Diaper Swappers

Rollins4 · 11-16-2009, 09:10 AM

Hey Mamas,

Tell me about Rockford, Quad Cities, Peoria, and Normal (Bloomington)...Please

Schools, areas to stay away from, family friendly, home rentals etc. DH was talking to VP of the IL Region and the conversation swayed toward the VP asking us to check out these areas (we are currently in SC), there will be new stores opening up soon in these IL areas and would maybe bring good opportunity.

I was born in Savanna, IL (northwest, located along the Mississippi River), but we moved when I was 9, I also have family in Ottumwa, IA.

Any info would be appreciated! Thanks

IAmommy2seven · 11-23-2009, 02:34 PM

I live in Dewitt which is 17 miles north of Davenport IA. I really like it here. It is a small town but 15 (or so) minutes any direction you have everything you need. Entertainment, stores etc. The schools here in DeWitt are great. I have 3 kids in public school here and also one in private school. We have good opportunities for sports here too. Dewitt is a growing city! When I moved here in 2003 the population was just over 3000 now it is over 5000. If you want more info just send me a PM.

SweetVioletsMama · 12-04-2009, 10:06 PM

I live about 15 miles from Rockford, but have lived in the city before. It's a pretty city, very clean. In my opinion it's a more conservative one. There are lots of forest preserves in the surrounding areas, which is nice. I haven't heard good things about the public school system though (mostly financial issues), but there are many private options. A warning though, this area has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state

Good luck to you & your family!!

SweetVioletsMama · 12-04-2009, 10:13 PM

Forgot to mention...there are several smaller towns near Rockford that are nice and have much better school systems. They are all within 20 miles or so, well worth the drive!! PM me if you need more info

sheets332 · 12-26-2009, 03:29 PM

we currently live in machesney park its very safe right outside of rockford but unfortunately we are in the rockford school district! machesney park is nice and we are near lots of things to do, places to eat, libraries, kid activities, etc.... there are lots of private school options but they are expensive! i will NOT send my child to a public school in rockford, so the plan is to move b4 they get school age.

Cutie-Patootie One Size · 01-05-2010, 03:10 PM

I have lived in the Quad-Cities and have lived near Peoria. Most of the towns you mentioned are industrial centers. The weather is much colder in the QC than Peoria. Anywhere above interstate 80 is much colder. The larger cities all have terrible schools. But smaller communities in outlying areas are nice. Orion, just south of the QC is an excellent school district. So is Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley. Near Peoria, I love Pekin, IL. It is just a few miles south of Peoria. I think you will find the people of the Mid-west very friendly and open. Good luck to you!

11-16-2009, 09:10 AM	#1
Rollins4 Registered Users Join Date: May 2006 Location: Sunny AZ Posts: 770 Ratings: 213 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Tell me about Rockford, Quad Cities, Peoria and Normal! Hey Mamas, Tell me about Rockford, Quad Cities, Peoria, and Normal (Bloomington)...Please Schools, areas to stay away from, family friendly, home rentals etc. DH was talking to VP of the IL Region and the conversation swayed toward the VP asking us to check out these areas (we are currently in SC), there will be new stores opening up soon in these IL areas and would maybe bring good opportunity. I was born in Savanna, IL (northwest, located along the Mississippi River), but we moved when I was 9, I also have family in Ottumwa, IA. Any info would be appreciated! Thanks __________________ Cat - Blessed Mom to 4!! DD 9, DS 6 and Twin DS's 4! If you're not outraged..you're not paying attention!

11-23-2009, 02:34 PM	#2
IAmommy2seven Registered Users Join Date: May 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 77 Ratings: 14 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: Tell me about Rockford, Quad Cities, Peoria and Normal! I live in Dewitt which is 17 miles north of Davenport IA. I really like it here. It is a small town but 15 (or so) minutes any direction you have everything you need. Entertainment, stores etc. The schools here in DeWitt are great. I have 3 kids in public school here and also one in private school. We have good opportunities for sports here too. Dewitt is a growing city! When I moved here in 2003 the population was just over 3000 now it is over 5000. If you want more info just send me a PM.

12-04-2009, 10:06 PM	#3
SweetVioletsMama Registered Users Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 245 Ratings: 70 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: Tell me about Rockford, Quad Cities, Peoria and Normal! I live about 15 miles from Rockford, but have lived in the city before. It's a pretty city, very clean. In my opinion it's a more conservative one. There are lots of forest preserves in the surrounding areas, which is nice. I haven't heard good things about the public school system though (mostly financial issues), but there are many private options. A warning though, this area has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state Good luck to you & your family!!

12-04-2009, 10:13 PM	#4
SweetVioletsMama Registered Users Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 245 Ratings: 70 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: Tell me about Rockford, Quad Cities, Peoria and Normal! Forgot to mention...there are several smaller towns near Rockford that are nice and have much better school systems. They are all within 20 miles or so, well worth the drive!! PM me if you need more info

12-26-2009, 03:29 PM	#5
sheets332 Registered Users Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 710 Ratings: 111 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: Tell me about Rockford, Quad Cities, Peoria and Normal! we currently live in machesney park its very safe right outside of rockford but unfortunately we are in the rockford school district! machesney park is nice and we are near lots of things to do, places to eat, libraries, kid activities, etc.... there are lots of private school options but they are expensive! i will NOT send my child to a public school in rockford, so the plan is to move b4 they get school age.