Anyone Near Rockford/Belvidere?

[Mr. Cynthia]

Hi, All!

I've been invited to interview for a job at the Chrysler plant in Belvidere, Il and I was wondering if anyone here is familiar with the area.

I'd appreciate any insight into what it might be like to live there- cost of living, weather, things to do, etc...and, of course, what it might be like for a big ol' bulldyke to move there.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[MrSunshine]

Hey there. I lived in the Chicagoland area for years and I have to say it was one of my favorite places. There is always something to do and someone to do it with.
The weather can suck, unless you like snow and enjoy sweating while standing still in the shade.
Honestly, I was always so busy involved in an activity I hardly noticed.
If you're a social person you will love it. I wouldn't worry about how you identify because there are just so many flavors in the area.
Best of luck!

[Mr. Cynthia]

Hey there. I lived in the Chicagoland area for years and I have to say it was one of my favorite places. There is always something to do and someone to do it with.
The weather can suck, unless you like snow and enjoy sweating while standing still in the shade.
Honestly, I was always so busy involved in an activity I hardly noticed.
If you're a social person you will love it. I wouldn't worry about how you identify because there are just so many flavors in the area.
Best of luck!

Thanks for the feedback!

I've never really considered moving from Nashville but after working contract jobs for a year, a union job with benefits is sounding pretty good right now.

I wouldn't necessarily describe myself as a social person...but I could probably find my way out of the house if there's plenty going on :)

Thanks again!

[WolfyOne]

It's about 90 minutes from Chicago. It's not an area I'd want to live in and I'm born and raised in Chicago proper. I remember Rockford used to be very nice, but has been plagued by gangs and drugs. Housing there is cheap for a reason. I don't know much about Belvidere though. Please do visit and really check it out before you decide to interview, if that's possible.

[WolfyOne]

Forgot to say that you must enjoy shoveling snow...a lot.

There's 2 seasons in IL, road construction and more road construction :|
No really, it's true :blink:

[Mr. Cynthia]

Forgot to say that you must enjoy shoveling snow...a lot.

There's 2 seasons in IL, road construction and more road construction :|
No really, it's true :blink:


I haven't shoveled snow since I moved from NY twenty years ago...maybe it's like riding a bicycle...

I can't afford to take much time off work, so I was planning to do a whirlwind tour during the same trip as the interview.

I did notice that real estate seemed pretty cheap and I'm disappointed to find out why. If the gangs aren't too entrenched, things might improve with the 1800 new jobs being added to the Chrysler plant. Or they'll just end up running the local union...

Thanks for the intel, Wolfy!

[LoyalWolfsBlade]

I might be to late on this but I actually live in Rockford. Like all big cities it has its gang problems you just learn what side of town not to go on, My concern for you would be just how often that Chrysler plant cuts jobs or lays off workers. Our town used to be a thriving town but most of the industry has moved else where. There really is no butch/femme community and Rockford is not Chicago it is a very conservative town even I have problems with how butch I am but then again I never cared much what they thought anyway. There are two seasons here winter and construction both are a pain. Can you tell just how much I love my home town lol. A friend of mine described it as a conservative town caught in a time warp with an identity issue and that is a pretty accurate assessment. Well I hope I caught this soon enough.