Rockford, Illinois is home to 150,251 thousand people. It's the third largest city in the state of Illinois and is only 20 miles south of the Wisconsin Border. I'd tell you that Rockford is just like any other medium sized midwestern city but I've heard deceiving people is rude. To be clear, there are some wonderful aspects to Rockford be they people, places, or institutions. However, there are certain things (both good and unfortunate) that are distinctly a Rockford thing. If you grew up in good ole Rockford, Illinois I bet most of these will be pretty familiar.
I now present 8 of the most memorable aspects of Rockford.
1. The #3 spot on the 2013 Forbes list.
I'm starting out with one of the city's more infamous claims to "fame." In 2013 Rockford was given the #3 spot on Forbes "America's Most Miserable Cities." We cannot escape this. It comes up at least once a month from someone whether you are in town or out of town.
I can't deny that Rockford has it's problems (see #5), but there are some wonderful parts of Rockford that this (and other) rankings fail to take into account.
2. City Market
City Market is a newer event for Rockford, but it is one of the most promising things to happen in our city. It is a great place to try new foods and see what is happening in the downtown scene.
Here is the description according to the City Market's official website:
"The market takes place every Friday during the summer months along Water Street between State and Jefferson Streets in downtown Rockford. It includes local growers and vendors who sell natural products including vegetables, fruits, eggs, meats, cheeses, flowers, herbs, baked goods, wine, and healthy snacks. Also included are artisans and vendors with other unique offerings. Most vendors and performers come from a 150-mile radius, ensuring locally grown produce and unique retail items."
http://www.rockfordcitymarket.com
3. Beef-A-Roo
Beef-A-Roo is a Rockford staple. The fast food restaurant was founded in 1967 and now has 7 different locations in the Rockford area. Between the roast beef sandwiches, fries (cheese or regular), the salads, and the shakes pretty much everyone has something they love from one of Rockford's pride and joy places. I don't even like mints, yet I still love the post-meal chocolate mints!
4. The Crime
Excluding Chicago, Rockford is the most dangerous city in Illinois. For 2015, Rockford was the 2nd most dangerous city with a population of 200,000 or less in the nation. (http://lawstreetmedia.com/crime-america-2015-top-1...), and, when compared to cities of all sizes, Rockford was ranked the 10th most dangerous city in the country. (http://kdvr.com/2015/05/08/by-the-numbers-here-are...)
5. #RockfordProblems
I'm not exactly sure which year this hashtag became so popular, but we now have a twitter account that tweets about all the #RockfordProblems. Some of the tweets are pro-Rockford, others less so, but if you have ever lived in Rockford they are relatable. #RockfordProblems has trended at one time or another and I recall the hashtag exploding when Ed Sheeren was spotted razor scootering down E State St (I'm still miffed I was away at college for that).
6. Mrs. Fisher's Potato Chips
Similar to Beef-A-Roo, Mrs. Fisher's is a Rockford based business. Most families don't hesitate to choose Mrs. Fisher's over Old Salty's. Why? Rockford loyalty runs deep. If you're one of us, you're one of us for life.
7. #4 on the Most Obese Cities List?
So, apparently we were ranked the #4 Most Obese City in America in 2012. I've heard more jokes about this ranking than my brain has the possibility of storing, but, personally, I never thought this was that accurate. Crime? Yep, you pegged us. Bullseye, and all that. Obesity? Maybe I just never paid attention in high school, but I didn't see the prevalence in Rockford. Oh well, it happened, might as well crack a joke or two (all in good-hearted fun). (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2122728/Am...)
8. Sugarjones Cupcakes
One more locally started business that is making Rockford proud. Sugarjones cupcakes (and other desserts, I don't discriminate) are to die for. Maybe that's where the obesity ranking is coming from? The first store opened in 2011, but the company now has 3 locations, one of which has been converted into an ice cream shop called Sugarcones. I recommend the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake. It is heavenly.
For better or for worse, Rockford is a memorable city. There are many more parts of Rockford of which the residents can be proud (the Rockford IceHogs and the Rockford Park District to name only 2) and a few more to turn into good-humored jokes. Here are just 8 of the parts of Rockford that stick out in my head, but I could never relegate the city in which I was raised to a list. Rockford has been many things to me and it's role in my life will continue to change as I grow older, but I can say with certainty that my memories of Rockford will not fade.
*Every ranking with the exception of the Forbes ranking has the link included for those inclined to fact check!
