Welcome to City-Data.com Forum!
U.S. CitiesCity-Data Forum Index
Go Back   City-Data Forum > U.S. Forums > Illinois > Chicago Suburbs
 [Register]
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
View detailed profile (Advanced) or search
site with Google Custom Search

Search Forums  (Advanced)
Reply Start New Thread
 
Old 05-15-2009, 06:25 PM
 
2 posts, read 8,012 times
Reputation: 11

Advertisements

Hi, I just accepted a job in Joliet and will be relocating from Southern California. I want to try to avoid the long commute and overly car-centered life that I have lived in California, and so was wondering if there are any neighborhoods in and around Joliet that are walkable. How is the downtown area? Specifically, I am looking for an area with coffeeshops, bars, bookstores, and grocery stores within a short distance. Also, I am 25 years old - are there many other young people in Joliet?

Thanks!
Reply With Quote Quick reply to this message

 
Old 05-15-2009, 06:42 PM
 
28,455 posts, read 84,936,054 times
Reputation: 18725
Oh my! Have you read up on Joliet at all? It has a few neighborhoods that are rather nice, and some family oriented areas too, but I really think you are going to have quite a commute from any place that has "coffeeshops, bars, bookstores, and grocery stores within a short distance."

Frankly you won't find that anywhere outside of Chicago itself. Especially if you want to that feel to focus on other 25 year olds.

You might get a bit of that in downtown Naperville, but that is quite a drive from Joliet.

Sorry...

Downtown Joliet is still largely a picture of a urban era that has passed. Low income/ minority presence dominates. If not for a 'river boat casino" (and even THAT is closed for fire related repairs...) there would be almost no "outsiders" in the area, as there are poor employment options, hang over of past industry pollution and much blight.

Not sure where exactly you will be working, but this is NOTHING like the "beach scene" in Southern Cal, and is quite literally a different world than even the low income / minority scene that you may be familar with. Joliet is a classic midwestern "river town" with a history of toxic industry, job loss and little to attract people after things shifted to a more "service oriented" lifestyle.

I know some people will say I am being harsh, and in truth there are a handful of lovely homes in the town, some nearby Universities and some good paying state jobs (at the prison) as well as jobs in the hospitals, but even these are largely the "left behind" and nothing like the stuff that has been a driver for growth and employment in other areas. In know SoCal has its share of low income, but it also has tremendous affluence from high tech, be it computers / cell phones/ bio science/ alt energy/ aero space other fields that employ highly compensated individuals. Sadly you would have to draw a WIDE circle around Joliet before you'd find anything like that...
Reply With Quote Quick reply to this message
 
Old 05-16-2009, 11:29 AM
 
Location: Phoenix metro
20,004 posts, read 77,109,176 times
Reputation: 10370
I think Chet paints the picture fairly accurately. However, he fails to menton many areas of town are sparkling new and very safe and attractive (mainly the far West and NW areas). Theyre not geared towards 25 year olds, though, and are car-dependant. Id look for something near downtown Naperville if I were you, it would be right up your alley.
Reply With Quote Quick reply to this message
 
Old 05-16-2009, 09:11 PM
 
56 posts, read 165,801 times
Reputation: 28
I'm a resident of Joliet and would agree with what has been said about Joliet so far in this thread. Joliet does have a lot to offer but probably not what you are looking for. And the Harrah's Casino downtown is open. The Empress Casino located on Rte six is the casino that is temporarily closed. What job are you taking in Joliet?
Reply With Quote Quick reply to this message
 
