This rural college town encompasses a small-town feel
With rural farmland in the south and sprawling suburbia in the north, Dekalb’s sports a laid-back atmosphere without sacrificing convenience and comfort. Northern Illinois University's presence affords opportunities to catch collegiate sports and supports local businesses near the campus. “I like to tell people that I grew up in an area that’s either a farm town or university town, depending on who you ask,” says Katherine Gannon, a broker with RE/MAX Experience and a native of DeKalb. “It’s got that quaint rural feeling but is surrounded by all sorts of culture because of the university.” Though its claim to fame was the invention of barbed wire in 1874, major industries like education, healthcare and manufacturing support the city’s current population of 40,000.
Visit one of the laundry mats in Dekalb.
Dekalb has many unique places to hang out and enjoy with friends.
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Huskie games and the annual Corn Fest
In the fall, locals descend on Northern Illinois’ Huskie Stadium. “Home games are a big deal for locals, from the younger generations to the grandparents of players on the field,” Gannon says. Other sporting events and occasional concerts occur at the neighboring NIU Convocation Center. The historic Egyptian Theatre, which opened in 1929, hosts live music and stage productions. “It’d be strange if someone living in town said they’ve never seen a show at the Egyptian,” Gannon says. She also mentions the annual Corn Fest as a cornerstone event. “It’s a weekend-long celebration of corn, and people go each day because you don’t want to miss a friendly face or any of the events.”
A mix of vintage and modern homes
DeKalb’s median home price is $240,000, which falls below the national median and nearby cities like St. Charles and Aurora. Residential construction spans more than 170 years. Near the center of town, properties date back to the 1850s, while mid-to-late 20th-century suburbs make up the majority of single-family options. Homes typically sell between $150,000 and $250,000. Bridges of Rivermist and other subdivisions built over the last 25 years appear along the city’s outskirts, where larger homes sell for closer to $325,000 or higher. Condos, townhomes, and multi-family homes are also available, with prices falling around DeKalb’s median price.
Slick ranch style homes can be discovered in Dekalb.
Enjoy a nice walk with your family while living in Dekalb and calling it your home.
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Recreation along the Kishwaukee River
DeKalb's long, humid summers and typically snowy, cold winters lend themselves to a variety of recreational activities. Seventy community parks pepper this northern Illinois city. Hopkins Park has sports facilities, a community center and an amphitheater. Golfing is available at River Heights Golf Course with scenic greens along the Kishwaukee River. P.A. Nehring Forest Preserve's 29 acres are located near the river and full of wooded trails, ripe for cross-country skiing or hiking, picnic areas and other amenities. The longstanding Star Worlds Arcade's rotating offering of 100-plus games provides indoor fun.
Katz Dog Park is great for any animal lover in Dekalb.
River Heights Golf Course in Dekalb is perfect for practicing your swing.
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Downtown DeKalb's local establishments
Local restaurants and shops fill the city’s downtown district. Most sit along East Lincoln Highway, where eateries serve a variety of cuisines. Several other spots are farther west along the stretch just south of campus and cater more to the college students. Most residents run errands in the city’s northeastern portion along Sycamore Road, which features a handful of shopping developments home to big-box retailer stores and supermarkets.
Pavillion Thai is a favorite among locals in Dekalb.
The Confectionary in Dekalb is perfect for the sweet tooth in all of us.
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DeKalb Community Unit School District No. 248 serves the city's 7,000 students
DeKalb Community Unit School District No. 248 serves the city and has an enrollment of roughly 7,000 students. Niche grades the district a B and ranks it the fifth most diverse in the state. Those seeking private education can attend St. Mary’s School on the city’s south side. Northern Illinois University, the area’s leading higher education institution, offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and 79 graduate programs.
Dekalb High School is highly rated in the area.
Students are the highest priority at Huntley Middle School in Dekalb.
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Commuting along Interstate 88
University students and commuters can access several City of DeKalb Public Transit bus stops near campus and around town. Interstate 88 runs through DeKalb’s southern end, linking the city to surrounding communities, downtown Chicago, 65 miles east, and Chicago O’Hare International Airport, 60 miles northeast. “We are also maybe 10 or so minutes from Metra’s Elburn Station, which offers trips into downtown Chicago,” Gannon says. Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital sits directly north of the city for medical care.
The local bus transit is great for residents of DeKalb to get around town.
Interstate 88 is convenient for residents of Dekalb to get to and from Chicago and more.
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Crime
According to the DeKalb Police Department’s 2023 Annual Report, violent crime continues to decline, dropping 47% from 2021 to 2023. Similarly, property crimes have dropped 25% within the same time frame. The police department offers Camp Power, a youth-focused summer camp and several other crime prevention programs.
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