If you’re moving to the Chicago metropolitan area, then Joliet, IL, may be the city for you! Located just 40 miles southwest of the city, Joliet gives you a small town, homey feel while putting you only an hour away by car or commuter rail from the windy city. But what’s living in Joliet like, and what makes it better than other cities?
As the 4th largest city in Illinois, Joliet has had a significant resurgence since its economic downfall in the 1980s. Now, it’s the state’s fastest-growing city, thanks to Joliet’s thriving steel industry and its proximity to Chicago.
Before you make the big move, take a look at our guide so you have everything you need to know about living in Joliet:
- Cost of Living. Living in Joliet is relatively affordable. The median family income is at just over $70,000/year, with the median home price in the city sitting at $145,000. This is well below the national average, making buying a home a reasonable goal for any young professional or new family.
- Neighborhoods. The Des Plaines River divides Joliet into two sections – an east and a west side. In the last half of the 20th century, Joliet has expanded west beyond the river, with many new shopping centers and strip malls popping up over the past few decades. Many local businesses have also moved west, leaving the historical downtown shopping center an effective ghost town! The area closest to the river is now considered Central Joliet, with many of the new neighborhoods staying on the west side.
- Schools. If you’re looking to start a family, then don’t worry! Joliet has plenty of schools. The primary school districts that serve Joliet residents are Joliet Township High School District 204, the Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202, the Oswego Community Unit School District 308, and the Minooka Community High School District 111. These feed into three public high schools: Joliet Central High School, Joliet West High School, and Plainfield South High School, as well as Joliet Catholic Academy and the Ridgewood Baptist Academy. Joliet is also home to the first community college in the country, Joliet Junior College.
- Employment. Unemployment reached a historic high in the 1980s; however, with many more thriving businesses, the employment rate is back on the rise, with a job growth rate of 34.96%. In addition to manufacturing industries, Joliet is also home to major employers and companies, including Caterpillar, Provena-St. Joseph’s, Harrah’s, Silver Cross Hospital, ComEd, Exxon Mobil Oil, Nicor, and AT&T.
- Culture. No matter who you are or your interests, there are plenty of things to do in Joliet. There are four different golf courses, a nature preserve (Pilcher State Park), and several running, biking, and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Splash Station, a water park, is also perfect during the summer and for families. And if you’re trying to get to Chicago, public transportation is easily accessible, including several Metra lines, Amtrak lines, and a bus system.
Choose a real estate agent that will genuinely take the time to understand your wants and needs. Contact Sandy Majetich-Toth at 815-791-2215. I can help you search for a new home or help you sell your current property. Let’s get started today!
Sources:
https://www.movoto.com/guide/joliet-il/moving-to-joliet/
https://www.movers.com/moving-guides/moving-to-joliet-il.html