Old 05-17-2009, 03:37 PM
 
Location: Will County
179 posts, read 483,593 times
Reputation: 74
lamagister: Congratulations on the new job in Joliet! Although our area is quite different in many ways from what you are leaving behind in So. California, it does have many attributes to offer you.
Obviously the weather will be quite different from what you have known, but experiencing new things is good, right? There are many areas of Joliet which are great locations to consider for renting and possibly buying in your future. The near westside location has the "Cathedral areas" that have beautiful older homes to offer. Some of the older homes have been made into apartments for you to consider. Walking the streets there is definitely possible, but you will not be able to escape having the need for a car. Public Transportation is available, but probably not going to offer the perfect solution for you and your needs.
The far west side of Joliet and Shorewood offer the newer housing most available in the area. That is the direction in which the largest available land is still available and being developed. Many possibilities for housing and renting exist in that area, as well as in surrounding communities that are fairly close in proximity to Joliet. It is true that the downtown area of Joliet is now. to the large degree, an office location for attorneys, title companies, government agencies and etc. The casino has contributed to some redevelopment there, as has the new semi-pro baseball field not too far away. The city is connected by many major highways to other Chicagoland suburbs via Interstate 80, I-55 and I-355 extension, Rte. 59, and Rte. 30 (Lincoln Highway). The City of Chicago is within 50 to 60 minutes.
As a mortgage lender, I can tell you that Joliet has many areas that, should you decide to purchase in the future, provide you good housing at an affordable value. Surrounding towns to the east (New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena) have higher-end housing, as well as affordable homes in the older areas of the villages. To the south you will find more rural areas in Manhattan, Wilmington, Elwood and etc. Plainfield and Naperville to the north of Joliet have had extensive growth over the last decade plus. Both offer a more active downtown area with nightlife, restaurants, boutiques and more. All these towns are within easy driving distance.
Do not be put-off by some of what you have read about Joliet. As in any community, there are good areas and bad. Overall, Joliet is a very good place to live and conveniently located to all of Chicagoland and the City itself in proximity. It's a good mix ... close enough to the city attractions to enjoy them often, but far away enough that you don't put up with the big city problems. I am sure that when you get here and start your new employment, you will find the people and lifestyle that you will enjoy.
Best of luck to you again ...
Reply With Quote Quick reply to this message
 
Old 05-17-2009, 11:39 PM
 
Location: The Land of Lincoln
2,522 posts, read 4,374,201 times
Reputation: 580
The Cathedral District is really a beautiful area and the University of St. Francis is located there. There are a few places within a close walk.
Reply With Quote Quick reply to this message
 
Old 05-18-2009, 08:54 AM
 
910 posts, read 2,315,371 times
Reputation: 607
Without repeating what everyone else has said already so far, it will quite a change from what you've been accustomed to in SoCal. It'll be a much quieter lifestyle, if that's what you're looking for. Trust me, I lived in SoCal too.
Reply With Quote Quick reply to this message
 
Old 05-18-2009, 09:42 AM
 
28,455 posts, read 84,936,054 times
Reputation: 18725
Default Nice ad, but I have to ask...

... HOW OLD IS GolfLover2? The OP is 25, and asked about coffeeshops, bookstores, bars and grocery stores. I have seen none of that in my many journeys to all parts of Joliet and the surrounding region. I have spent MUCH time in the Cathederal area, as well the commercial districts, and the courthouse area.

I completely understand your affection for an area that you are familiar with, and I agree that there are some good values. For those with families the life might be excellent and far more affordable than suburbs in the more well known area. I also agree that there are some very well priced rental properties that might make for a pleasantly short commute. (in fact a few years ago I might have offered a lead on such a rental home, as I owned some... )

However, unless there is a secret enclave of bookstores, coffeshops, bars and grocery stores teeming with folks just a few years out of college that has recently emerged I do not think the OP will find what there are looking for in Joliet, Shorewood, New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena,Manhattan, Wilmington, or Elwood.

Further, though I agree that there is more modern commercial development in Plainfield, I think it very "car centric" and almost without exception of the "big box" variety.

A small portion of Naperville this is a decidedly more walkable area that does have some actual "entertainment" options and some younger people, though in truth this is tiny in comparision to the overall population / area of Naperville...

I really do not feel I nor others have been overly negative about the challenges facing Joliet, and I would welcome any corrections to my assertions.

BTW -- Good luck with your lending and you can pm me more info on your services, I like to offer clients as many alternatives as I can.

