Known as the “City of Stone,” Joliet’s limestone deposits and a budding steel manufacturing industry put the now suburban city on the map in its earlier years. Today, Joliet has grown to become the third-largest city in Illinois, with a population of 150,000 and the Des Plaines River flowing through its core. A series of bridges span the river, connecting the city's distrinct east and west sides. Historic attractions east of the river, including a redeveloping downtown district and the Rialto Square Theatre, contrast its western side's recently developed shopping centers and subdivisions. Though the steel industry had died down in Joliet, plenty of job opportunities still exist. Notable employers include Amazon, ExxonMobil, Silver Cross Hospital and IKEA. “When it comes to Joliet, we come together and find ways to get around things we face every day,” says Amber Duffy, Realtor with The Koenig Group and Joliet native. “We are a very blended and strong community. There’s nobody like us.”
Joliet is the third-largest city in Illinois, with a population of 150,000.
Joliet has the Des Plaines River flowing through its core.
1/2
Homes spanning more than 150 years
Joliet’s median housing price is $270,000, which falls below the national average as well as Chicago’s. The origins of Joliet’s residential landscape sit within the East Side National Register Historic District just southeast of downtown. The district's late 20th-century Victorian-style homes share the surrounding area with bungalows, American Foursquares, and Colonial Revivals developed in the years following World War I. Home prices within these portions of the city typically range from $200,000 to $400,000. However, homes in need of repair can fall at or just below $100,000. Fanning out from the city’s center in any direction are mid-20th-century suburban communities that offer a similar price point. Over the last 25 years, residential development moved westward, where larger homes of well-established subdivisions like Lakewood Prairie and Mkenna Woods can reach up to $700,000. Alongside, are pockets of New Traditional-style houses have popped up throughout the city’s outer areas in recent years.
Victorian style homes can be found near the Historic District in Joliet IL.
Joliet features many bungalow home styles.
1/2
Downtown redevelopment plans and suburban shopping opportunities
Following the western suburban sprawl, many downtown businesses followed suit and now sit in commercial developments west of Larkin Avenue. Locals head here to shop at big-box retailers like Walmart and Sam’s Club. Similarly, grocers like Aldi, Tony’s Fresh Market and Supermercado La Joliet fill the strip malls. “People are moving out west but come downtown for entertainment and local shopping and dining,” Duffy says.
The city’s Downtown Square and Chicago Street Reconstruction plans aim to transition the district from being a spot for quick stops to eat and shop to a space where locals spend prolonged periods of time. Drafts of the pedestrian-friendly plan envision a walkable square in the center of town that will function as a gathering space and a year-round hosting site for events. Completion dates are slated for the end of 2025.
Joliet residents walk past restaurants and boutiques in the downtown area.
Tony's Fresh Market is conveniently located on Jefferson St. and offers plenty of parking.
1/2
From historic theatre screenings to Joliet Slammers games
Buildings like the 1920s-era Rialto Square Theatre characterize the downtown area's historical atmosphere. Today, the “Jewel of Joliet” functions as a performing arts center with special movie screenings, concerts and other special events. The Joliet Area Historical Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center also pay tribute to the city's past.
Taste of Joliet is a summer highlight of the area. "Vendors come for people to try different foods, and there are some bands," says Susie Scheuber, a broker with RE/MAX Ultimate Professionals and a longtime resident of Will County. "The event draws record crowds every July." Alongside other city-wide events, residents regularly gather at Duly Health and Care Field to cheer on the Joliet Slammers, the city’s minor league baseball team.
The Rialto Square Theatre, built in 1926, houses musicals, plays, concerts, and standup comedy.
The Joliet Slammers are a professional baseball team based in Joliet, Illinois.
1/2
Joliet's pair of casinos
Joliet Park District playgrounds and greenspaces dot throughout the city, alongside golf courses like Inwood Gold Course and several nature preserves. Pilcher Park Nature Center is one of the city’s most frequented outdoor attractions. “They have tons of activities for children and surrounding nature,” Duffy says. Its nature center also highlights archeological sites of the area’s indigenous Potawatomi people.
Harrah’s Casino and Hollywood Casino position Joliet as a popular destination for slot-machine jackpots and Texas hold ‘em. While the riverboat Hollywood Casino is currently floating in the Des Plaines River, construction is underway on a new $185 million venue that will anchor a large residential and commercial development at the crossroads of Interstates 80 and 55. “We like our casinos,” Duffy says. “They don’t cause problems and help with the economy. The new one is going to bring a bunch of jobs with it.”
Old Joliet Prison opened in 1858 and tasked inmates to build the prison around themselves with the city’s namesake stone. Closed in 2002 but now open for tours, the prison has gained a cinematic reputation, appearing in films such as "The Blues Brothers" and "Natural Born Killers" and television shows including "Empire" and "Prison Break."
Harrah's in Joliet features a hotel, casino, restaurants, nightlife and more.
Joliet is home to several golf courses like the Inwood Golf Course.
1/2
Local public and private school offerings
Joliet Public School District 86 teaches the city’s elementary and middle school students and maintains a C-minus rating from Niche. The district includes award-winning magnet schools such as Eisenhower Academy and Washington Junior High School. Joliet Township High School District 204 holds a B rating and serves the area’s oldest students. Highly rated private options include Joliet Catholic Academy and Cathedral of St. Raymond School. Those seeking higher education opportunities can enroll at Joliet Junior College or University of St. Frances.
Joliet Junior College has a total enrollment of 10,200 students.
Joliet Central High School is located in the heart of the Joliet downtown area.
1/2
Getting around on Interstate 80
Joliet is a fairly car-dependent city despite slowdowns from traffic and bridge crossing congestion. Both U.S. Route 55 and Interstate 80 cut through the city. The latter connects commuters to downtown Chicago, 46 miles northeast, as well as Chicago O’Hare International and Chicago Midway International Airports in the same direction. Similarly, Joliet Gateway Center offers service on two Metra train lines that carry passengers to and from the Windy City. Pace Suburban Buses also serve the greater Joliet area.
Joliet’s crime statistics and flooding preparedness
According to Joliet Police Department data, 981 violent crimes and 2,510 property crimes occurred in 2023. About 22.2 instances of crime occur per 1000 citizens in Joliet. In 2023, property crimes occurred almost twice as often as violent crimes. However, property crimes continue to decrease on a 10-year trend. The Joliet Police Department supports a partnership with RING, allowing the department to keep citizens updated with information relevant to crime and safety.
First Street notes that 22.2% of properties in Joliet are currently at risk of flooding after heavy rainfall. The city’s official website includes information on identifying specific flood zones and emergency preparedness resources.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
