State Park, Severson Dells Nature Center, Bishop Lane Retreat Center, Silver Ridge Golf Course

Description: 

Situated along the Rock River, 88 miles west of Chicago and 12 miles south of Rockford, Byron is probably best known as the location of the Byron Nuclear Generating Station, one of the last nuclear plants commissioned in the United States. The town bills itself as the “Gateway to the Rock River Valley” and lends way for businesses to strive here with the amount of traffic that flows with tourists and sightseers. Byron’s topography includes a natural prairie and the Rock River that passes through the town.

Byron boasts an award winning golf course, beautiful river front, and excellent schools. It is a modern urban community with a friendly rural character. There are several options for food/restaurants and bars, as well as shopping, multiple parks & bike paths, pubs, gas stations, and even a bowling alley.

Winnebago:

Grade: Rated B overall

Population: 3,387

Main Commuting Routes: Rte 20, Cunningham Road, N. Winnebago Road

Main Attractions: Edwards Apple Orchard West, Severson Dells Nature Center, Athletic Edge Sports Center, Pecatonica Prairie Path

Description: 

Located a mere 8 miles east of Rockford, 11 miles from the Chicago Rockford International Airport, and 21 miles to Freeport, Winnebago offers a peaceful place to call home with opportunities galore to follow any career path. The Village of Winnebago prides itself in its mission to provide a safe, comfortable environment for all of its residents.

The teachers in the Winnebago School District are like no other. The academic, athletic and music programs are above average. Being a small farm town, you may even see the parking lots filled with tractors on Bring Your Tractor To School Days. Enjoy family trips to local farmer’s markets all summer long and the fall trips to Edwards Apple Orchard West to enjoy apple cider donuts that you will return for over and over.

 

Lake Summerset:

Grade: Rated B overall

Population: 2,057

Main Commuting Routes: IL 75, N. Davis Road, E. Rock Grove Road

Main Attractions: Lake, Parks, Campground, Beaches, Marinas, Pool, Disc Golf, Pickle Ball Courts, Tennis Courts, Bocce Ball Courts, Community Garden, Dog Park, Multiple Playgrounds, Gated Community

Description: 

Located 90 minutes from the NW suburbs of Chicago, an hour from Madison, WI, and a short 20 minute drive to Rockford, Beloit, Monroe and Freeport, the busy world is at your fingertips while the 275-acre Lake Summerset remains in view. Located on 1,550 acres of rolling hills and wooded areas, this family friendly rural setting is perfect for young families, weekend lake devotees, second home owners and active retirees.

This gated community offers year-round amenities with summer & winter outdoor activities. The social scene is also abundant with clubs for almost every hobby you can imagine, organizations, and year-round family events. There is a community garden and dog park. You will never lack for things to do at Lake Summerset

To learn more, please visit: http://www.lake-summerset.com/

 

Durand:

Grade: Rated B overall

Population: 1,360

Main Commuting Routes: IL 75, Rte 70, Center Road, Rock Grove Road

Main Attractions: Robert Weber Round Barn, Sugar River Forest Preserve, Colored Sands Forest Preserve, Sand Bluff Bird Observatory

Description: 

Located 14 miles north of U.S. Hwy 20 via IL Route 70, Durand schools are among the best school districts in Illinois. With a small population, this community will feel like a big family. Agriculture plays a big part in Durand.

There is a grocery store as well as local restaurants to keep your belly satisfied. Whether you like disc golfing or just some time in nature, you will enjoy Nick Saelens Memorial Park. Nick Saelens was killed in an automobile accident and his parents donated 9 acres to the community in 1978 in memory of their son. This great park is still widely used for ball games, disc golf, picnics, kids playgrounds & general exercise.

Pecatonica:

Grade: Rated B overall

Population: 2,243

Main Commuting Routes: Hwy 20, N. Pecatonica Road

Main Attractions: Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pec Playhouse Theatre, J&J Dance Tumbling & Trampoline, Pecatonica Prairie Path

Description: 

Located only 12 minutes from the NW corner of Rockford’s new Walmart, 15 minutes to the city of Freeport, and 20 minutes to the far east side of Rockford, Pecatonica has historical architecture and a highly rated school system. It is where the hills start and the land takes on charagter. If you work in Rockford or Freeport, chances are you can get to work faster and with less traffic than driving through the city.

