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Rockford LGBTQ City Guide

Rockford is the third-largest city in Illinois and is situated approximately halfway between Galena and Chicago. Rockford has long been an important center of industry in the state and is a major manufacture of tools, heavy machinery, furniture, and more. It is also home to several major automotive, healthcare, and aerospace companies. Rockford is also a city known for its natural beauty, particularly its gardens and forests. In fact, it is called the Forest City because of all the beautiful greenery throughout. Even better, Rockford is home to a smaller, but thriving LGBTQ community, where all can feel welcome and celebrated for who they are.

A Look at Rockford's History

Rockford wasn't always called Rockford. In fact, because of its location midway between Chicago and Galena, it used to be called "Midway." The city was first settled in the 1830s by settlers who traveled from nearby Galena and established homes and businesses along the Rock River. It was officially chartered as a city in 1852 and has grown steadily since its founding. Today, it is a wonderful and diverse city with plenty of opportunities, and so much to see and do for residents and visitors alike.

A Few Fun Facts About Rockford

  • The Clash, a well-known Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, is originally from Rockford.
  • Rockford has been named one of the safest cities in America.
  • Rockford’s woman’s baseball team, the “Rockford Apples,” was the team featured in the movie A League of Their Own.

Read more fun facts about Rockford here.

Rockford’s LGBTQ Community                                     

Rockford is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:

PFLAG Rockford

PFLAG Rockford is the Rockford area’s closest local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.

What's the Weather Like in Rockford?                                       

Those who live in Rockford can expect to experience all four distinct seasons each year. Winters can be cold and snowy, with temperatures typically dropping to around 13ºF in January. Summers are mild and pleasant, with the high temperature in July usually rising to an average of 84 ºF. Spring and fall are also wonderful times to enjoy the outdoors, and between blooming flowers and the bright colors of changing leaves, there is plenty of natural beauty to enjoy in both seasons. Rockford receives around 37 inches of rain, on average, each year, and about 35 inches of snow.

Can’t-Miss Events in Rockford

Rockford Pride

Rockford Pride is the largest annual LGBTQ pride celebration in the area, and it’s one celebration you’ll definitely want to put on your calendar. This annual celebration draws plenty of excited participants each year, and includes family-friendly entertainment, a variety of vendors, speakers, excellent performances, delicious food, and lots of opportunities to meet friends and have fun!

The Best Neighborhoods in Rockford

Rockford is a smaller city, which means unlike some larger towns, it doesn’t have one specific “gayborhood,” or area where most of the LGBTQ population lives. Instead, the LGBTQ community in Rockford is sprinkled throughout the city, which simply means that there are many wonderful places to choose from. Finding the home and neighborhood that is right for you will largely be a matter of budget and personal preference, and as a result, it can be very helpful and important to find a Rockford LGBTQ realtor who knows and loves the city, and who can point you toward homes that might be a good fit. Generally, homes throughout the city are fairly affordable, although there are a wide variety of home styles in varying price ranges available. The median sale price of homes sold in Rockford over the course of the last year was around $350,000.

Arts and Entertainment

Coronado Performing Arts Center

The Coronado Performing Arts Center is one of the best places in Rockford to see a variety of performances – from operas to ballets, to concerts, to Broadway shows, and everything in between. First opened nearly a century ago, this movie palace and atmospheric-style theatre is a beautiful place to relax, have fun, and be inspired and entertained.

Rockford City Market

The Rockford City Market is a very popular outdoor market held in the heart of the city featuring a wide variety of local vendors and artisans. The selection is always excellent and the atmosphere is fun and festive. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy a beautiful Rockford day.

Parks and Recreation

Anderson Japanese Gardens

The Anderson Japanese Gardens have repeatedly been recognized as one of the premier Japanese gardens in North America. Stunningly beautiful, the gardens are said to inspire the mind and energize the soul, and they are the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful afternoon in Rockford.

Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens

The Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens is another wonderful spot to enjoy natural beauty in The Forest City. Situated along the banks of the beautiful Rock River, the garden has the mission of, “bringing the tropics to the Midwest.” The conservatory is the third-largest in Illinois, and it offers not only beautiful plant life, but also a lagoon, fountains and a waterfall, a pedestrian bridge, and many perfect spots to sit, enjoy, and relax.

Rockford Nightlife

The Office

Located in the heart of Rockford's historic River District, The Office is one of the most popular LGBTQ nightspots in town. This lively bar and dance club is known for its strong drinks, loud music, and friendly crowds.

Contact a Rockford Gay Realtor Today

If you're ready to make a move to Rockford, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Rockford, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Rockford gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!

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