born and raised here too Tiffany,,,move to central oregon in 95...yes RB....rockbottom as i affectionally call my hometown has nice qualities.....but the crime and political corruption outweigh any reason to return....great vid mainstreets for pointing out the postives.....
@@acamera367 those polices are racist in loves park and mecheseny and out their believe me I know, I'm from here Rockford Illinois (815). I'm all over this City of 😍 👈🏿🤣🤣🤣
Yes those are the best shots of Rockford, but it would be fair to show the worst shots of Rockford also. Someone thinking about moving here deserves the complete truth
I was born and raised in rockford went to Boylan high school, but I must say there are several things about rockford that I did not know and things that I never saw. Thank you for this beautiful inspirational video.
It"s good to hear something good,about the town I was born and raised in. Even though I've been out of Rockford,for over forty yrs., I will always how great memories of the city .
This is very Discover wisconsin. I watched that all the time as kid and wanted to visit every place on thr show. now as a life long resident of Rockford I can say lots and lots of fluff..
Yo me mudé de Chicago a Rockford por los altos costos de Chicago y la verdad no me arrepiento, mucha gente habla mal de Rockford pero la ciudad está está cambiando he conocido mucha gente que se está moviendo de Chicago y otras ciudades de Illinois a Rockford por los costos de propiedad más baratos lo único malo de aquí es que los dueños de casa no quieren invertir en sus propiedades no le toman importancia en cuidar sus patios las yardas de enfrente
Rockford has a history of making poor decisions that have shaped the city to what it is today. Saying no to NIU was the first. Worst mistake was wanting I-90 on the far east side where the city eventually grew to while leaving the downtown and especially westside to die and barely have basic amenities like grocery stores while the Eastside has an abundance.
Right they took all the good stuff from the West side and made the East side look like hey we're doing better than you 👈🏿 but not knowing you only hurting your city and the people in it . They did that to our so called black Americans folks to keep them on their money making because black folks were buying up land and polices were planting drugs on them and knowing that the police didn't care because they had badges on for and was known majority white cops will pull you over and put guns and drugs on your personal and say you made the decision to live over here so get with the program. Believe me, I was one of those victims of police brutality in Rockford Illinois 😉
I've said this very thing for some time now. It's a tale of two cities for real. Since 1980 east rockford Illinois has become its own city. Nearly everything east of mulford was built post 1980. Leaving west of the river to feel like Gary Indiana or east st Louis
@@philliprobinson-muhammad2034 it wasn't long ago that Mulford and Perryville Roads were just two lane roads surrounded by farmland. I think it was the 70's. I strongly believe Rockford would look much different if I-90 was routed through downtown or the west side. Some people think that is disruptive to communities but it was either that or the communities would be abandoned because the growth shifted far east.
@kennetho5393 that is so very true. I literally saw the old burger King and bobs big boy was built. That's when logli and Montgomery ward shared the same building.. Rockford has made some poor decisions that has affected the city long term. As bad as it can be I still love my hometown
I currently live here, off 11th. There's shootings almost every other night. The only part that's getting renovated is the downtown Richie part. The rest of the city is left to crumble and die. Planning my escape in the next couple months for the last time.
Rockford is a really beautiful city any time of the year. Great restaurants, some of the most incredible pizza that I’ve had anywhere, The Stockholm Inn… I make the most of every visit that I make to Rockford. Never disappointed.
I spend a good portion of my life in Rockford. It was a great place to live in the 60's and 70', but, now it's a dump. It was at one time considered the most dangerous city in the country. The happiest day in my life was when I crossed the Illinois border for the last time. I went to Northern Wisconsin where it's a safe place to live. I'd NEVER go back to Illinois!
I miss that place, I remember when rooms were super cheap but you got a beautiful room. Then coco keys came in and basically sank it. Magic waters is even more expensive now thanks to six flags. It sucks that our local stuff is being ruined.
