- Brian Norris
When first moving to Washington, D.C., I didn't know many people outside of the office. InterNations has changed that with some exciting events.
Living in Joliet
Joliet is a city in Illinois, just 40 miles southwest of Chicago. It’s the fourth largest city in the state, with a population of around 150,000. Expats living in Joliet will find that this “City of Steel” is one of the fastest growing in Illinois. Its history is entwined with steel and manufacturing, but these days the leisure industry is taking hold. Joliet has a number of casinos and the Rialto Square Theater is reckoned to be one of the ten most beautiful in the world. Al Capone was a frequent patron of this theater and the city’s other main attraction, the Joliet Prison, continues this connection with a colorful past. Joliet is also a popular commuter town, with good connections to nearby Chicago. The city’s rapid growth creates opportunities and the international community at InterNations is a great way for expats in Joliet to begin to get a feel for their new home.
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Moving to Joliet
Joliet has the motto “Crossroads of Mid-America” emblazoned on its city seal and the city is indeed a major transport hub. A number of railways intersect here, including the national Amtrak passenger service. The city is also connected by rail to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, one of the busiest and best-connected in North America. Many major roads also pass through Joliet, including the famous “Route 66”. Expatriates moving to Joliet will find many traditional apartments in the old downtown area, while the rapid growth of the city has created lots of modern develops surrounding the center. The city also has a good local education infrastructure, with schools, Joliet Junior College and the University of St. Francis all based in Joliet. The forums of InterNations are always a good place to get opinions on the best accommodation districts and schools, simply by asking fellow expatriate members who are already living in Joliet.
Working in Joliet
Joliet has moved away from its traditional steel and manufacturing economy, although Caterpillar is still a major employer in the city. The Hollywood and Harah’s casinos are now large employers as are the local hospitals, county government and education system. Many expatriates in Joliet also commute to work in Chicago. InterNations provides an excellent resource to get the inside track on what is going on in Joliet and perhaps make valuable business connections. On the discussion boards and forums you can get up to date information from global minds just like you who have come to live and work in Joliet or other US cities. Expat Magazine, meanwhile, is a useful and entertaining source of advice and tips on the expat lifestyle.