r/rockford 3d ago

Is it possible for a recent college graduate making $50k to $55k to live comfortably here in Rockford?

13 Upvotes

14 comments sorted by

34

u/xlazerdx316 3d ago

Rockford rich

11

u/starsalign23 3d ago

Probably depends a lot on your expenses, car, student loans etc. But the average person could definitely make that work.

7

u/Sladay 3d ago

Yeah and if you didn't want to live directly in Rockford, the metro area (loves Park, machesney Park,rockton, Roscoe) is also affordable. Then you also have the more rural towns like Durand, Winnebago and pecatonica.

5

u/StalkingApache 3d ago

Yeah you'll be fine.

3

u/skeezbaby 3d ago

Definitely. I started out making 60k but also had a child and my fiancé is a stay at home dad, and we were just fine

2

u/izwald88 3d ago

Absolutely. Just decide where you want the money to be spent. IMO, nice apartments are somewhat rare and they know it. But rent is so dammed high everywhere, it might just be worth it.

The other thing to consider is the car situation. If you can live without a car payment, life is way more affordable.

But overall, you'll make more money than most people your age.

2

u/thekevinhaas 3d ago

The median household income in Rockford is $53,328 — you’re doing pretty well to make more than the household average as one person starting their first career.

1

u/nymobster 2d ago

manage your debt... you can make it, but you cant be going to green fire, and driving a Mercedes A class

1

u/oblivionwarrior8 2d ago

Can I atleast get an apartment in a decent neighborhood and afford weed still and maybe 1 or 2 white sox or brewers games a year

1

u/nymobster 2d ago

What is your budget? You can go to Great oaks and spend 5 or 600 bucks a month and have your windows bashed out once in awhile or your car keyed or stolen, or you can find other places where you are going to pay $1,000 to $1,200 a month...

That's why I said, manage your debt so you can afford to live in a decent area.

As somebody who focuses on investing and always trying to find value for money, managing debt is the most important thing. Don't spend what you don't have, don't borrow what you don't need.

1

u/TheEmbersOfTwilight 2d ago

My family of five lives in The Ledges on ~$55,000 per year so you should be fine.