Firstly why Joliet, Illinois?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Joliet
• State: Illinois
• Population: 148,462 people
• Joliet’s quick summary would be Famous for the Route 66 Association and the annual Joliet Airshow.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 10,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 8,000 annually
• Net Migration: 2000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 500

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers affordable living and accessibility to Chicago attracting families

Perk #1: Joliet Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 59%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
• The median income is (and growing)  $65,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Joliet is $68,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $3000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Joliet’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 90 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,430
• Property Tax %: 2.16%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,100
• Rent for an average house: $1,800
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downtown Joliet
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Joliet, New-Lenox, Plainfield, Shorewood, and probably could include Crest-Hill
• Avg. Age of Homes in Joliet: 87 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Joliet’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Joliet are  Manufacturing, Retail, and Education
• Joliet Job Scene: healthy job market in manufacturing and logistics
• The General Tech Scene: developing tech landscape with focus on transportation and logistics sectors , ,
• Joliet Resident’s pay $1,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Joliet: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 80 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 10

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Joliet

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-55 runs through Joliet providing north-south travel options
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening jams on I-55
• Transportation Score: 42 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Joliet: 70,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Joliet: cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
• Local Airport: Lewis University

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Joliet’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Joliet is best described as experiences a varied climate with hot humid summers and cold snowy winters alongside moderate spring and autumn conditions providing a seasonal display
• Winter Weather in Joliet i’d describe as cold and snowy
• Spring Weather in Joliet can be described as cool with rain possible
• Summer’s in Joliet are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Joliet is usually cool with clear skies
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 5 days in summer
• Days in a row in Joliet below Freezing: 23
• Average Annual Rainfall: 38 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by industrial activity
• Joliet Winter Air mixed air quality affected by local industry and traffic

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Joliet Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Joliet 0
• While the number of trade schools inside Joliets’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Joliet Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Joliet Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Joliet only Doctors is about 40
• Local Hospitals here is  4
• Full-time Joliet only Police Officers is about 200
• Crime Rate Index: 60/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Joliet’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• Joliet’s Monthly Gym Membership: $39
• Joliet’s Water Quality Score: 70

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Joliet

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: historic city with a focus on outdoor activities and events
• You might enjoy local music events at the Joliet Area Historical Museum
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Joliet  has a rich nightlife with local bars clubs and dining options creating a fun atmosphere for socializing

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Joliet

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes family dining and a variety of casual eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 20 scattered around Joliet
• The Popular Sports Team is Joliet Jackhammers
• Top Level Political Climate in Joliet can be described as diverse community with both progressive and conservative elements
• Joliet’s Longer standing religious establishment is Joliet First Assembly of God

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Joliet Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Joliet has 35 Parks?
• Mettawa Park is Joliet’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Joliet Farmers Market normally open Saturday 7am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and recreational sports

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Joliet Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Joliet can be described as steady urban pace with a focus on art and community events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Joliet picnicking at parks exploring local attractions sports events
• The Cities people commute to from Joliet are Plainfield 7 miles away Bolingbrook 16 miles away Romeoville 8 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Joliet or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening jams on I-55. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Joliet’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Downtown Joliet is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Joliet are Plainfield 7 miles away Bolingbrook 16 miles away Romeoville 8 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 60 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Joliet has 23 days in a row below freezing and 5 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Joliet people have an average (positive or negative) $3000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   500 homeless people living in Joliet. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse community with both progressive and conservative elements could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Joliet.

Retiree & Senior Life in Joliet

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive property tax exemptions helping offset living costs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The English Meadows
• Joliet Senior Center offers meal programs health workshops and recreational activities for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Joliet, Illinois?

If Joliet, Illinois ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Joliet, Illinois, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!