"The home of health care"?!?!?!? Try getting an appointment at a specialist here, any specialty. My husband suffers from Lupus. It took us 7 months to get in to see a rheumatologist. The "three month" follow up visit had to be scheduled ANOTHER 7 months out. Same is true for cardiology and ophthalmology, we know from personal experience. Why you ask? Because specialists with the potential to earn big bucks will not move to Rockford due to crime, poor schools and stagnant property values. There are SEVERE and systemic problems here and I honestly cannot think how Rockford is going to climb out of this hole. When my husband becomes eligible to receive his pension we're gone.
what does growth have to do with services?Yes they are grown in size but in quality they have disappeared.The person who comment on this told the truth
This is very factual. To get specialized treatment you are either sent to uw madison or one of the hospitals in Chicago. My younger bro had to have work done on the leads to his pacemaker and they sent him to mercy health in Janesville because they said that's where the Dr that does it practices ( mercy built a half billion dollar facility on the interstate and almost all the cancer treating equipment is still in the old rockford memorial on rockton) they allowed that dude to basically cut off health care services to nearly half the city.
I live in Decatur. I've always heard about Rockford being horrible, seen it on bad list etc. The part we were in was very nice, all be it we were only there for dinner. I'd have to say only a few cities I've been in look worse than Decatur sadly.
I've stayed in Decatur several times. It's like the deep south. Even the construction is like the south. You've got the lake and the zoo. Try to make the best out of it.
MY NEPHEW ACTUALLY KNOW THE OWNER AND WORK THERE 1985 JAPANESE GARDEN =I THINK HE ALSO KNOW THE SON IN THIS SHOW AS WELL/EVENTHOUGHT MY NEPHEW WORK MID 85 SUMMER IT IS THE 1ST TIME I SAW JAPANESE GARDEN
@@marcomaldonado8580 thank you bro people forgot what they've done to the City that they once called home. They disrespect the people who helped build this great City but they run from what they started and closed the door on themselves but not knowing we don't need them because they was just a people who were in the way much love to you bro for helping this one good person understand our City of God in light 🕯️👈🏿😉😁🙏🏿😎
My husband and I left 2 years ago and it was the best decision we made! I was so disappointed at how much crime became of the city when I returned after being gone for 9 years...what a shithole the entire area has become! The only reason we HAVE to go to the Rockford area is to visit family.
I grew up in Rockford as a kid in the 80's and 90's. Moved out 11 years ago though this video makes me miss it a little and want to come back. Then I remember the crime issues and all the ghetto people of all colors living there that seem to infest the city. If they could just clean up that issue I think Rockford would be a great place to live again I really do.
I WENT TO WATCH THEM CHEAP TRICK IN 1981 THAT WAS WHEN THE STADUIM JUST BUILT =I AM SUPPRISE THE DRUMER WAS THERE ALL ALONG DURING MY HIGH SCHOOL YRS 1981 TO 85 EAST HIGH =SOMETHING NEW =JOHN ACTUALLY KNOW THEM CHEAP TRICK
born and raised here too Tiffany,,,move to central oregon in 95...yes RB....rockbottom as i affectionally call my hometown has nice qualities.....but the crime and political corruption outweigh any reason to return....great vid mainstreets for pointing out the postives.....
Lmao only person who could make rkfd look good but in reality, it's a joke... High property taxes, schools suck, roads, crime, police. Ugh. Seriously ppl. You should the crappy rock river and the downtown area where everyone is putting the money. 🤣🤣🤣 Rkfd sucks and why most of us left. But good try
@@Szcza04just like anywhere. I saw a video on Davenport Iowa which is about the same size as Rockford. It has about the same highs and lows as Rockford does. But people are trying to make it better.
Those are the Dark variety. Made dark on purpose because it adds a slightly different flavor. Mrs. Fisher's are the best chips! They were even better before they had to change their choice of oil due to new laws. I live in California now and have my son who still lives there ship me a few bags a year. You can also buy them online from their website if you want to try them.
