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šŸŒ± Patch AM: What Rockfordā€™s ā€œhottest housing marketā€ title means for your next move

You won't want to miss The Wellness Retreat: A Festival Where Mind, Body, and Music Meet on the Rockford Patch calendar

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Good morning Rockford! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What Rockford's "hottest housing market" title means for your next move
  • What Rockford gains by hosting the 2027 statewide NAACP convention
  • How 1,500 Rockford kids just got free books to keep

Also on today's calendar: The Wellness Retreat: A Festival Where Mind, Body, and Music Meet and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Periods of rain, with a high of 69 and low of 49 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 67, low: 42.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 67 and low of 45 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Rockford home prices remain near record levels (bnd.com) — If you own or hope to buy a home in Rockford, prices remain near record highs, with the three‑month average sale price around $255,000 and inventory still tight. Rockford was also ranked the nation's hottest housing market, meaning strong demand, more pending sales, and continued competition when the right house hits the market.
   

2. Rockford to host 90th annual NAACP Illinois State Convention (wifr.com) — Rockford has landed the 90th Annual NAACP Illinois State Conference Convention, bringing about 250 attendees to Embassy Suites Rockford Riverfront from September 24–26, 2027. Local leaders, including the NAACP Rockford Branch and GoRockford, say the event is a historic win that will showcase the city while supporting hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.
   

3. Rockford area youth organizations distribute new books to nearly 1,500 children (mystateline.com) — Rockford families may have seen their kids come home with brand-new books after nearly 1,500 children across the Rockford area received free titles during Illinois Day of Literacy events at the Good Shepherd YMCA. Local groups like YMCA of Rock River Valley and United Way backed the effort, which also invited kids to share Rockford memories for a community story anthology.
   

4. Is There A Calmer Fall Walk In Illinois Than This Japanese Garden Full Of Koi And Waterfalls? (takingthekids.com) — If you're looking for a peaceful fall escape without leaving Rockford, Anderson Japanese Gardens offers koi-filled ponds, waterfalls, and glowing Japanese maples right on Spring Creek Road. The article walks you through kid-friendly paths, koi feeding, accessibility tips, hours, admission options, and the on-site Fresco restaurant so you can plan a calm, colorful autumn visit close to home.
   

📸 Around Rockford

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Rockford

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📣 Rockford Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Found 9/28/26 Underweight petite female orange cat found near Huffman and Auburn.
    Less than a year old. Very sweet. Very vocal. Anyone recognize this sweet girl? (Nextdoor Rolling Green)
  • Hey neighbors my son will be turning 11 this weeks.
    Anyone have any ideas of fun outtings we can do other than go to flow?? (Nextdoor Townview)
  • Packaging Coordinators, Inc. posted a job opening for Warehouse Shipping Coordinator - 3rd Shift in Rockford. Apply here.
  • Mercyhealth posted a job opening for Patient Registrar - 3rd Shift in Rockford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rockford here.

Ok Rockford! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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