Quote:
Originally Posted by GolfLover2 View Post
lamagister: Congratulations on the new job in Joliet! Although our area is quite different in many ways from what you are leaving behind in So. California, it does have many attributes to offer you.
Obviously the weather will be quite different from what you have known, but experiencing new things is good, right? There are many areas of Joliet which are great locations to consider for renting and possibly buying in your future. The near westside location has the "Cathedral areas" that have beautiful older homes to offer. Some of the older homes have been made into apartments for you to consider. Walking the streets there is definitely possible, but you will not be able to escape having the need for a car. Public Transportation is available, but probably not going to offer the perfect solution for you and your needs.
The far west side of Joliet and Shorewood offer the newer housing most available in the area. That is the direction in which the largest available land is still available and being developed. Many possibilities for housing and renting exist in that area, as well as in surrounding communities that are fairly close in proximity to Joliet. It is true that the downtown area of Joliet is now. to the large degree, an office location for attorneys, title companies, government agencies and etc. The casino has contributed to some redevelopment there, as has the new semi-pro baseball field not too far away. The city is connected by many major highways to other Chicagoland suburbs via Interstate 80, I-55 and I-355 extension, Rte. 59, and Rte. 30 (Lincoln Highway). The City of Chicago is within 50 to 60 minutes.
As a mortgage lender, I can tell you that Joliet has many areas that, should you decide to purchase in the future, provide you good housing at an affordable value. Surrounding towns to the east (New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena) have higher-end housing, as well as affordable homes in the older areas of the villages. To the south you will find more rural areas in Manhattan, Wilmington, Elwood and etc. Plainfield and Naperville to the north of Joliet have had extensive growth over the last decade plus. Both offer a more active downtown area with nightlife, restaurants, boutiques and more. All these towns are within easy driving distance.
Do not be put-off by some of what you have read about Joliet. As in any community, there are good areas and bad. Overall, Joliet is a very good place to live and conveniently located to all of Chicagoland and the City itself in proximity. It's a good mix ... close enough to the city attractions to enjoy them often, but far away enough that you don't put up with the big city problems. I am sure that when you get here and start your new employment, you will find the people and lifestyle that you will enjoy.
Best of luck to you again ...
Reply With Quote Quick reply to this message
 
Old 05-18-2009, 02:33 PM
 
Location: Will County
179 posts, read 483,593 times
Reputation: 74
lamagister:
I stick with my assessment with Joliet and the surrounding areas. Although not huge, examples of the lifestyle you are seeking do exist in differing quantity in the areas mentioned. Walking is possible in some of these towns/areas, but as mentioned before you will not get around having to have your own transportation available for most commuting.
As there are many people of the age of 25 yrs. (+/-) that live in these communities and live happily, I don't think I'm wrong when saying that you will do fine in the area, no matter your final choice. The proximity of all these towns to one another and the City of Chicago opens up the opportunity of everything from rural activities to the big city possible. Once you get into our area you will find what is a good fit for you and most likely find social and entertainment opportunities (age appropriate and otherwise) through your employment and the contacts you make there. Nothing says that once you are here and discover what works for you in and around Joliet, that you can't move again to please yourself better. A pain to do possibly, but something that you may want to consider to make yourself happier. It's a matter of personal taste and only time will allow you to make those determinations.
My point in offering up the large selection of towns for you to consider was for educational value first, and to alert you to the broad selection of choices available in Joliet and close by for housing purposes, entertainment, and lifestyles. There is no arguing that we are most likely more low key than what you are used to, but you will learn and find what you are seeking somewhere in the area over time. I choose to be positive about your choice to move here and your opportunities for happiness once here. Once again, best of luck and write again if you still have concerns.
Reply With Quote Quick reply to this message
 
Old 05-18-2009, 02:47 PM
 
2 posts, read 8,012 times
Reputation: 11
Smile Thanks!

Too bad to hear that my premonition, that not many people my age live in the area, is true. Is even the Mexican community in Joliet affected by the loss of industry? I was under the impression that most of the industry left some time ago.

It looks like I will be taking the car with me, but I am going to try to avoid the 20-30 mile daily commute; I am just sick of that.


Luckily the job is a good one: I am going to be a Latin teacher at a local high school. I guess I would have preferred having more of a chance to meet friends my own age in the area, but nothing is ever perfect in life. Luckily I already know a few people within the city of Chicago, and I will be very busy with work during the week.
Reply With Quote Quick reply to this message
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.

Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.


Reply
Please update this thread with any new information or opinions. This open thread is still read by thousands of people, so we encourage all additional points of view.

Quick Reply
Message:


Settings
X
Data:
Loading data...
Based on 2000-2020 data
Loading data...

123
Hide US histogram


Over $104,000 in prizes was already given out to active posters on our forum and additional giveaways are planned!

Go Back   City-Data Forum > U.S. Forums > Illinois > Chicago Suburbs
Similar Threads

All times are GMT -6.

© 2005-2024, Advameg, Inc. · Please obey Forum Rules · Terms of Use and Privacy Policy · Bug Bounty

City-Data.com - Contact Us - Archive 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 - Top