@@robertkey1040 nah I've had chips like those before. From other shitty local companies like Jays. They are burnt, bitter garbage. They taste like week old grease drippings from a fry basket
(A)-Accept you are a sinner & need a Savior, then repent. (B)- Believe in the Lord Jesus's death burial and resurrection on the 3rd day. (C)-Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart Jesus is your Lord and Savior. You will be saved!
NICK'S GYROS are the best kept secret. HEAVENLY.
Where I was born and raised. Thank you for posting this full episode.
born and raised here too Tiffany,,,move to central oregon in 95...yes RB....rockbottom as i affectionally call my hometown has nice qualities.....but the crime and political corruption outweigh any reason to return....great vid mainstreets for pointing out the postives.....
So glad to see positive aspects of my hometown. Well done John & crew!
We lived there for thirty years, it was a wonderful place to live, work and play! Nicely done program!
Thank you for this positive view of Rockford, my hometown 💜
bro there is nothing positive about living here i hear drive bys like every week
I like living here despite the crime, the police are nice from what I've experienced (Except for cherry valley cops). I don't really want to move.
@@kahn5636 crime is everywhere. At least the houses are cheap lol
🗣️@@kahn5636 well take yo ass somewhere else, I love my City of people who love me 👈🏿😎💯
@@acamera367 those polices are racist in loves park and mecheseny and out their believe me I know, I'm from here Rockford Illinois (815).
I'm all over this City of 😍 👈🏿🤣🤣🤣
Born and raised in Rockford...best shots of Rockford I have ever seen...great job~
Yes those are the best shots of Rockford, but it would be fair to show the worst shots of Rockford also. Someone thinking about moving here deserves the complete truth
@@jebboceefus553I'm moving to Rockford area in a few months ? Areas to avoid ?
@Hrd4 certain pocket neighborhoods. Just drive right through to the next neighborhood.
@@Hrd4 Avoid at least 70% of Rockford. if you want to live somewhere decent I suggest Cherry Valley area.
I was born and raised in rockford went to Boylan high school, but I must say there are several things about rockford that I did not know and things that I never saw. Thank you for this beautiful inspirational video.
Titan proud
It"s good to hear something good,about the town I was born and raised in. Even though I've been out of Rockford,for over forty yrs., I will always how great memories of the city .
There’s always something bad to say anything, I appreciate that you highlight the Good things happening :)
Thanks for sharing! Love to hear about our city from an outside view :)
Thank you for the nice tour. I have to check out that car museum.
This is very Discover wisconsin. I watched that all the time as kid and wanted to visit every place on thr show. now as a life long resident of Rockford I can say lots and lots of fluff..
I am looking for other things to do when i next see my wife (im in the uk), thanks for sharing! :)
You forgot Magic Waters and Rockford Ski Broncs and Rockford Phantom Regiment, Nicholas Conservatory and Sinnissippi gardens
Magic Waters is now Six Flags.
@@dvferyance the venue is the same it's still an asset to our community
Anderson Japanese gardens and Klehm Arboretum
Yo me mudé de Chicago a Rockford por los altos costos de Chicago y la verdad no me arrepiento, mucha gente habla mal de Rockford pero la ciudad está está cambiando he conocido mucha gente que se está moviendo de Chicago y otras ciudades de Illinois a Rockford por los costos de propiedad más baratos lo único malo de aquí es que los dueños de casa no quieren invertir en sus propiedades no le toman importancia en cuidar sus patios las yardas de enfrente
Justamente tengo como 5 días que hice lo mismo, de Chicago a Rockford con mi familia. Ahora solo tengo que encontrar un trabajo y escuela 😅
Nice video-informative, uplifting, inspiring. Great job.
Rockford has a history of making poor decisions that have shaped the city to what it is today. Saying no to NIU was the first. Worst mistake was wanting I-90 on the far east side where the city eventually grew to while leaving the downtown and especially westside to die and barely have basic amenities like grocery stores while the Eastside has an abundance.
