Pick your place (7/10/08)

[mendelman]

I picked Cicero.

I prefer it's location in Chicagoland, and it's not a sprawling monster like Joliet.

Though, Joliet does have a real "downtown" center, but it is just so far from most everything.

But a caveat - I have never actually been to Joliet.

[BRU67]

Though I wouldn't live in either at this point, I'd take Cicero without hesitation over Joliet. I can see Cicero possibly gentrifying at some point and thus offering the potential for a good ROI down the road (it may be awhile but it's possible). I don't see that happening in Joliet. If fuel prices go much higher, Joliet will be hit harder than Cicero. Housing stock is much better in Cicero. Cicero has an L and Metra running through it. Cicero is 15 minutes from the Loop. Joliet has more "sprawl" options in nearby towns like Lockport and Frankfort to lure prospective residents. Cicero is surrounded by more costly communities or outright ghettos, which could lead to "bleed in" of more affluent residents who want to be close to the City.

As to safety, people seem to fear both places but per the numbers, Joliet's crime rate is considerably higher. Cicero's rate 3,277/100k and a 2,712 index crime rate. Joliet's overall crime rate is 3,374/100k, along with a whopping 4,606 index crime rate (ISP 2006 figures). FYI, Oak Park's crime rate was 3,983/100k, so the fears may be misplaced just a touch. Still, I'd definitely treat most areas of both communities like any urban neighborhood and use common sense.

I actually think this is an easy choice!

[EventHorizon]

I vote neither....

[noid_1985]

I picked Cicero, I'm not big on southwest burbs

[Calidreemer]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Would you rather be poked in the eye with a stick, or have your fingernail removed?

Right there with you - no offense to anyone. Too far from the Lake and the traffic.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Its just a fun poll, no need to get panties twisted up here.

Oh Steve-O, you know we love you. I was just being a smart*** Can't help it!

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Calidreemer

Right there with you - no offense to anyone. Too far from the Lake and the traffic.

So you cant pick one just because of that? Cmonnnnnn, put a little effort into it.

[Calidreemer]

You're so funny Steve - I guess I am just a Northsider for life. You know how we are

[irish setter girl]

I'd pick Ja-le-et. Just heard on NPR today that Joliet just passed up Naperville in terms of population. Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Joliet and then Naperville. So, let's follow the sheep and move to Joliet ...just kidding...

[vandre]

Interestingly enough, I just read an article on the Chicago Tribune about Joliet 'blossoming' and surpassing Naperville as the state's 4th largest city...

Joliet blossoming into the place to be -- chicagotribune.com

Joliet and Elgin were the only two Midwest towns on the list of 25 fastest growing cities in 2007, according to the census. The others are in Sunbelt states such as California, Texas and Florida.

Some residents took delight in blue-collar Joliet trumping white-collar Naperville in the rankings. Kazecki was excited that more people are choosing to live in the humble community he has come to love.