Pecatonica is a full service town with a hardware store, pharmacy, two banks, twelve eateries, six taverns, and six churches. It is also home of the Winnebago County Fairgrounds with over 108 acres of indoor and outdoor facilities for hosting music festivals, motor sports, auto & trade shows, conventions, antique markets, festivals, social events, and of course The Winnebago County Fair.

Freeport:

Grade: Rated B overall

Population: 24,119

Main Commuting Routes: IL 75, Hwy 20, E. Stephenson Street, Rte 26

Main Attractions: Little Cubs Field, Freeport Arts Center, Children’s Hands on Museum of NW IL, Krape Park, Park Hills Golf Course & Driving Range, Masonic Event Center, Highland Community College, Rock Hollow Conservation Club

Description: 

Located 50 miles east of Galena and 28 miles west of Rockford, Freeport offers its citizens a very diverse lifestyle, incorporating the best of the old and new, large and small. Tree-lined boulevards boast gracious 100+ year-old homes while new subdivisions offer the latest in design and construction. Freeport’s location, in the middle of rural America, yet close to several of the Midwest’s most progressive big cities, provides its residents with a myriad of choices to enhance their professional and personal lives.

Freeport offers lots of parks with many different activities, including Little Cubs Field, an adorable replica complete with the ivy, a Harry Carey statue, and some actual bricks from Wrigley Field. Freeport is also the home of Highland Community College, recognized by the Illinois Community College Board and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

 

Dixon:

Grade: Rated B overall

Population: 15,433

Main Commuting Routes: Rte 2, Hwy 52, Rte 38, Rte 26, I-88, Reagan Memorial Tollway, Rte 110, Chicago-Kansas City Expressway

Main Attractions: Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, John Deere Historic Site, Lowell Park, Dixon Historic Theater, Timber Creek Public Golf Course, Timber Creek Golf, Northwest Territory Historic Center, Veterans Memorial Park, Veterans Memorial Arch, Old Settlers Memorial Cabin, Dixon’s Railroad Street Arches, Old Lee County Courthouse, Loveland Community House, Dixon Riverfront Plaza, Midway Drive-in

Description: 

Located about 100 miles west of Chicago and 50 miles south of Rockford, Dixon has a lot of history to explore. It was the boyhood home of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. The city is also the site of the Lincoln Monument State Memorial, marking the spot where Abraham Lincoln joined the Illinois militia at Fort Dixon during the Black Hawk War.  Immense community pride can be seen throughout the lively city. There are always fun family events & festivals planned downtown. From the finest of visual and performing arts to world class outdoor recreation there’s plenty to do in Dixon. 

Dixon is a vibrant business community with a progressive vision for our economy. You can build your livelihood in one of the high-traffic commercial districts, or grow your company in the industrial park near major logistic resources. It is a city focused on building a strong workforce, a diverse business mix, and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Oregon:

Grade: Rated B+ overall

Population: 3,819

Main Commuting Routes: Rte 2, Rte 64, N. River Road, W. Pines Road

Main Attractions: Blackhawk Statue, Blackhawk Model Railroad Club, Lowden State Park, Castle Rock State Park, Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center, Conover Square, The Soldiers’ Monument, Oregon Depot Museum, Pride of Oregon Riverboat

Description: 

Located at the crossroads of two Illinois highways (Route 2 and Route 64), 30 minutes from Rockford and 90 minutes from Chicago, the City of Oregon allows for a competitive advantage while providing a high quality of life for its residents and visitors. The Rock River runs along most of the city’s eastern border and there are 3 state parks within 15 miles, providing a majestic backdrop that makes Oregon one of the most gorgeous areas in the state.