Right they took all the good stuff from the West side and made the East side look like hey we're doing better than you 👈🏿 but not knowing you only hurting your city and the people in it .
They did that to our so called black Americans folks to keep them on their money making because black folks were buying up land and polices were planting drugs on them and knowing that the police didn't care because they had badges on for and was known majority white cops will pull you over and put guns and drugs on your personal and say you made the decision to live over here so get with the program.
Believe me, I was one of those victims of police brutality in Rockford Illinois 😉
Its bigger then what it is tbh
I've said this very thing for some time now. It's a tale of two cities for real. Since 1980 east rockford Illinois has become its own city. Nearly everything east of mulford was built post 1980.
Leaving west of the river to feel like Gary Indiana or east st Louis
@@philliprobinson-muhammad2034 it wasn't long ago that Mulford and Perryville Roads were just two lane roads surrounded by farmland. I think it was the 70's. I strongly believe Rockford would look much different if I-90 was routed through downtown or the west side. Some people think that is disruptive to communities but it was either that or the communities would be abandoned because the growth shifted far east.
@kennetho5393 that is so very true. I literally saw the old burger King and bobs big boy was built. That's when logli and Montgomery ward shared the same building.. Rockford has made some poor decisions that has affected the city long term. As bad as it can be I still love my hometown
Well done on the video
awesome ! I lived there too....grad from Rock Valley College !! Belvidere's Cruise night ! lol
I had a job offer with Amerock at the stamping plant in 1998. I went with the programming gig in Jax, FL because it was much much warmer. High Five!
ive jammed with miles and dax nice guys😀✌️
I currently live here, off 11th. There's shootings almost every other night. The only part that's getting renovated is the downtown Richie part. The rest of the city is left to crumble and die. Planning my escape in the next couple months for the last time.
If rockford is so bad why not move to South Barrington or the gold coast in chicago?
Are you gone yet? Because you can make any place that you live a good place. You just have to find your corner of the city.
@@matthewm9261 why because he told the truth.What part was a lie do tell?
Thanks John.
Why would you exclude
SYMBOL??
Rockford is a really beautiful city any time of the year.
Great restaurants, some of the most incredible pizza that I’ve had anywhere, The Stockholm Inn…
I make the most of every visit that I make to Rockford. Never disappointed.
3:09 Anybody know where exactly on 7th Street Rick's dad's music store was? I remember when Toad Hall was at 7th & Broadway...
Born and raised in Rockford moved out over 20 years ago best decision I ever made. Don't miss it at all.
Why what's wrong with it?
@@sever427 right?!🤣🤣🤣
So glad you're not here to be a Debbie downer.
Some people like it here.
Me 2, moved over 50 yrs ago. Never regretted the choice.
On the California Coast since. Love the Ocean and if I want snow I can drive 2 hrs to ski.
@@sever427lots
I spend a good portion of my life in Rockford. It was a great place to live in the 60's and 70', but, now it's a dump. It was at one time considered the most dangerous city in the country. The happiest day in my life was when I crossed the Illinois border for the last time. I went to Northern Wisconsin where it's a safe place to live. I'd NEVER go back to Illinois!
To bad the clock tower resort is gone…. :(
I miss that place, I remember when rooms were super cheap but you got a beautiful room.
Then coco keys came in and basically sank it. Magic waters is even more expensive now thanks to six flags. It sucks that our local stuff is being ruined.
@@acamera367 I miss the clock tower in general it was Rockfords Big Ben
@@neosho53059 That tower was so iconic. Made a great landmark.
