So, What's wrong with Joliet? (Aurora, Naperville: work, custom home, crime)

[thompson84606]

I notice that Joliet is much maligned. I am asking this because it's the fasted growing city in the Midwest, and crime has decreased each of the past 15 years. In fact total crime numbers are LESS now than ten years ago when the population was 50k less. I notice that a lot of renovations have been happening downtown and there are a lot of initiatives on the east side to improve the blight. I like to see people taking initiatives for their own neighborhoods, which seems to be happening in Joliet. The area seems to be attracting a good amount of business growth. That said, there seems to be much more to do in Joliet and much more history than many of the cornfield creations that pass off as towns in the western burbs. What's the deal?

[Steve-o]

Well, truth be told, Joliet still has a gang and drug problem, mainly on the east side of town, which is quite run down, sadly. The new areas are rather nice and growing like wildfire, as you pointed out. If you want to live in town, concentrate on the northern and western edges, thats where all the growth is occuring. The problem is that its mostly cookie-cutter and chain stores, which for some is nice, others not so. If you like decently quiet neighborhoods and cheaper housing, then Joliet might suit you fine. If youre looking for a downtown/nightlife/dining like Oak Park, Naperville, Geneva, etc, youll probably be disappointed as the nice areas of Joliet are brand-spankin-new and quite boring IMO. Schools in Joliet also continue to struggle from what Ive heard. As for history, it doesnt have as much history as many western suburbs, so Im not sure what you mean by that? In any case, if I were to settle in the SW burbs, Id go for Naperville or Plainfield before Joliet, as they have more to do and are safer, with Plainfield's housing just as affordable, Naperville not so much. Hope this makes sense.

[NYrules]

Joliet is going to boom more so than we've ever seen before now that 355 can take wokers of the northern burbs back down to da sout side in a matter of 40 minutes or even less during non peak rush hour times. Another area not mentioned that is also a hot bed of activity is the area of Joliet bordering New Lenox and Lockport. Much new construction is occuring in this area of both businesses and housing as the affect of 355 opening is greatly being felt by current residents as well as potential ones. Wal Mart already saw the handwriting on the walls and built their largest store in IL right in Lockport off Farrell and 159th Street, only 10 minutes east of Joliet's eastern border of which opened in Oct. 07

[medic65]

[quote=NYrules;2518097]Joliet is going to boom more so than we've ever seen before now that 355 can take wokers of the northern burbs back down to da sout side in a matter of 40 minutes or even less during non peak rush hour times. Another area not mentioned that is also a hot bed of activity is the area of Joliet bordering New Lenox and Lockport. Much new construction is occuring in this area of both businesses and housing as the affect of 355 opening is greatly being felt by current residents as well as potential ones.

I agree NYrulesI.. live in one of those areas that borders New Lenox....in a beautiful custom home......with 355 open and the plans for the growth around here I couldnt be happier where we chose. Its quiet..yet with all of the conveniences close by....Joliet is definately booming....from the west to the east.

[sbd78]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Schools in Joliet also continue to struggle from what Ive heard. As for history, it doesnt have as much history as many western suburbs, so Im not sure what you mean by that?

You are right, Joliet's school system has problems, however most of these new and booming areas of Joliet don't fall into Joliet schools-They are in Plainfield, Shorewood, Minooka, and New Lenox's school districts, so you get the affordable housing without the bad schools, which is a big part of the appeal. And yes, these new areas are brand new and don't have much history.

Downtown Joliet, however, is very historic and has a lot of potential to be a great place IMO. Unfortunately, some of Joliet's near East side shady neighborhoods are in close proximity to the downtown area. The city seems to be working on cleaning up these shadier areas and I really hope it is successful because this would really help the downtown area thrive. Downtown has some unique attractions such as the Rialto Square Theater, Union Station, Joliet Jackhammers baseball stadium, the casino, and some neighborhoods of beautiful and historic homes. The city really seems to be working on revitalizing the downtown area and I hope it is successful because like I said before, it really has the potential to be a great place. Downtown Joliet

[Steve-o]

Im well aware of downtown Joliet, and yes, some areas are historic, but I didnt understand why the OP thinks Joliet is historic and none of its neighbors are? I can think of many western suburbs that are more historic than Joliet, and are alot better to live in. That was my point.

Also, the stadium and casino are hardly historic.

[sbd78]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Im well aware of downtown Joliet, and yes, some areas are historic, but I didnt understand why the OP thinks Joliet is historic and none of its neighbors are? I can think of many western suburbs that are more historic than Joliet, and are alot better to live in. That was my point.

Also, the stadium and casino are hardly historic.

I'm not saying that many of the other Southwest burbs don't have historic downtown areas, they do. I was just saying downtown Joliet could be a really cool place-it just needs to clean up some of the shady areas that are in close proximity to downtown. And I'm sure cleaning up these areas is easier said than done.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by sbd78

I'm not saying that many of the other Southwest burbs don't have historic downtown areas, they do. I was just saying downtown Joliet could be a really cool place-it just needs to clean up some of the shady areas that are in close proximity to downtown. And I'm sure cleaning up these areas is easier said than done.

In all actuality, downtown Joliet is not horrible. Sure beats places like downtown Aurora! NAST!!! Anyways, if Joliet continues to clean up like it has been, its gonna be a nice place to live (if thats your kinda thing).

[desert student]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

In all actuality, downtown Joliet is not horrible. Sure beats places like downtown Aurora! NAST!!! Anyways, if Joliet continues to clean up like it has been, its gonna be a nice place to live (if thats your kinda thing).

Not to be rude, but I would live in Aurora anyday before living in Joliet. Aurora may not have such a nice downtown, but there is more to a city than a downtown, and when it comes down to those other things, Aurora is much more stable than Joliet.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by desert student

Not to be rude, but I would live in Aurora anyday before living in Joliet. Aurora may not have such a nice downtown, but there is more to a city than a downtown, and when it comes down to those other things, Aurora is much more stable than Joliet.

Well, I compare Aurora to Joliet in many areas. Bad east sides, iffy near west sides, nice far west and north sides. Both have casinos, aged downtowns that are reinventing themselves, both have nice old theatres. Both cities also have sizeable African-American and Hispanic communities. Both cities are attracting businesses, Aurora more so. Overall, I think both cities are quite comparable and are growing rapidly. As far as stability? Hard to say which one is more stable. Aurora and Joliet are very old and have made names for themselves, both struggled bad with gangs and drugs (and areas continue to do so), and both are on the rebound with lots of newcomers and new businesses. Id say theyre tied stability-wise.