Questions about Joliet area. (Chicago, Plainfield: crime, home, find a job)

[mondayautumn]

I'm moving to Joliet in October from Missouri. I've been there plenty of times (had a friend live there) but it was always just visiting. I've done some internet research on a few things, but still have some questions.

1. "Good" grocery stores: I'm an accomplished home cook (and plan to turn professional) and where I'm from in Missouri there aren't a TON of grocery stores where you could find higher-quality or exotic products, but they are still there. From my internet research I see just a lot of Aldis, Food-For-Less sort of places. Are there places that sell organic/gourmet foods? And is there a farmer's market in the area?

2. Restaurants: Just wondering what the finer dining options are in the area. Doesn't have to be just white-table cloth places, but are there interesting local joints around?. Once again, I've done some research, and haven't been happy with what I've found. And any info on job demand in this area would also be helpful.

3. Outdoor activities: I've always been a very outdoorsy girl and southern Missouri has always had plenty to offer in that department, so what are things like there? It has always seemed pretty enough, but I guess I'd like to know what kind of reserves, parks and camping the area has. And where they are! I know in Missouri the nicest places aren't just listed on google maps!

I know a lot of you are probably thinking that from my questions, I really shouldn't be moving to Joliet and that a place like Napersville would be a better choice for me. (I loved it when I went there) I know, but in my situation I'm stuck with Joliet! So I would just like to have a little info before I get there!

[Coyote27]

I grew up in the Joliet area. It really is a huge area, will you be more located towards downtown, larkin ave., or route 30 side? I can not recommend any restaurants that I would consider fine dining, but if you are looking for a nicer joint with good food, I would recommend Syls and Merichkas. You will find you're typical chain restaurants and food chains. I do not think a Whole Foods has even moved in yet. There are still some old school butchers in the downtown area of Joliet. Dan's candy is fantastic. Outdoor activities are abundant; you just have to hunt them out. Joliet is inter-dispersed with rivers if you like kayaking. It has its own minor league team, the Jackhammers. The area around Inwood is great for softball leagues, indoor ice-skating, and cheap public league golf courses. It also in my opinion has the best fireworks show year round, go pitch a blanket on the golf course for best viewing. There are definitely some rotten areas of Joliet filled with poverty and gang activity

[mondayautumn]

I'm moving to the downtown area, right next to the Metro. Thanks so much. That was really helpful...and relieving! One of my absolute favorite things to do is kayak (and now and I know to bring mine with me.) So that is such wonderful news.

[GolfLover2]

mondayautumn: Welcome to the area! Although there are not alot of finer dining establishments in Joliet proper, there are many within a fairly short drive. And, you can always get to the City of Chicago, if you wish. Plainfield has some nicer restaurants and a selection of pubs/rest's. Not that far. There are many opportunities for outdoor activities in and around Joliet. If you like kayaking .. you'll have choices to do so within fairly easy drives. There are some nicer grocery stores (chain and others) in Joliet ... and many nearby towns and areas have farmers' markets for fresh produce and etc. You'll have no problem locating what you seek. Like any area, Joliet has its good and bad areas. Also like most IL/midwest areas, options are within a relatively small drive. You'll discover it all with time. If you have other questions, please write again.

[Steel Ovaries]

I grew up just outside Joliet (in Channahon) and spent alot of time in Joliet. It is like any other town... good people and bad people, crime an some areas, fun places and boring places... and I miss it more than words can say. The people in the area (Joliet and surrounding towns) are nice, have honor and ethics, still believe in families, leave you alone to choose your life, and help their fellow neighbor. There are alot of great palces to eat, not necessarily fine dining, but GREAT mom and pop shops that will surely become your favorites. There is also alot to do, whether you are outdoors-y or not. Parks, water, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, bird watching, the list goes on and it is all in yoru backyard. No need to travel to find nature... you will be living in it. And the best part is you are only an hour's drive from Chicago (or heck, take the train), so when you want indoor fun you can find everything your little heart desires in Chi town or one of the neighboring suburbs.

As for jobs, it depends on what you are looking for. Construction or blue collar labor... I wouldn't hold your breath in today's economy. If you are educated and experienced, you will find a job. Maybe not in Joliet, but in the Chicago metro area for sure and since you will be close to the train you can easily commute to work.