@@acamera367 I wish they could rebuild it!! It was a great (money for the toll) icon
@@neosho53059 Here's hoping that Casino actually does rebuild it
"The home of health care"?!?!?!? Try getting an appointment at a specialist here, any specialty. My husband suffers from Lupus. It took us 7 months to get in to see a rheumatologist. The "three month" follow up visit had to be scheduled ANOTHER 7 months out. Same is true for cardiology and ophthalmology, we know from personal experience. Why you ask? Because specialists with the potential to earn big bucks will not move to Rockford due to crime, poor schools and stagnant property values. There are SEVERE and systemic problems here and I honestly cannot think how Rockford is going to climb out of this hole. When my husband becomes eligible to receive his pension we're gone.
Hope you find your ideal city somewhere
UW Health has done an amazing job of keeping Swedish American aka. 'Swedes' going/growing.
what does growth have to do with services?Yes they are grown in size but in quality they have disappeared.The person who comment on this told the truth
@@sarahawkins1917If I were able to find the ideal city it wouldn’t be ideal after I moved to it.
This is very factual. To get specialized treatment you are either sent to uw madison or one of the hospitals in Chicago. My younger bro had to have work done on the leads to his pacemaker and they sent him to mercy health in Janesville because they said that's where the Dr that does it practices ( mercy built a half billion dollar facility on the interstate and almost all the cancer treating equipment is still in the old rockford memorial on rockton) they allowed that dude to basically cut off health care services to nearly half the city.
I live in Decatur. I've always heard about Rockford being horrible, seen it on bad list etc. The part we were in was very nice, all be it we were only there for dinner. I'd have to say only a few cities I've been in look worse than Decatur sadly.
I've stayed in Decatur several times. It's like the deep south. Even the construction is like the south. You've got the lake and the zoo. Try to make the best out of it.
It’s Ill inois , not ELL inois. Rockford is my hometown.
MY NEPHEW ACTUALLY KNOW THE OWNER AND WORK THERE 1985 JAPANESE GARDEN =I THINK HE ALSO KNOW THE SON IN THIS SHOW AS WELL/EVENTHOUGHT MY NEPHEW WORK MID 85 SUMMER IT IS THE 1ST TIME I SAW JAPANESE GARDEN
Kathy, Kevin, and Dennis? Was the last name "Wentz", by chance?
Hola gracias por la información no creí que Rockford era así de bonito todo lo que escuchaba eran cosas malas
Mucha gente habla mal de esta ciudad pero la verdad la ciudad está mejorando yo me mudé de Chicago a Rockford, ase un año
@@marcomaldonado8580 thank you bro people forgot what they've done to the City that they once called home.
They disrespect the people who helped build this great City but they run from what they started and closed the door on themselves but not knowing we don't need them because they was just a people who were in the way much love to you bro for helping this one good person understand our City of God in light 🕯️👈🏿😉😁🙏🏿😎
You can hear negative things about anywhere.
My husband and I left 2 years ago and it was the best decision we made! I was so disappointed at how much crime became of the city when I returned after being gone for 9 years...what a shithole the entire area has become! The only reason we HAVE to go to the Rockford area is to visit family.
Their crime rate dropped 2 years ago, too! They think you leaving was a good decision, too.
@@Marcel_Audubon, crime is still out of control there!! Nice try though...
Bye!🎉
@@rickborrettjr6810 🤣🤣🤣💯🙏🏿 Amen 👈🏿😎
Yeppers shithole is a pretty accurate description
Is it safe to live there with family? I’m thinking to move there because it’s cheap price housing there!! Any advice please, I appreciate it! 🙏🏻
Don't
Let me put it this way, the cheap houses in the area are not the places you want to live in
So three quarters of the city is safe and beautiful, so just avoid the parts that aren't and you can have a great life here
Yes, the northeast area is definitely nice, moved here 6 months ago.
You forgot to showcase Buckbee Weed Co. & Mrs. Buckbee's Wake-N-Bakery
Ole Saltys are the Rockford go to potato chips.
Unfortunately, I live in Rockford, and Ole Salty's is on E Riverside BLVD. So, I'm definitely not wrong...
What happened to "Fishers" chips?
