Calumet City

About Calumet City

Calumet City is known as a hub for entrepreneurship and as a community that boasts rich cultural diversity. Since this city is less than 30 minutes from Chicago, many people who work in the larger metropolis make their home in Calumet City because of its quieter, more peaceful environment. The city is well-known for its two large water towers, painted in bright colors and each one wearing a smiley face.

The History of Calumet City

Native Americans were the first to live on the land now known as Calumet City. They immigrated in search of warmer weather and set up homes throughout the region. Some of today's residents still collect arrowheads that remain from those early days.

Settlers arrived in Calumet City to farm the land in the last decade of the 19th century. Most were Germans and Poles who eventually established industrial businesses to boost the economy. Calumet City also has a rich history as part of the prohibition era, with the notorious Al Capone taking center stage. Bootleggers and other residents created a Las-Vegas-like atmosphere, with gambling running wild along what's now known as State Street.

The 20th century saw tremendous population growth as new residents arrived in droves. During this time, residents built most of the city's infrastructure, from City Hall to water mains. A fire ripped through the city in 1901, destroying the meat-packing plant. However, the local economy recovered thanks to an influx of other industries, such as printing and brewing.

Living in Calumet City

Living in Calumet City provides you with access to plenty of everyday amenities, from supermarkets and fitness centers to restaurants and shopping venues. There are also at least 20 public transportation hubs in the city, which makes it easy to get around without a car.

Additionally, it's much cheaper to live in Calumet City than to build your home in many other U.S. cities. Housing is particularly affordable, and health care costs are on par with the national average. Calumet City does have a higher-than-average unemployment rate, but its proximity to numerous cities provides plenty of options for finding work.

The Calumet Memorial Park District is another asset to the city, providing a number of parks and recreational activities. There are more than 35 parks within its city limits, providing expansive green spaces, children's playgrounds and a walking trail. You can also enroll in one of the district's many recreational programs, including adult and youth sports. The local Family Fun Center is a popular family-friendly entertainment destination. It features miniature golf, batting cages and a splash pad.

Calumet City Schools

Calumet City School District 155 serves the majority of Calumet City students between kindergarten and eighth grade. Most secondary students attend schools in the Thornton Fractional High School District 215. There are a few other districts that cover outlying areas of Calumet City. Private school options are somewhat limited, though you can find a few faith-based campuses in the area.

Resources for Moving to Calumet City

As you prepare for your move to Calumet City, you may find the following resources helpful:

• Utilities: Calumet City's electric company is Commonwealth Edison. The city utilities department oversees water and sewer services.
• Garbage and Recycling: Every home is provided with two disposal cans, one for trash and one for recyclables. Regular curbside collection schedules are determined by your neighborhood's location.
• Transportation: Utilizing public transportation is very popular in Calumet City, especially because of the convenience it offers. The Pace Bus operates a network in and around the city, also offering connections to the Metra rail lines.

Calumet City Housing

Calumet City has an extremely affordable housing market, with average prices that fall far below both state and national averages. Prices are rising, but increases are happening fairly slowly, so you'll still be able to find something budget-friendly. Expect homes to become more expensive as demand grows.