Moving To Joliet/Plainfield ? (Chicago, Aurora: crime, homes, safe area)

[law1013]

I just joined so you may have discussed this before, but what can anyone tell me about the Joliet/Plainfield area. We recently looked at a home in Joliet, if you go 1 block west you're in Plainfield. We know nothing about the area. The home is beautiful. At a quick glance the area seems nice. Children out playing. Moms pushing babies in strollers. Nice cars (and a few boats) parked in the driveway's. But is it actually a safe area? How are the schools? If you live in that area or have friends/family in that area I'd appreciate your input.

Thanks!

[prairiestate]

Joliet has some unsafe areas on the east side, but it doesn't usually spill over to adjacent areas. For the most part west Joliet/Shorewood/Plainfield, is very nice, safe and family friendly. Traffic is a nightmare. The old farm roads haven't been upgraded very well to handle all the development. It'll be at least an 1 1/2 hr. commute to Oak Brook or downtown, even if you take the train downtown.

[law1013]

For some reason I'm having the hardest time getting info on this area. No matter where I post on the web no one responds. So I really do appreciate you responding. I guess we'll just have to move in, say a prayer, and go from there.

[Steve-o]

Joliet is old and very shady in some areas. I personally steer clear of 3 towns around here: Elgin, Aurora and Joliet, for that reason. LOTS of old homes that are cheap attract illegals and the like. Joliet is also growing like a weed, and is in fact in the top 10 fastest growing cities in the US. However, like I said, there are still some areas of town that are complete ghetto. Theyre doing all they can in the city to revamp itself, and it seems to be working. The areas closest to Naperville/Plainfield seem the nicest IMO. There is LOTS of shopping along Rt. 59, but the traffic is absolutely the WORST. Expect HORRID traffic jams at any given time, especially around Christmas.

Good luck! If you have any other questions let me know.

Id also suggest looking up Joliet, IL on wikipedia or something, they might have a little more info?

[allydriver]

Ditto to what Steve-O says...If it a town has a riverboat casino in the midst of it's downtown, there is a reason.
The housing is very affordable in the outlying burbs, but be prepared to be brutalized by the commute if you have to travel east to your job.
The infrastructure has not kept pace with the growth.

[scoop89]

The area you have mentioned is fine. Commute/traffic can be a bear. I suggest you look for a home in an area as close to work as possible.

[jenrik2714]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Joliet is old and very shady in some areas. I personally steer clear of 3 towns around here: Elgin, Aurora and Joliet, for that reason. LOTS of old homes that are cheap attract illegals and the like. Joliet is also growing like a weed, and is in fact in the top 10 fastest growing cities in the US. However, like I said, there are still some areas of town that are complete ghetto. Theyre doing all they can in the city to revamp itself, and it seems to be working. The areas closest to Naperville/Plainfield seem the nicest IMO. There is LOTS of shopping along Rt. 59, but the traffic is absolutely the WORST. Expect HORRID traffic jams at any given time, especially around Christmas.

Good luck! If you have any other questions let me know.

Id also suggest looking up Joliet, IL on wikipedia or something, they might have a little more info?

Seems like you have a problem with Mexicans because you assume all Mexicans are illegal. Don't Mexicans have the right to fair housing?

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by jenrik2714

Seems like you have a problem with Mexicans because you assume all Mexicans are illegal. Don't Mexicans have the right to fair housing?

Of course they do, illegals dont. Why do you assume that I think ALL Mexicans are illegal? Just curious why you think that or where you got that from. Nothing like putting words in my mouth.

And YES, LOTS of Aurora, Elgin and Joliet are illegal (West Chicago too)! In fact, it was estimated a few years ago that 17% of West Chicago were illegal. How you like them apples? If you try and dispute that, well then, youre just blind or ignorant. Theres no denying that fact. But never once did I say that all Mexicans are illegal like you imply. So why dont you get your foot out of your mouth and think before you speak.

[jenrik2714]

You imply that Mexicans are bad and you wouldn't want to live around them. That is what you are saying

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by jenrik2714

You imply that Mexicans are bad and you wouldn't want to live around them. That is what you are saying

Wow, you must be quite angry or something, as this is NOT what I said. Why do you think that???? I said parts of Joliet, Aurora and Elgin are "shady", meaning crime ridden and not a good place to live and raise a family. THATS what I said, and thats the truth. Would you want to live in a shady neighborhood? Doubt it! I know I wouldnt! I have a 5 year old son that I wouldnt feel safe raising in a shady neighborhood. And truth be told, the towns I listed have very crime-ridden neighborhoods. To imply that I think all Mexicans are bad and I wouldnt want to live with them is ludicrous. I grew up in a very diverse neighborhood and in fact most of my childhood friends are Hispanic and very good people. Im just here to state the facts, and the facts are those towns have some crime-ridden neighborhoods and Im trying to help people looking to move there to steer clear of those neighborhoods, thats all.Moderator cut: personal - off topic