Over 40,000 people visit Oregon for the annual “Autumn on Parade” festival and on their way also take in the 48-foot Blackhawk Statue situated on a 77-foot bluff overlooking the city. Geographically, Oregon is well-positioned from widely diverse experiences: Chicago’s downtown, Wisconsin ski resorts, Mississippi River recreation, or large retail shopping experiences at nearby Rockford, Sterling & DeKalb. At the end of the day, one can be back home strolling quiet neighborhoods, canoeing on the Rock River, visiting friends and family at a local sporting event, or enjoying fine food and wine at one of Oregon’s stylish restaurants. Oregon offers the opportunities of a larger city without the rush and crowds of urban life.

 

Evansville:

Grade: Rated B+ overall

Population: 5,440

Main Commuting Routes: Hwy 59, S. Madison St, Rte 14, County Road C

Main Attractions: Evansville Wildlife Area, Lake Leota Park, Magnolia Bluff Park, Evansville Auto Auction

Description: 

Located between Madison and Janesville in south-central Wisconsin, Evansville boasts nice residential neighborhoods and downtown shopping and activities. 

Evansville is a Choice Destination, so named by Discover Wisconsin, the nation’s longest running television tourism program. This friendly community has a rich history evident in its architecture, entrepreneurial spirit, arts, recreation and natural beauty. Locally owned restaurants satisfy a variety of appetites, whether it is a sandwich for a picnic lunch, or a Friday fish fry, or a family-style dinner!

With a population exceeding 5,000, Evansville cherishes its strong sense of community and small town charm. Residents enjoy concerts, sports, festivals and celebrations, whether it comes from the well-regarded public school district or from the good will of volunteers who just want to share a fun time.

 

Homes for sale – under $150K

Homes for sale – $150K-$300K

Homes for sale – over $300K

Brodhead:

Grade: Rated B overall

Population: 3,240

Main Commuting Routes: WI Hwy 11, County Road F, WI Hwy 104, County Road T, County Road GG

Main Attractions: Biplane Rides of America, Head Gates Park, Decatur Park, Gypsy Air Tours, Brodhead Mall, Brodhead Trip Club, The Half-Way Tree, Headgates Park, Gempeler Round Barn

Description: 

You’re invited to explore Brodhead, Wisconsin, a small town featuring excellent schools, churches, businesses, civic organizations, beautiful parks, industry and a historic downtown.

Brodhead showcases many activities like food festivals throughout the year and 23 miles of biking on the beautiful Sugar River Bike Trail. Historic downtown features diverse businesses, food, shops, and bed & breakfasts.

 

Homes for sale – under $150K

Homes for sale – $150K-$300K

Homes for sale – over $300K

Monroe:

Grade: Rated B+ overall

Population: 10,625

Main Commuting Routes: WI Hwy 11, WI Hwy 69, 7th Ave, Hwy 81

Main Attractions: National Historic Cheesemaking Center Museum, Monroe Golf Club, Sky-Vu Drive-in Theatre, Badger State Trail, Monroe Theater Guild, Minhas Craft Brewery

Description: 

Situated in the rolling hills of Green County in southwestern Wisconsin, Monroe is a city with many of the amenities of a large metropolitan area coupled with the comforts and familiarity of a small town. This scenic city provides a high-quality of life for people of all ages, with community resources that include a historic downtown Square, attractive parks, and an active arts center. There is a strong sense of community and volunteerism in Monroe; people work together to better the lives of their friends, family, and the community as a whole. In all, Monroe is a truly livable community that works to promote the heatlth, education, and overall well-being of its residents and visitors.

From the Sky Vu Drive-In Movie Theater to the Monroe Arts Center to the Behring Senior Center, Monroe has an abundance of engaging and unique community resources. These assets host a variety of family-friendly events and programs year-round. Some popular events in Monroe are the July 4th Celebration at Twining Park, the Farmers Market in the summer, the Green County Fair, and the Green County Cheese Days.

Home to 13 public parks and playgrounds, Monroe has scenic views as well as fields for playing soccer. Twining Park is Monroe’s largest park, and has a basketball court, disc golf, horseshoe pits, a playground, tennis courts, and public restrooms. Additionally, the Badger State Trail and the Cheese Country Trail are two regional multi-purpose trails that pass through Monroe — connecting Monroe to nearby Madison and other smaller cities and villages.

 

Homes for sale – under $150K

Homes for sale – $150K-$300K

Homes for sale – over $300K

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