@SherieBenoit They was forced to change the oil they use to cook the chips, and in my opinion, they're not as good anymore.
I grew up in Rockford as a kid in the 80's and 90's. Moved out 11 years ago though this video makes me miss it a little and want to come back. Then I remember the crime issues and all the ghetto people of all colors living there that seem to infest the city. If they could just clean up that issue I think Rockford would be a great place to live again I really do.
I think Rockford gets a bad rap for this, but the truth is with drug abuse and homelessness on the rise most major cities are showing an increase .
Racist much ? 💩
a bad rap really no I think the shoe fits
Can w MF redo
This shit Miillys have some RESPECT
It’s a great city if you like the risk of being shot at. It’s got hoods more dangerous than Englewood Chicago and that place is a war zone
I remember driving by the hwy 20 interchange and seeing a bunch of cops and such. Turns out they found a bunch of body parts! Cool place.
🤣🤣🤣
Quit lying
That was the damnedest thing! Nobody knows where the mannequins were coming from.
Bummer
Good place to be FROM. The houses are cheap for a reason.
not cheap anymore
My mom baby sited rick god rest her sole.
Ha. A good friend looked after his kids.
I WENT TO WATCH THEM CHEAP TRICK IN 1981 THAT WAS WHEN THE STADUIM JUST BUILT =I AM SUPPRISE THE DRUMER WAS THERE ALL ALONG DURING MY HIGH SCHOOL YRS 1981 TO 85 EAST HIGH =SOMETHING NEW =JOHN ACTUALLY KNOW THEM CHEAP TRICK
Heh. I remember them setting up and playing at the Ice House one night for 'open skating'. Crazy to think about it now.
born and raised here too Tiffany,,,move to central oregon in 95...yes RB....rockbottom as i affectionally call my hometown has nice qualities.....but the crime and political corruption outweigh any reason to return....great vid mainstreets for pointing out the postives.....
Don't comment on our city again since you don't live here.
@@sarahawkins1917wow are u upset from this comment?What about this comment makes you mad?
@@sethbrunfiedsr5194The difference between 1995 and 2021 in Rockford are ridiculous.
Not a great town, really. Lived there for a decade
Do not fall for this…
😂😂
This is rockbottom
Lmao only person who could make rkfd look good but in reality, it's a joke... High property taxes, schools suck, roads, crime, police. Ugh. Seriously ppl. You should the crappy rock river and the downtown area where everyone is putting the money. 🤣🤣🤣 Rkfd sucks and why most of us left. But good try
If you don't live here anymore please don't comment
Everyone whines about Illinois but I honestly see it has its pros and cons
@sa 19:25 rahawkins1917 I live here and he speaks the truth
@@Szcza04anit that the truth
@@Szcza04just like anywhere. I saw a video on Davenport Iowa which is about the same size as Rockford. It has about the same highs and lows as Rockford does. But people are trying to make it better.
If your looking for some action it’s on every street corner 😂😮
Who’s here from TikTok’s 5 worst cities to visit in the US because of crime? 🙋🏻♂️
TikTok is responsible for my Hyundai Sonata being stolen. Their damn Kia/Hyundai challenge!
Those chips look burnt and disgusting
Those are the Dark variety. Made dark on purpose because it adds a slightly different flavor. Mrs. Fisher's are the best chips! They were even better before they had to change their choice of oil due to new laws. I live in California now and have my son who still lives there ship me a few bags a year. You can also buy them online from their website if you want to try them.
@@robertkey1040 nah I've had chips like those before. From other shitty local companies like Jays. They are burnt, bitter garbage. They taste like week old grease drippings from a fry basket
@@robertkey1040 plus there's no such thing as a potato with a "dark variety" interior
(A)-Accept you are a sinner & need a Savior, then repent. (B)- Believe in the Lord Jesus's death burial and resurrection on the 3rd day. (C)-Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart Jesus is your Lord and Savior. You will be saved!
😂😂😂 Ty for leaving baby Jesus lover