Been meaning to ask this. The unemployment rate is 4.0%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider — Joliet sits at 506.9 per 100K. Homes are going for about $248,600 on average. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Is this normal for Joliet? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
57 upvotes
2 Replies
Alice Gomez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 13 years. Moved from Raleigh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Chain restaurants dominate. Can feel isolated. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Dorothy R.
I work in consulting here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is better than expected. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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